Leaf lettuce
At 6 inch spacing, a 4×8 bed can fit a dense lettuce block, but it is better to plant smaller batches every 1–2 weeks.
4×8 raised bed plan
What can you plant in a 4×8 raised bed?
A 4×8 bed gives you 32 square feet of growing space. The trick is choosing crops that fit the space, mature at different times, and do not crowd each other out.
Start with usable space
Most 4×8 beds are easy to reach from both long sides, so you can use closer spacing than traditional row gardening. Keep tall crops on the north side when possible so they do not shade shorter greens.
Use a simple first layout
A beginner-friendly mix is one trellis row for tomatoes, cucumbers, peas, or pole beans, plus two or three blocks of quick crops like lettuce, radishes, carrots, basil, or spinach.
Replant finished space
The best 4×8 beds change during the season. When spring lettuce, radishes, or peas finish, replace that square footage with basil, beans, fall carrots, or another round of greens.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes need more airflow. Plan around 18 inch spacing and use cages or trellises so the bed stays manageable.
Carrots
Carrots can grow close together, but they need loose soil and steady moisture more than extra fertilizer.
Next step
Use the calculator to test a 4×8 bed before buying seedlings or sowing a full packet. Open the calculator with these defaults, or check the monthly sowing calendar before you plant.