Bed & Balcony
Garden plans / Raised beds

4×8 late spring starter

Purchased summer seedlings and direct-sown beans when indoor sowing is already past.

Use purchased, healthy dwarf tomato and compact basil seedlings. Keep expired preparation windows visible; check remaining season.

Your next step

Plant purchased seedlings · Tiny Tim dwarf tomato
2027-05-08 to 2027-05-22. Check local conditions first.

50target positions
23 bags40 L · after inventory

Print includes your layout, quantities, sources and all twelve weeks. Choose Save as PDF in your browser print dialog.

Your plan, ready to grow

Example dates

4 × 8 ft (121.9 × 243.8 cm) · 12 in (30.5 cm) fill depth · 6 hours of sun · Start · Last spring frost

50target positions
906.1 Lusable fill volume
23 bags40 L each · after inventory
12 weeksyour first care plan

Planting layout

Top view · orient tall crops away from the sun-facing edge.

4×8 late spring starter · phase 1ABC4 ft / 121.9 cm8 ft / 243.8 cm
Bed 1 · phase 1. Each dot is one target position. 4 × 8 ft (121.9 × 243.8 cm)
Positions and seasonal planting quantities
Zone / cropPositionsSpacingSeason purchase
A · Tiny Tim dwarf tomato21 planting batch24 × 24 in609.6 × 609.6 mm2 seedlings2 seasonal target positions
B · Compact basil81 planting batch12 × 12 in304.8 × 304.8 mm8 seedlings8 seasonal target positions
C · Bush snap beans401 planting batch6 × 6 in152.4 × 152.4 mm44 seeds40 seasonal target positions

Square bed spacing is the selected compact planting method. Container spacing describes root positions; foliage may spread beyond the pot. Seed quantities include 10% spare, with 2 small seeds per target and one bean seed per target. Follow cultivar packets if their spacing or sowing instructions differ.

Planting windows

Soil and weather decide the actual planting day.

2027-05-08 to 2027-05-22

Tiny Tim dwarf tomato · A

Plant purchased seedlings. Use Tiny Tim or an equally small dwarf cultivar, not any cherry tomato. Check warm soil, frost-free forecast and the nursery label.

Complete first: A-harden.
2027-05-01 to 2027-05-15

Tiny Tim dwarf tomato · A

Acclimate purchased seedlings. Increase outdoor exposure gradually; protect from frost, strong wind and harsh sun.

Window passed. Ask how the nursery has acclimated the seedlings before planting.

2027-05-08 to 2027-05-22

Compact basil · B

Plant purchased seedlings. Buy a compact cultivar; keep above 50°F (10°C) nights and protect from cold wind.

Complete first: B-harden.
2027-05-01 to 2027-05-15

Compact basil · B

Acclimate purchased seedlings. Increase outdoor exposure gradually; protect from frost, strong wind and harsh sun.

Window passed. Ask how the nursery has acclimated the seedlings before planting.

2027-05-08 to 2027-05-15

Bush snap beans · C

Direct sow. Wait for frost risk to pass and soil to reach at least 60°F (16°C); check the local forecast.

Window passed. The spring preparation window has passed. Confirm warm soil and enough remaining season before sowing; otherwise choose a faster crop.

What to buy

Owned items are deducted before buying.

Net supply list
SupplyRequiredAlready ownedBuy
Raised-bed growing mix906.1 L0 L23 × 40 L bags
Position labels (reuse between phases)50 each0 each50 each
Measuring tool1 each0 each1 each
Gentle watering tool1 each0 each1 each
Tiny Tim dwarf tomato · A · 1 batch2 seedlings0 seedlings2 seedlings
Compact tomato supports · A2 each0 each2 each
Compact basil · B · 1 batch8 seedlings0 seedlings8 seedlings
Bush snap beans · C · 1 batch44 seeds0 seeds44 seeds

Mix: 906.1 L theoretical × 1 allowance = 906.1 L; minus 0 L owned = 906.1 L net. Buying 920 L leaves 13.9 L beyond the net requirement. Allowance is your choice; no fixed compaction loss is assumed.

Your first twelve weeks

Check off each week as you work.

