Bed & Balcony
Garden plans / Raised beds

4×8 six-hour sun starter

A measured six-hour location with warm-season planting conditions shown explicitly.

Measure actual direct sun over several days. Six hours is the minimum used here; sun movement and surrounding shade change through the year.

Your next step

Direct sow · Swiss chard
2027-04-24 to 2027-05-08. Check local conditions first.

56target 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

56target 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 six-hour sun 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 · Bush snap beans401 planting batch6 × 6 in152.4 × 152.4 mm44 seeds40 seasonal target positions
B · Compact basil81 planting batch12 × 12 in304.8 × 304.8 mm8 seedlings8 seasonal target positions
C · Swiss chard81 planting batch12 × 12 in304.8 × 304.8 mm18 seeds8 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 2027-05-15

Bush snap beans · A

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

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.

2027-04-24 to 2027-05-08

Swiss chard · C

Direct sow. Plant when soil is workable and not waterlogged; follow packet temperature guidance.

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)56 each0 each56 each
Measuring tool1 each0 each1 each
Gentle watering tool1 each0 each1 each
Bush snap beans · A · 1 batch44 seeds0 seeds44 seeds
Compact basil · B · 1 batch8 seedlings0 seedlings8 seedlings
Swiss chard · C · 1 batch18 seeds0 seeds18 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 begin2027-04-01 — 2027-04-07To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • Measure the usable space. Prepare 906.1 L of raised-bed growing mix before allowance. Measure actual direct sun over several days. Six hours is the minimum used here; sun movement and surrounding shade change through the year.
  • A (Bush snap beans): keep this zone clear; confirm seed or seedling availability and 6+ hours of sun.
  • B (Compact basil): keep this zone clear; confirm seed or seedling availability and 6+ hours of sun.
  • C (Swiss chard): keep this zone clear; confirm seed or seedling availability and 5+ hours of sun.
02Check, tend and act · week 22027-04-08 — 2027-04-14To 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 (Bush snap beans): keep this zone clear; confirm seed or seedling availability and 6+ hours of sun.
  • B (Compact basil): keep this zone clear; confirm seed or seedling availability and 6+ hours of sun.
  • C (Swiss chard): keep this zone clear; confirm seed or seedling availability and 5+ hours of sun.
03Check, tend and act · week 32027-04-15 — 2027-04-21To 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 (Bush snap beans): keep this zone clear; confirm seed or seedling availability and 6+ hours of sun.
  • B (Compact basil): keep this zone clear; confirm seed or seedling availability and 6+ hours of sun.
  • C (Swiss chard): keep this zone clear; confirm seed or seedling availability and 5+ hours of sun.
04Check, tend and act · week 42027-04-22 — 2027-04-28To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • Direct sow: Swiss chard in C. Plant when soil is workable and not waterlogged; follow packet temperature guidance.
  • A (Bush snap beans): keep this zone clear; confirm seed or seedling availability and 6+ hours of sun.
  • B (Compact basil): keep this zone clear; confirm seed or seedling availability and 6+ hours of sun.
  • C: check surface moisture and emergence without disturbing roots. Thin multi-seed clusters to the selected target plants after true leaves develop.
  • Recount surviving positions before buying replacements. Check remaining seed and mix inventory.
05Check, tend and act · week 52027-04-29 — 2027-05-05To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • Acclimate purchased seedlings: Compact basil in B. Increase outdoor exposure gradually; protect from frost, strong wind and harsh sun.
  • Direct sow: Swiss chard in C. Plant when soil is workable and not waterlogged; follow packet temperature guidance.
  • A (Bush snap beans): keep this zone clear; confirm seed or seedling availability and 6+ hours of sun.
  • B (Compact basil): keep this zone clear; confirm seed or seedling availability and 6+ hours of sun.
  • C: check surface moisture and emergence without disturbing roots. Thin multi-seed clusters to the selected target plants after true leaves develop.
06Check, tend and act · week 62027-05-06 — 2027-05-12To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • Direct sow: Bush snap beans in A. Wait for frost risk to pass and soil to reach at least 60°F (16°C); check the local forecast.
  • Plant purchased seedlings: Compact basil in B. Buy a compact cultivar; keep above 50°F (10°C) nights and protect from cold wind.
  • Acclimate purchased seedlings: Compact basil in B. Increase outdoor exposure gradually; protect from frost, strong wind and harsh sun.
  • Direct sow: Swiss chard in C. Plant when soil is workable and not waterlogged; follow packet temperature guidance.
  • A: check surface moisture and emergence without disturbing roots. Use one sound seed per position; replace failures only when soil remains warm.
  • 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. Thin multi-seed clusters to the selected target plants after true leaves develop.
07Check, tend and act · week 72027-05-13 — 2027-05-19To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • Direct sow: Bush snap beans in A. Wait for frost risk to pass and soil to reach at least 60°F (16°C); check the local forecast.
  • Plant purchased seedlings: Compact basil in B. Buy a compact cultivar; keep above 50°F (10°C) nights and protect from cold wind.
  • Acclimate purchased seedlings: Compact basil in B. Increase outdoor exposure gradually; protect from frost, strong wind and harsh sun.
  • A: check surface moisture and emergence without disturbing roots. Use one sound seed per position; replace failures only when soil remains warm.
  • B: check surface moisture and emergence without disturbing roots. Water the root ball after transplanting; avoid leaving the crown submerged.
  • C: when true leaves appear, thin toward 8 positions at 12.0 × 12.0 in (305 × 305 mm). Keep stronger seedlings; re-sow gaps only if conditions permit.
08Check, tend and act · week 82027-05-20 — 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.
  • 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. Use one sound seed per position; replace failures only when soil remains warm.
  • B: check surface moisture and emergence without disturbing roots. Water the root ball after transplanting; avoid leaving the crown submerged.
  • C: when true leaves appear, thin toward 8 positions at 12.0 × 12.0 in (305 × 305 mm). Keep stronger seedlings; re-sow gaps only if conditions permit.
  • Recount surviving positions before buying replacements. Check remaining seed and mix inventory.
09Check, tend and act · week 92027-05-27 — 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: 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.
  • 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: Remove damaged outer leaves and check the base without burying the crown. Compare actual growth with your seed packet; remove competing weeds carefully.
10Check, tend and act · week 102027-06-03 — 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: 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.
  • 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: Cut mature outer leaves at the base while leaving the growing center. Maturity estimate 40–60 days from planting is a planning range; observe the crop before harvesting.
11Check, tend and act · week 112027-06-10 — 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: Keep pods and foliage dry where possible; bush varieties need no trellis. 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: Cut mature outer leaves at the base while leaving the growing center. Maturity estimate 40–60 days from planting is a planning range; observe the crop before harvesting.
12Review and plan ahead2027-06-17 — 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: Keep pods and foliage dry where possible; bush varieties need no trellis. 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: Cut mature outer leaves at the base while leaving the growing center. Maturity estimate 40–60 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. 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.
  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. UMD Extension: Growing Swiss chardLarge chard plants need 8–12 inch plant distance. We select 12 inches for leaves and stems. Accessed 2026-10-04.

Plan garden-12 · version 1 · calculation 1. Actual germination, harvest and local climate performance have not been field tested.

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