Need ideas zone 6b accessible U-shaped raised bed layout
I’m in Zone 6b and redesigning my raised bed garden for this season. The first photo is my current proposed layout, the second is inspiration from previous year, and the third photo is how the bed usually looks before planting (ignore garlic)
The raised bed is:
- 10 ft x 8 ft
- 4 ft tall for accessibility
- U-shaped with a 4x5 ft walk-in center area
North is toward the lower left corner of the layout/photo.
Current planting plan:
- Tomatoes
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Sugar snap peas
- Garlic (tossed a few bulbs somewhere on the right side last year)
- Peppers
- Strawberries in hanging baskets
- Zinnias for pollinators
I’m skipping zucchini this year because squash vine borers completely destroyed them last season 😭
I’m also redesigning/improving the trellis setup this year for better vertical growing and airflow.
Questions:
- Does this layout make sense for companion planting?
- Would you move anything based on sun direction or airflow?
- Are there flowers/herbs you’d definitely add for pollinators or pest control?
- How many tomato plants would you realistically keep in a bed this size? I’m notorious for over planting.
Anything else I forgot?
I’d also love feedback from anyone gardening in 6b with similar raised beds.
Thanks!