3x6 Raised Bed Bush Beans

A complete plan for soil, plant count, and yield range for bush beans in a 3x6 raised bed.

Quick answer
For a 3x6 bed at 12" depth: soil ≈ 18 ft³ (≈ 0.667 yd³). With 4" spacing: 162 bush beans plants. Yield range (raised bed): 85.0–204.1 lb (typical ≈ 136.1 lb).

Worked example

Soil: 6×3×(12/12) = 18 ft³ (≈ 0.667 yd³).
Bags: 2 cu ft → ceil(18/2) = 9, 3 cu ft → 6, 1.5 cu ft → 12.
Plants: floor((6×12)/4)×floor((3×12)/4) = 162.

Why these numbers vary

Real results vary by variety, trellising, fertility, watering, temperature, and how aggressively you harvest. Treat this as a planning range—not a promise.

Spacing note

This page uses the dataset spacing (4"). If you plant tighter or wider, switch to Custom spacing in the calculator.

FAQ

How many bush beans plants fit in a 3x6 raised bed?
Using 4" spacing and a floor grid, you can fit about 162 plants.
Do I need to buy extra soil?
Often yes. Soil settles, especially mixes with compost. Many gardeners buy 5–15% extra.
Is 12 inches of soil depth enough?
For most vegetables it’s a good baseline. Deep-rooted crops may benefit from more depth or looser subsoil.
Does trellising change the spacing?
Yes. Trellised crops can sometimes be spaced tighter. Use Custom spacing if you have a proven system.
Why is yield shown as a range?
Yield depends heavily on variety, climate, fertility, pest pressure, and season length.

Sources

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