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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Echinacea

herb

Native prairie perennial — drought-tolerant once established. Leave seed heads standing for overwintering birds. Also widely used as an herbal supplement. Divide every 3–4 years.

At a glance

USDA Zones: 3–9
Sun: Full sun (6+ hrs)
Water: Low — drought-tolerant once established
Soil: loam, sandy, clay
pH: neutral
Spacing: 18 in. between plants
SFG footprint: 2×2 ft cell footprint

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
Harvest

Plant Harvest

Good companions

Recommended varieties

Magnus
both
Award-winning rosy-pink coneflower — classic and dependable.
White Swan
both
Elegant pure-white coneflower — great for moon gardens.
Cheyenne Spirit
both
AAS winner in mixed warm colors from gold to red to purple.
PowWow Wild Berry
both
Compact variety in deep rose-purple — excellent for small beds.

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

Open the planner →

← All plants Full companion chart →