01Prepare and begin2027-05-20 — 2027-05-26To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • Measure the usable space. Prepare 906.1 L of raised-bed growing mix before allowance. Use purchased, healthy dwarf tomato and compact basil seedlings. Keep expired preparation windows visible; check remaining season.
  • Plant purchased seedlings: Tiny Tim dwarf tomato in A. Use Tiny Tim or an equally small dwarf cultivar, not any cherry tomato. Check warm soil, frost-free forecast and the nursery label.
  • Plant purchased seedlings: Compact basil in B. Buy a compact cultivar; keep above 50°F (10°C) nights and protect from cold wind.
  • A: check surface moisture and emergence without disturbing roots. Acclimate seedlings and install small supports before roots spread.
  • B: check surface moisture and emergence without disturbing roots. Water the root ball after transplanting; avoid leaving the crown submerged.
  • C: check surface moisture and emergence without disturbing roots. Use one sound seed per position; replace failures only when soil remains warm.
02Check, tend and act · week 22027-05-27 — 2027-06-02To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A: check that each of the 2 purchased plants has rooted and is making new growth. Acclimate seedlings and install small supports before roots spread.
  • B: check that each of the 8 purchased plants has rooted and is making new growth. Water the root ball after transplanting; avoid leaving the crown submerged.
  • C: when true leaves appear, thin toward 40 positions at 6.0 × 6.0 in (152 × 152 mm). Keep stronger seedlings; re-sow gaps only if conditions permit.
03Check, tend and act · week 32027-06-03 — 2027-06-09To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A: check that each of the 2 purchased plants has rooted and is making new growth. Acclimate seedlings and install small supports before roots spread.
  • B: check that each of the 8 purchased plants has rooted and is making new growth. Water the root ball after transplanting; avoid leaving the crown submerged.
  • C: when true leaves appear, thin toward 40 positions at 6.0 × 6.0 in (152 × 152 mm). Keep stronger seedlings; re-sow gaps only if conditions permit.
04Check, tend and act · week 42027-06-10 — 2027-06-16To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A: Check support ties and steady moisture; maintain airflow and avoid wetting leaves. Compare actual growth with your seed packet; remove competing weeds carefully.
  • B: Snip a few tips above leaf pairs, leaving enough growth for recovery. Maturity estimate 30–50 days from planting is a planning range; observe the crop before harvesting.
  • C: Keep pods and foliage dry where possible; bush varieties need no trellis. Compare actual growth with your seed packet; remove competing weeds carefully.
  • Recount surviving positions before buying replacements. Check remaining seed and mix inventory.
05Check, tend and act · week 52027-06-17 — 2027-06-23To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A: Check support ties and steady moisture; maintain airflow and avoid wetting leaves. Compare actual growth with your seed packet; remove competing weeds carefully.
  • B: Snip a few tips above leaf pairs, leaving enough growth for recovery. Maturity estimate 30–50 days from planting is a planning range; observe the crop before harvesting.
  • C: Keep pods and foliage dry where possible; bush varieties need no trellis. Compare actual growth with your seed packet; remove competing weeds carefully.
06Check, tend and act · week 62027-06-24 — 2027-06-30To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A: Check support ties and steady moisture; maintain airflow and avoid wetting leaves. Compare actual growth with your seed packet; remove competing weeds carefully.
  • B: Snip a few tips above leaf pairs, leaving enough growth for recovery. Maturity estimate 30–50 days from planting is a planning range; observe the crop before harvesting.
  • C: Keep pods and foliage dry where possible; bush varieties need no trellis. Compare actual growth with your seed packet; remove competing weeds carefully.
07Check, tend and act · week 72027-07-01 — 2027-07-07To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A: Pick fully colored fruit gently. Care and harvest may extend beyond the first twelve weeks. Maturity estimate 50–75 days from planting is a planning range; observe the crop before harvesting.
  • B: Snip a few tips above leaf pairs, leaving enough growth for recovery. Maturity estimate 30–50 days from planting is a planning range; observe the crop before harvesting.
  • C: Pick tender snap pods before seeds inside become prominent. Maturity estimate 50–65 days from planting is a planning range; observe the crop before harvesting.
08Check, tend and act · week 82027-07-08 — 2027-07-14To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A: Pick fully colored fruit gently. Care and harvest may extend beyond the first twelve weeks. Maturity estimate 50–75 days from planting is a planning range; observe the crop before harvesting.
  • B: Snip a few tips above leaf pairs, leaving enough growth for recovery. Maturity estimate 30–50 days from planting is a planning range; observe the crop before harvesting.
  • C: Pick tender snap pods before seeds inside become prominent. Maturity estimate 50–65 days from planting is a planning range; observe the crop before harvesting.
  • Recount surviving positions before buying replacements. Check remaining seed and mix inventory.
09Check, tend and act · week 92027-07-15 — 2027-07-21To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A: Pick fully colored fruit gently. Care and harvest may extend beyond the first twelve weeks. Maturity estimate 50–75 days from planting is a planning range; observe the crop before harvesting.
  • B: Snip a few tips above leaf pairs, leaving enough growth for recovery. Maturity estimate 30–50 days from planting is a planning range; observe the crop before harvesting.
  • C: Pick tender snap pods before seeds inside become prominent. Maturity estimate 50–65 days from planting is a planning range; observe the crop before harvesting.
10Check, tend and act · week 102027-07-22 — 2027-07-28To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A: Pick fully colored fruit gently. Care and harvest may extend beyond the first twelve weeks. Maturity estimate 50–75 days from planting is a planning range; observe the crop before harvesting.
  • B: Snip a few tips above leaf pairs, leaving enough growth for recovery. Maturity estimate 30–50 days from planting is a planning range; observe the crop before harvesting.
  • C: Pick tender snap pods before seeds inside become prominent. Maturity estimate 50–65 days from planting is a planning range; observe the crop before harvesting.
11Check, tend and act · week 112027-07-29 — 2027-08-04To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A: Pick fully colored fruit gently. Care and harvest may extend beyond the first twelve weeks. Maturity estimate 50–75 days from planting is a planning range; observe the crop before harvesting.
  • B: Snip a few tips above leaf pairs, leaving enough growth for recovery. Maturity estimate 30–50 days from planting is a planning range; observe the crop before harvesting.
  • C: Pick tender snap pods before seeds inside become prominent. Maturity estimate 50–65 days from planting is a planning range; observe the crop before harvesting.
12Review and plan ahead2027-08-05 — 2027-08-11To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A: Pick fully colored fruit gently. Care and harvest may extend beyond the first twelve weeks. Maturity estimate 50–75 days from planting is a planning range; observe the crop before harvesting.
  • B: Snip a few tips above leaf pairs, leaving enough growth for recovery. Maturity estimate 30–50 days from planting is a planning range; observe the crop before harvesting.
  • C: Pick tender snap pods before seeds inside become prominent. Maturity estimate 50–65 days from planting is a planning range; observe the crop before harvesting.
  • Review the next stage: late crops may need care beyond these twelve weeks. Record harvest, failures and remaining supplies before selecting your next planting.

