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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Hosta

flower

The most popular shade perennial. Raised beds under trees are ideal — excellent drainage prevents crown rot. Slugs are the main pest; use iron phosphate bait. Young shoots in spring are edible (like asparagus). Divide in spring or fall every 4–5 years.

At a glance

USDA Zones: 3–9
Sun: Part shade
Water: Medium — water when top inch of soil is dry
Soil: loam
pH: acidic, neutral
Spacing: 24 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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Impatiens
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Lobelia
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Foxglove
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Columbine

Recommended varieties

Sum and Substance
start
Giant gold-green hosta — leaves up to 20 inches across.
Halcyon
start
Medium blue-gray with slug resistance — classic and elegant.
June
start
Gold center with blue-green margins — one of the most awarded hostas.
Patriot
start
Dark green with wide white margins — bold contrast.

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

Open the planner →

← All plants Full companion chart →