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Build and fill your raised bed in late winter or early spring (or the previous fall), then plant cool-season crops a few weeks before your last frost and warm-season crops after it. Raised beds warm up faster than the ground, so you can start the season earlier. Here’s the timing.
When to BUILD the bed
- Best: fall — build and fill in autumn so the soil settles over winter and the bed is ready to plant the moment spring arrives.
- Also fine: late winter / early spring — most people build now; just give the soil a week to settle before planting.
- Any time the ground isn’t frozen works — you can build in summer for a fall garden.
Need to build one? See our DIY guide or best raised beds.
When to PLANT
| Season | What to plant |
|---|---|
| Early spring (before last frost) | Peas, spinach, lettuce, radish, carrots, kale |
| After last frost | Tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, cucumbers, basil |
| Mid-summer | Succession lettuce/beans; start fall brassicas indoors |
| Late summer / fall | Spinach, kale, radish; plant garlic Oct–Nov |
Raised beds warm and drain faster, so you can sow cool-season crops 2–3 weeks earlier than in-ground. Grab our free planting calendar for the exact month-by-month schedule.
A simple first-year timeline
- Build & fill the bed (fall or early spring).
- Sow cool crops a few weeks before your last frost.
- Transplant warm crops after the last frost, once nights stay above 50°F.
- Succession-sow through summer; plant a fall round in late summer.
- Plant garlic in fall for next year.
New to all this? Start with the beginner’s guide and the 9 easiest vegetables.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to start a raised bed garden?
Build and fill your bed in late winter or early spring (or the previous fall), then start planting cool-season crops a few weeks before your last frost and warm-season crops after it. Fall is actually the ideal time to build, so the bed is ready to plant the moment spring arrives.
Can I start a raised bed in summer?
Yes. Build any time the ground isn't frozen. In summer, plant heat-tolerant crops (beans, lettuce in shade, herbs) and start fall crops like kale and broccoli indoors for an autumn harvest.
How early can I plant in a raised bed?
Earlier than in-ground — raised beds drain and warm up faster in spring, so you can sow cool-season crops 2–3 weeks sooner. Use a cover or cloche to push it even earlier.