By Graham FisherUpdated November 2026
A square foot gardening companion planting garden layout divides a bed into a grid of 1-foot squares and assigns each square a crop that grows well beside its neighbors. Done right, you get more harvest from less space, fewer pest problems, and a bed you can plan on paper before you plant a single seed. This guide walks through the layout process step by step.
Start With the Bed and the Grid
Most square foot beds measure 4 feet by 4 feet, which gives you 16 squares. A 4-by-8-foot bed gives you 32. Build the bed no more than about 4 feet wide so you can reach the center from either side without stepping on the soil. Then divide the frame with string, thin wood strips, or a grid of twine stretched between nails.
Shopping for one? See our guide: 6 Best Garden Layout Free Printable Printable Companion Planting Charts (2026): Our Picks.
Match Plants to Square Size
Each square holds a set number of plants based on their mature spacing. The general rule is to fit plants so their leaves just touch when fully grown. Common square counts include:
- 1 plant per square: tomato (one per square, staked), cabbage, broccoli, eggplant, pepper
- 4 plants per square: bush beans, beets, carrots, spinach, lettuce (depending on variety)
- 9 plants per square: onions, garlic, bunching greens, radishes
- 16 plants per square: carrots, lettuce, and other small crops when grown in tight rows
Check seed packets for exact spacing, since mature size varies by variety. Tall crops like pole beans, sunflowers, or indeterminate tomatoes belong on the north side of the bed so they don’t shade smaller plants.
Pair Companions Square by Square
Once the grid is set, place companions in adjacent squares. Some useful pairings:
- Tomatoes with basil, parsley, or marigolds, which many gardeners plant nearby to attract pollinators and deter some pests
- Carrots with onions or chives, which can help reduce carrot fly activity, though results vary by location
- Beans with carrots, beets, or cucumbers, since beans add nitrogen that leafy crops can use
- Cabbage-family crops with dill or thyme, which draw beneficial insects
Keep apart the pairs that compete or share diseases. Potatoes and tomatoes are both in the nightshade family and are often kept apart, and fennel is widely avoided near most vegetables. For more pairing ideas, see Companion Planting in a Square Foot Garden: A Step-by-Step Guide and Square Foot Gardening Companion Planting: A Step-by-Step Guide.
Plan on Paper Before You Plant
Sketch the grid on graph paper, one square per cell, and label each with a crop. Mark plant counts and planting dates. Rotating crop families between seasons helps prevent soil-borne disease, so plan next year’s layout at the same time. A printable chart can speed this up; Square Foot Gardening Printable Companion Planting Chart: A Practical Guide (2026) covers how to use one.
Quick Layout Checklist
- Measure the bed and mark the square grid.
- List the crops you want and look up mature spacing.
- Assign tall plants to the north edge.
- Place companions in adjacent squares and separate known rivals.
- Sketch the full plan and note sowing or transplant dates.
Common Mistakes
- Crowding squares beyond mature spacing, which invites disease and weak growth.
- Planting tall crops on the south side, where they shade everything else.
- Skipping the plan and filling squares randomly.
- Repeating the same crop family in the same square year after year.
- Expecting companion benefits to replace basic care like watering and feeding.
Recommended Gear
- A soil thermometer helps you time sowing, since many companion crops need warm soil to germinate. View on Amazon
- A grid of stainless or galvanized wire helps you keep square lines clear as plants fill in. View on Amazon
- A plant tag set lets you label each square with its crop and planting date. View on Amazon
FAQ
Do I need a special bed to do square foot gardening?
No. A raised bed around 4 feet wide works well, but you can mark a grid on any loose, well-drained soil. Raised beds simply warm faster and drain better.
How many companions can I put in one bed?
You can fit several, as long as each square holds one crop and neighbors are compatible. Most beds of 16 to 32 squares can host five to eight different crops comfortably.
Should I follow a companion chart exactly?
Use charts as a starting point. Local conditions, pests, and variety all affect results, so observe your bed and adjust as you learn what works.
Conclusion
A good square foot garden layout starts with an accurate grid, sensible spacing, and smart companion pairings. Sketch your plan before planting, keep tall crops on the north side, and rotate crops each year. With a clear map, your bed will produce more with less guesswork.
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About Graham Fisher
Graham Fisher is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our vegetable & edible gardening guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
