Max Gasner

I could get a bit better:

Section 1: Leafy Greens

Early Spring (Late March - Early April): Directly sow Spinach and Kale. Sow Spinach every 3 weeks for a continual harvest until it gets too warm. Start Kale indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date if you want to get a head start.
Late Spring (After May 8 ): Plant Cabbage transplants.
Early Fall (Late August - Early September): Directly sow Spinach and Kale again for a Fall harvest.
Section 2: Legumes & Nightshades

Early Spring (Late March - Early April): Directly sow Peas.
Late Spring (After May 8 ): Transplant Bell Peppers started indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date. Consider using black plastic or row cover to warm the soil and protect the plants.
Fall (October): Plant Garlic for overwintering.
Section 3: Root Crops

Early Spring (Late March - Early April): Directly sow Carrots and Beets. Repeat every 2-3 weeks for a continual harvest.
Late Spring / Summer (After May 8 ): Directly sow Turnips.
Late Summer / Early Fall (Late August - Early September): Directly sow winter Radishes or Rutabaga.
Section 4: Mixed Crops

Early Spring (Late March - Early April): Directly sow Lettuce and Swiss Chard.
Late Spring (After May 8 ): Transplant Broccoli started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.
Late Summer / Early Fall (Late August - Early September): Directly sow Winter Lettuce and Kale for fall harvest.
Each crop's direct sowing means that you plant the seeds directly in the ground, not indoors. "Transplant" means that you start the seeds indoors, let them grow into small plants, and then plant those small plants (transplants) outside in the garden.

Each section contains plants with similar nutrient needs and growth patterns. Leafy Greens (Section 1) like cooler weather and can handle some frost. Legumes and Nightshades (Section 2) prefer warm weather and can't handle frost. Root Crops (Section 3) can handle some frost and can be planted very early in the spring. Mixed Crops (Section 4) has a variety of plants to maximize space use throughout the year.

Remember to amend the soil with compost or other organic matter at the beginning of each season to replenish nutrients. Crop rotation is built into this plan – each year, move each group to the next section to prevent the build-up of diseases and pests and to balance nutrient use.

Again, the actual planting dates may vary based on the specific year's weather conditions. It's also important to keep an eye out for pests and diseases throughout the season. Finally, watering is crucial, especially during dry spells – all vegetables need consistent moisture to grow well.

Just for fun, I asked ChatGPT 3.5 to design for me a planting schedule for a 4x8 raised bed considering a canadian rusticity zone of 4b, a city and some plants I didn't want (corn, tomatoes, radishes, cucumbers and squashes).

I don't know enough to judge the answer so I decided to ask here. I'll copy paste it's answer and I would like if you gave me your opinions

Spring (April to June):

Leafy Greens: Plant cold-hardy leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and Swiss chard. These crops can tolerate cooler temperatures and thrive in early spring.

Root Vegetables: Sow beets, carrots, and parsnips. These root crops prefer cooler weather and will benefit from early planting.

Peas: Plant pea seeds or snow peas, which can be trellised for support.

Herbs: Add perennial herbs like chives, mint, and oregano. They will come back year after year and provide a steady supply of flavorful additions to your dishes.

Summer (June to August):

Bush Beans: Grow bush beans, which don't require trellising like pole beans. They are productive and can be harvested throughout the summer.

Lettuce Varieties: Succession plant different lettuce varieties for continuous harvests. Opt for heat-tolerant varieties to prevent bolting.

Herbs: Continue to harvest perennial herbs. Consider adding basil, cilantro, or dill for variety.

Fall (August to October):

Cool-Weather Crops: Plant more leafy greens, like arugula and mustard greens, which thrive in cooler temperatures.

Garlic: Plant garlic cloves in the fall for a harvest the following year. Garlic is hardy and benefits from overwintering.

Perennial Herbs: If you haven't already, establish perennial herbs like thyme and sage. They will continue to provide flavors throughout the year.

Year-Round (Perennial and Overwintering):

Fruit Trees or Bushes: Consider planting fruit trees or bushes, such as apple trees or blueberry bushes, around the raised bed or in nearby spaces. They will provide fruit in subsequent years.

Perennial Vegetables: Explore perennial vegetables like asparagus and rhubarb that require minimal maintenance once established.

Companion Planting: Utilize companion planting to maximize space and create mutually beneficial plant groupings. For example, plant marigolds to deter pests, and use nitrogen-fixing plants like clover or legumes to enrich the soil.

Mulching: Apply organic mulch around plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil health.