Succession Planting 101: Keep Your Garden Producing All Season

One of the most common frustrations I hear from gardeners is: “I cut my lettuce and cilantro once or twice and then it just goes to flower!”

And those gardeners are right — some crops go to flower really quickly.

This understanding is an important step to develop your green thumb.

Many crops have a peak harvest window. After that, they either decline in quality, bolt (go to flower then seed), or stop producing altogether. The secret to an abundant garden all summer long issuccession planting—planting in intervals so that new crops are always coming into their prime just as older ones fade.

Here’s a breakdown of how to manage different types of crops:

Plant Once and Done

These crops need a long growing season and are typically planted just once at the beginning of the season. In northern climates, it’s often a challenge to get these crops to mature before the first frost, so starting them early is key. Once they start producing, they often continue through the late summer.

• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Eggplants
• Pumpkins
• Winter Squash

Plant 2-3 times a season

These crops produce fruit for a while but they eventually succumb to disease and slow down. Consider planting a second round in mid to end June  to replace the older plants. You might even plant a third round in early July,

• Cucumbers
• Summer Squash
• Zucchini

Crops with a Shorter Window: Replant Often

Some vegetables don’t last long once they hit their peak and need frequent replanting to keep up a steady supply.

Leafy Greens and Radishes

These crops are known tobolt quickly, especially in hot weather. When they bolt, the flavor can become intense or bitter, and the texture less pleasant. Plant every 2 weeks in spring and late summer, and weekly during peak summer heat.

• Radishes
• Lettuce
• Arugula
• Tatsoi
• Mizuna
• Brassica Greens
• Cilantro
• Dill

Root Vegetables

These roots don’t bolt as quickly, but they do have a “best before” phase. Left too long, they become oversized, woody, or lose their tenderness. Replant every 2–4 weeks for a continuous harvest of crisp, flavorful roots.

• Carrots
• Beets
• Turnips
• Kohlrabi
  
  

Heading Brassicas

These plants take time to mature, but like root crops, they benefit fromstaggered plantings. Once harvested, they won’t regrow like leafy greens.Plant every 2–4 weeks to extend your harvest window.

• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Cabbage

Quick-Reference Planting Guide

Final Tips for Success

• Keep Records: Note planting dates and harvest quality to optimize your timing next year.
  
  
• Use Transplants & Direct Sow: Starting some crops indoors while direct-sowing others can help also space out your harvests.
  
  
• Be Flexible: Weather conditions may speed up or slow down plant growth—adjust accordingly.
  
  

By planning your plantings in waves, you can avoid feast-or-famine cycles and enjoy fresh produce from early summer into fall. Succession planting is the single best strategy to keep your garden thriving—and your kitchen full.