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.

🌸

Columbine

flower

Native perennial (Aquilegia) — hummingbird favorite. Self-seeds freely, creating unique new color combos each year. Foliage stays attractive long after blooming ends. Divide every 3 years.

At a glance

USDA Zones: 3–9
Sun: Part sun (3–6 hrs)
Water: Medium — water when top inch of soil is dry
Soil: loam, sandy
pH: neutral, acidic
Spacing: 12 in. between plants
SFG per sq ft: 1 plant per 1-ft cell

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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Foxglove
🪷
Echinacea

Recommended varieties

McKana Giants
both
Large, long-spurred bicolor blooms in a wide mix.
Songbird
both
Compact series in bright single colors — great for small beds.
Wild Columbine
seed
Native A. canadensis — red and yellow, excellent for pollinators.

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

Open the planner →

← All plants Full companion chart →