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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Winter Rye

cover-crop

Hardiest winter cereal cover — survives -30°F. Cut before heading, then turn under.

At a glance

USDA Zones: 3–9
Sun: Full sun (6+ hrs)
Water: Low — drought-tolerant once established
Soil: loam, sandy, clay
pH: acidic, neutral
Spacing: 2 in. between plants
SFG per sq ft: 36 plants 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

Plant Harvest

Recommended varieties

Aroostook
seed
Cold-hardy New England winter rye, strong fall growth.
Wheeler
seed
Productive winter rye widely sold for cover-crop use.

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

Open the planner →

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