A Salad and Salsa Raised Bed

One raised bed of 4 × 8 ft (1.2 × 2.4 m) can supply salads from spring and tomatoes and basil through summer. The layout uses the shade cast by the tomatoes to keep lettuce cool for longer.

Hardiness
All zones, as annuals
Light
Full sun
Season
Spring to fall
Water
Medium to high
Upkeep
Medium

Plants in this plan

  • Illustration of Tomato
    Tomato Solanum lycopersicum

    North side. Three plants, 2.5 ft (75 cm) apart, each with a stake or cage.

  • Illustration of Sweet Basil
    Sweet Basil Ocimum basilicum

    Between the tomatoes. One plant in each gap, planted at the same time.

  • Illustration of Lettuce
    Lettuce Lactuca sativa

    South and east edges. Sow short rows every two weeks from early spring.

  • Illustration of French Marigold
    French Marigold Tagetes patula

    Corners and ends. Six to eight plants for color.

Planting and care tips

  • Sow lettuce four weeks before your last frost. Plant tomatoes, basil and marigolds two weeks after it.
  • As the weather warms, sow lettuce on the shaded side of the tomato plants.
  • Mulch with straw once the soil is warm to keep moisture even and prevent blossom end rot.
  • Grow mint in a separate pot beside the bed. Do not plant it in the bed, where it would take over.
  • Move the tomatoes to a different bed next year to reduce soil-borne disease.