Why We Built MyGardenPlanner on 30" Beds
Years of hands-on market gardening taught us one thing: standardization unlocks efficiency. The proven 30" bed system brought structure, predictability, and scale to our CSA—powering everything from crop planning to harvest yields. MyGardenPlanner automates that same system for you, combining biointensive best practices with smart scheduling tools to take the guesswork out of growing.
Standard Bed Specifications
Bed Width
75 centimeters (30 inches) - optimal for reaching center from either side
Bed Length
3-8 meters (10-25 feet) - efficient for planting and harvest runs
Pathway Width
45 centimeters (18 inches) - enough space for wheelbarrows and tools
How It All Comes Together
Two 30" raised beds with an 18" pathway between them—the foundation of efficient garden design
đź“Ź Visual Spacing Standards
Every crop in your plan follows a proven spacing layout. Use the example diagrams below as reference to how your plants are arranged in a standard 30" wide bed—optimized for airflow, yield, and biointensive efficiency.
🥬 5 Plants Across – 2" Row Spacing
🥦 2 Plants Across – 18" Row Spacing
🥕 4 Plants Across – 3" Row Spacing
🧮 Real Example from MyGardenPlanner
Here's how spacing, seeding, and harvest timelines come together for a single crop. Our standardized 30" bed system makes it easy to plan and forecast each planting with precision.
This crop uses 3" spacing with 4 rows per bed, totaling 160 plants in just 10 row feet—yielding up to 3 lbs in a 3-week harvest window.
Benefits of Permanent Raised Beds
Improved Soil Drainage
Raised beds drain faster after rain, preventing waterlogged soil and extending the growing season in wet conditions.
Reduced Soil Compaction
Dedicated pathways mean you never walk on growing areas, maintaining loose, aerated soil structure.
Better Soil Quality
Focused soil improvements and organic matter additions build fertility more efficiently than broad applications.
No Tractor Required
Hand tools and walk-behind equipment are sufficient, reducing equipment costs and fossil fuel dependence.
Standardized Operations
Uniform bed dimensions allow standardized seeding, cultivation, and harvest tools and techniques.
Easier Planning
Beds become your unit of measurement for crop rotation, succession planting, and yield calculations.
The Power of Standardization
Operational Efficiency
- Uniform equipment fits all beds
- Consistent planting and spacing patterns
- Predictable harvest quantities
- Simplified crop rotation planning
Economic Benefits
- Higher yield per square foot
- Reduced labor costs through efficiency
- Lower infrastructure investment
- Faster return on investment
Start Planning with Proven Methods
Our calculator applies these proven biointensive principles, refined through 5 years of market gardening experience, to help you plan with scientific precision.