Why planting again and again is the key to nonstop harvests—and a more productive garden
By June, many gardeners breathe a sigh of relief—beds are filled, early crops are up, and the mad rush of spring planting is over. But experienced gardeners know that the season is far from done. In fact, June marks the perfect time to roll out one of the most powerful (and often overlooked) techniques in the home gardener’s toolbox: succession planting.
This method—sowing new seeds at regular intervals—keeps the harvest coming, reduces waste, and maximizes your garden’s productivity, keeping the garden going for fresh and healthy produce right from your back yard, and using those empty spaces as plants stop producing.
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What Is Succession Planting?
Succession planting simply means replanting the same crop (or a compatible one) in the same space/area of the garden throughout the growing season. Rather than planting one large crop all at once, you sow a small patch every 1–3 weeks. This spreads out your harvest, avoids too large of a harvest all at once, and extends your growing window.
There are a few ways to do it:
- Staggered sowings of the same crop (e.g., lettuce or bush beans every 10–14 days)
- Replacing harvested crops with new ones (e.g., pulling spring spinach and planting carrots)
- Planting quick-maturing crops between slow-growing ones (e.g., radishes between rows of broccoli)
- Interplanting varieties with different days to maturity (e.g., a 55-day and a 75-day corn)
Why June Is the Time to Start
In much of the U.S., June marks the true beginning of warm-season growth. Crops like beans, cucumbers, summer squash, basil, and zinnias thrive in the heat. Fast growers like radishes, arugula, and lettuce may have bolted in May, but with proper timing and placement (shade, mulch, moisture), they can be re-sown for steady summer picking.
Even better—June planting gives you time for a second or even third round of crops in the same bed. Many varieties, especially those with short maturity windows (under 70 days), can be sown every couple of weeks through mid-to-late summer.
Best Crops for Succession Sowing
Here are some of the top picks to plant again and again:
- Bush Beans – Sow every 2 weeks for a steady supply through summer.
- Cucumbers – A fresh sowing in June ensures a second wave of vigorous vines.
- Lettuce – Choose heat-tolerant varieties and sow every 10–14 days in part shade.
- Radishes – These fast-growers can be tucked in anywhere. Harvest in 25–30 days.
- Zinnias and Cosmos – Stagger sowings for continuous fresh-cut blooms.
- Carrots and Beets – Keep the root harvest going well into fall.
- Summer Squash – Older plants slow down; a second planting in late June keeps yields high.
- Dill and Cilantro – These bolt fast—succession sow every few weeks for continuous herbs.
Simple Tips for Success
- Mark your calendar: Keep track of when you sowed each round. It helps you time the next one.
- Mind the space: Leave room for your next sowing or harvest earlier crops to make space.
- Amend soil between rounds: A light compost top-dress or organic fertilizer recharge keeps plants productive.
- Water consistently: Younger seedlings especially need moisture during hot spells.
- Try shade cloth or afternoon shade: Especially useful for greens or herbs sensitive to heat.
Final Word: Keep the Harvest—and the Momentum—Going
Gardening isn’t a one-and-done affair. With succession planting, June becomes the gateway to a season full of fresh, tender harvests—well into summer and even fall. Whether you’re growing for your own kitchen or looking to keep market tables full, planting in intervals is the secret to continuous abundance.
What are your thoughts? Drop a comment below!
FAQ:
What is succession planting?
Succession planting means sowing seeds in intervals rather than all at once. Instead of planting one large crop, you space out your sowings every 1–3 weeks to keep harvests steady throughout the season.
Why should I start succession planting in June?
June is ideal because warm-season crops like beans, squash, cucumbers, and herbs grow quickly and thrive in the heat. There’s still plenty of time left in the growing season for multiple rounds of planting.
How often should I sow new seeds?
That depends on the crop. For fast-maturing vegetables like lettuce or radishes, every 10–14 days is a good rhythm. For others, every 2–3 weeks works well.
Which vegetables are best for succession planting?
Some of the top picks include bush beans, cucumbers, lettuce, radishes, carrots, beets, and summer squash. Heat-tolerant herbs like dill and cilantro are also good candidates.
Can I succession plant flowers too?
Yes! Annual flowers like zinnias and cosmos benefit from staggered sowings to keep the blooms coming all season long.
What if I don’t have room for more plantings?
Once an early crop finishes (like spring spinach or peas), pull it out and replant the space with a summer crop. You can also interplant faster growers between slower ones.
Do I need to fertilize again between plantings?
It’s a good idea. Adding compost or a light application of organic fertilizer between rounds helps replenish nutrients and keeps your soil in top shape.
How do I protect summer seedlings from the heat?
Try using mulch to hold moisture, water regularly, and provide afternoon shade using row cover or shade cloth—especially for leafy greens.
Can I do succession planting in containers?
Absolutely. Many small-space gardeners rotate crops in pots and raised beds. Just be sure to refresh the soil and water frequently.
What’s the biggest benefit of succession planting?
It gives you a continuous, manageable harvest instead of everything ripening at once—perfect for fresh eating, preserving, and keeping your garden productive all season.
THANK YOU FROM MARY IN IOWA 90 YEARS YOUNG MARCH 30!
THIS IS AN EXCELLENT PRESENTATION, EVEN AS A MASTER GARDENER, CLEAR AND CONCISE REMINDERS, INSPIRATION!
KEEP UP THE GOOD AND GODLY WORK…….MUCHLY APPRECIATED!
I’M PLEASED TO BE A NEW CUSTOMER.
MARY LASFRANCIS
FAIRFIELD, IOWA