Landscape Bed Planner

Overview

Builds a bed plan from its footprint, planting style, spacing, mulch depth, and selected plant mix.

Assumptions

• The selected mix and spacing drive count; the footprint is treated as usable planting area.
• Mulch volume uses the entered depth.

Worked example

A 20 × 8 ft bed has 160 sq ft; at a 3-in mulch layer it needs 40 cu ft, or about 1.48 cu yd.

Common mistakes

• Counting paths or boulders as plantable area.
• Placing every plant at the same distance from the edge.

Limitations

It cannot assess sunlight, root competition, soil, or a plant’s local suitability.

Safety and local requirements

Call 811 before excavation and check local rules for planting near property lines or utilities.

Sources

• University of Minnesota Extension — planting and growing guides