Assumptions and sources

  • Spacing is for the selected compact planting method; follow your cultivar packet where it differs.
  • Seed allowance and minimum root-space limits are editable planning choices, not germination or yield guarantees.
  • Dates are preparation windows, not forecasts. Confirm soil temperature, weather and actual crop stage.

Fall plans use a 14-day buffer beyond estimated maturity. Succession plans allow 7 days after the preceding crop estimate and still require an empty zone. Minimum sun and root-space thresholds are planning limits, with cultivar and climate variation.

  1. Royal Horticultural Society: Tomato Tiny Tim plant profileTiny Tim is a dwarf bush cultivar suited to containers. The plan conservatively uses one nursery plant per 40 L pot and 24-inch bed cells; these are selected planning settings. Accessed 2026-10-04.
  2. UMD Extension: Growing vegetables in containers and salad tablesSun exposure, drainage, growing media and crop-specific minimum volumes; our thresholds are conservative planning settings. Accessed 2026-10-04.
  3. UMN Extension: Planting the vegetable gardenCool and warm season establishment; weather and soil readiness matter. Minnesota month dates are not used as global dates. Accessed 2026-10-04.
  4. UMN Extension: Planting for fall harvestMaturity is a cultivar-dependent estimate; our extra 14-day fall buffer is an explicit planning assumption. Accessed 2026-10-04.
  5. UMN Extension: Growing herbsHerb spacing depends on mature size. Our spacing and partial-sun thresholds are compact-cultivar planning choices; full sun is preferable. Accessed 2026-10-04.
  6. UMN Extension: Growing beansDirect sow bush beans in warm soil. Six-inch square cells are our compact-bed setting, not the conventional row spacing in this source. Accessed 2026-10-04.

Plan garden-09 · version 1 · calculation 1. Actual germination, harvest and local climate performance have not been field tested.

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