Yes. JoeBees is completely free to use, with no account required. Plan a raised bed, ask the AI gardening tutor questions, and print a take-outside sheet at no cost.

How big should my raised garden bed be?

A 4×8 foot raised bed is the most popular starter size. It gives you 32 square feet — enough for a varied salad, herb, and tomato mix — while staying narrow enough to reach the center from either side without stepping into the bed and compacting the soil.

What is square-foot gardening?

Square-foot gardening, popularized by Mel Bartholomew, divides a raised bed into 12-inch squares and assigns each square a set number of plants based on their mature size. JoeBees uses this method to maximize yield per square foot while preventing crowding and root competition.

Does JoeBees support companion planting?

Yes. JoeBees flags antagonistic pairings placed too close together and groups proven companions automatically. The AI layout tool also accounts for spacing, sun exposure, and your USDA hardiness zone.

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Basil

herb

Classic tomato companion — repels hornworms and improves flavor. Tender annual — start indoors and transplant after last frost.

At a glance

USDA Zones: 2–11
Sun: Full sun (6+ hrs)
Water: Medium — water when top inch of soil is dry
Soil: loam
pH: neutral
Spacing: 12 in. between plants
SFG per sq ft: 1 plant per 1-ft cell
Days to maturity: ~60 days

Planting & harvest windows

Northern Hemisphere timing. Adjust ±4–6 weeks based on your last/first frost dates.

Activity	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Harvest

Plant Harvest

Good companions

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Tomato
Basil's aromatic oils help repel tomato hornworm and whiteflies; both love warmth and the same watering schedule.
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Pepper
Basil helps mask the scent of peppers from thrips and aphids, and shares the same sun + water needs.
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Marigold

Keep apart from

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Sage

Recommended varieties

Genovese
60 daysboth
Large-leaf Italian basil — the pesto standard.
Sweet Basil
60 daysboth
All-purpose culinary basil, easy from seed.
Thai Basil
65 daysboth
Anise/licorice notes for stir-fry and pho.

Add Basil to your raised bed — the planner handles spacing and companion warnings automatically.

Open the planner →

← All plants Full companion chart →