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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Hollyhock

flower

Classic cottage garden biennial — produces a rosette the first year, tall flower spires (5–8 ft) the second. Self-seeds to return yearly. Plant at the back of raised beds. Prone to rust; space for airflow and remove infected leaves.

At a glance

USDA Zones: 3–9
Sun: Full sun (6+ hrs)
Water: Medium — water when top inch of soil is dry
Soil: loam
pH: neutral, alkaline
Spacing: 18 in. between plants
SFG footprint: 2×2 ft cell footprint

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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Sunflower
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Cleome
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Zinnia

Recommended varieties

Chater's Double Mix
seed
Fully double peony-flowered hollyhock in rich mixed colors.
Nigra
seed
Striking near-black single flowers — dramatic cottage garden focal point.
Queeny Mix
seed
Shorter 4-ft single-flowered type — good for smaller beds.

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

Open the planner →

← All plants Full companion chart →