Garden Bed Area Calculator

Garden Bed Area Calculator

Calculate the area, soil volume, and planting layout for your garden beds

Shape & Dimensions

Visualization

This visualization is to-scale based on your input dimensions

Results

Total Area: 32.00 square feet
Perimeter: 24.00 feet

Soil Needed

Cubic Feet: 10.67 cu ft
Cubic Yards: 0.40 cu yd

Soil Components (for Raised Beds)

Compost (40%): 4.27 cu ft
Topsoil (40%): 4.27 cu ft
Peat/Vermiculite (20%): 2.13 cu ft

Plant Spacing Calculator

Calculate how many plants you can fit in your garden bed based on recommended spacing.

Plants Fit

Plants per Row: 4
Number of Rows: 8
Total Plants: 32

Soil Mix Guide

Choose Your Soil Mix:

Basic Mix Vegetable Mix Flower Mix

Standard Raised Bed Mix (Mel’s Mix)

  • 1/3 Compost (diverse sources)
  • 1/3 Peat Moss (or coconut coir)
  • 1/3 Vermiculite (coarse)

This balanced mix provides excellent drainage while retaining moisture and nutrients.

Vegetable Garden Mix

  • 40% Topsoil (screened)
  • 40% Compost
  • 10% Perlite
  • 10% Worm Castings

Rich in organic matter, this mix supports strong vegetable growth and good production.

Flower Bed Mix

  • 50% Garden Soil
  • 25% Compost
  • 15% Perlite
  • 10% Sand

This well-draining mix works well for most ornamental flowers and perennials.

Garden Bed Planning Guide

Choosing the Right Location

Most vegetables need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Consider proximity to water sources and avoid areas with poor drainage or competing tree roots.

Garden Bed Types

In-Ground Beds

Traditional method suitable for large areas. Requires good native soil and more maintenance.

Raised Beds

Provides better drainage, soil warming, and easier maintenance. Ideal for poor native soil conditions.

Container Gardens

Perfect for small spaces like patios or balconies. Requires more frequent watering.

Soil Depth Requirements

Plant TypeMinimum Soil DepthExamples
Shallow-rooted4-6 inchesLettuce, Radishes, Herbs
Medium-rooted8-12 inchesBeans, Cucumbers, Peppers
Deep-rooted12-18+ inchesTomatoes, Squash, Root Vegetables

Companion Planting Tips

Certain plants grow better when planted near compatible companions:

  • Tomatoes: Grow well with basil, marigolds, and nasturtiums.
  • Cucumbers: Pair with sunflowers, corn, or radishes.
  • Lettuce: Plant with carrots, radishes, or strawberries.
  • Beans: Companion with carrots, cucumbers, or cauliflower.

Seasonal Planning

Consider succession planting to maximize your garden’s productivity throughout the growing season. As early crops finish, replace them with new plantings for continuous harvests.

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