Succession Planting Chart (How to Plan for Continuous Harvests)

Succession planting is one of the most effective ways to keep your garden producing fresh vegetables and herbs throughout the season.

Instead of planting everything at once and facing a single large harvest, this method spaces out plantings to ensure a steady supply of crops over time.

However, without proper planning, it can be difficult to track sowing dates, harvest windows, and replanting schedules.

In this article, you’ll learn how to create and use a succession planting chart to optimize your garden.

We’ll cover how to plan for different seasons, select the right crops, and organize planting intervals for continuous production. By the end, you’ll have a clear system for managing your plantings efficiently.

What is Succession Planting and Why Use a Chart?

One of the biggest frustrations in gardening is having too much of one crop all at once—then nothing for weeks.

Succession planting solves this by staggering your plantings so crops mature at different times, giving you a steady supply of fresh produce instead of a single overwhelming harvest.

A succession planting chart makes this process easy. Instead of guessing when to replant, you’ll have a clear schedule for sowing, harvesting, and replanting.

This keeps your garden productive, prevents wasted space, and ensures you always have something ready to pick.

If you’re working with limited space, a chart helps you make the most of every inch.

Whether you’re rotating quick-growing greens, replacing harvested crops, or staggering root vegetables, a simple chart keeps everything organized so you don’t miss a beat.

Succession Planting Chart Overview

A succession planting chart helps you plan multiple plantings throughout the season, so you always have fresh crops ready to harvest. With a little organization, you can avoid gaps in production and use your space more efficiently.

Below is a detailed succession planting chart with recommended planting times, days to maturity, and key tips for success.

Comprehensive Succession Planting Chart

Crop	First Planting	Second Planting	Third Planting	Fourth Planting	Days to Maturity	Notes
Lettuce (Cool-Weather)	Early Spring (March)	Mid-Spring (April)	Late Summer (August)	Early Fall (September)	45-55	Use shade cloth in summer to prevent bolting.
Spinach	Early Spring (March)	Late Summer (August)	Early Fall (September)	—	40-50	Avoid planting in peak summer heat to prevent bolting.
Arugula	Early Spring (March)	Mid-Spring (April)	Late Summer (August)	Early Fall (September)	25-30	Fast-growing; replant every 2-3 weeks.
Radishes	Early Spring (March)	Mid-Spring (April)	Late Summer (August)	Early Fall (September)	25-35	Ideal for frequent succession planting every 2-3 weeks.
Carrots	Early Spring (March)	Mid-Spring (April)	Late Summer (August)	Early Fall (September)	60-80	Thin seedlings for better root development.
Beets	Early Spring (March)	Mid-Spring (April)	Late Summer (August)	Early Fall (September)	50-70	Both greens and roots can be harvested.
Bush Beans	Late Spring (May)	Early Summer (June)	Mid-Summer (July)	Late Summer (August)	50-60	Stagger plantings every 2-3 weeks for steady production.
Pole Beans	Late Spring (May)	Early Summer (June)	Mid-Summer (July)	—	65-75	Continuous harvest once established.
Cucumbers	Late Spring (May)	Early Summer (June)	Mid-Summer (July)	—	50-70	Succession plant every 3-4 weeks to extend harvest.
Zucchini	Late Spring (May)	Early Summer (June)	Mid-Summer (July)	—	45-55	Remove older plants as new ones start producing.
Summer Squash	Late Spring (May)	Early Summer (June)	Mid-Summer (July)	—	50-60	Plant in successions for extended harvest.
Sweet Corn	Late Spring (May)	Early Summer (June)	Mid-Summer (July)	—	60-100	Plant early, mid-season, and late varieties for staggered harvests.
Broccoli	Early Spring (March)	Late Summer (August)	Early Fall (September)	—	60-80	Provide consistent moisture for best yields.
Cauliflower	Early Spring (March)	Late Summer (August)	Early Fall (September)	—	55-85	Sensitive to heat; best in cool weather.
Brussels Sprouts	Early Spring (March)	Late Summer (August)	—	—	90-110	Best for fall harvest; requires a long season.
Kale	Early Spring (March)	Mid-Spring (April)	Late Summer (August)	Early Fall (September)	50-70	Harvest outer leaves for extended production.
Swiss Chard	Early Spring (March)	Mid-Spring (April)	Late Summer (August)	Early Fall (September)	50-60	Continuous harvest by cutting outer leaves.
Cabbage	Early Spring (March)	Late Summer (August)	Early Fall (September)	—	70-110	Choose early, mid, and late varieties for extended harvests.
Onions (Green Onions)	Early Spring (March)	Mid-Spring (April)	Late Summer (August)	Early Fall (September)	50-70	Can be interplanted with other crops.
Peas (Snap & Snow)	Early Spring (March)	Late Summer (August)	—	—	55-70	Prefers cooler weather; avoid midsummer planting.
Garlic	Fall (October)	—	—	—	240+	Planted in fall for early summer harvest.
Turnips	Early Spring (March)	Mid-Spring (April)	Late Summer (August)	Early Fall (September)	40-60	Harvest greens early, roots later.
Pumpkins	Late Spring (May)	Early Summer (June)	—	—	90-120	Requires long growing season; plant before midsummer.

How to Use This Chart Effectively

1. Plan your successions based on your region's frost dates. Early plantings should be timed with the last frost date, while late-season plantings should align with the first frost.
2. Keep track of plantings in a spreadsheet, garden journal, or mobile app to monitor growth and adjust future successions.
3. Modify your schedule based on real-time garden conditions. If crops mature earlier or later than expected, adjust the next planting accordingly.
4. Use quick-growing crops to fill gaps while waiting for long-season crops to mature, ensuring continuous use of garden space.
5. Rotate crops to maintain soil health. Avoid planting the same plant family in the same spot repeatedly to prevent disease and nutrient depletion.

By following this chart, you can ensure that your garden remains productive from early spring through late fall, providing you with fresh produce all season long.

How to Create Your Own Succession Planting Chart

Now that you've seen a succession planting chart in action, you might want to create one that fits your own garden.

A personalized chart helps you plan when to plant, harvest, and replant, keeping your garden productive all season.

While pre-made charts are available, making your own ensures it works for your specific growing conditions and goals.

Step 1: Know Your Frost Dates

Before planning your plantings, find out your region’s first and last frost dates. These determine when you can safely plant in spring and how long your growing season lasts.

If you live in a warm climate, you’ll have more flexibility, but if your season is short, you’ll need to be strategic about timing.

Step 2: Choose Your Crops Wisely

Some crops grow quickly and can be replanted often, while others take months to mature.

Fast-growing crops like lettuce, radishes, and spinach can be sown every few weeks, while longer-season vegetables like tomatoes and squash need to be scheduled carefully.

When selecting crops, ask yourself:

• How long does this crop take to mature?
• How many successions can I fit into my growing season?
• Does this crop grow better in cool or warm weather?

Step 3: Map Out Planting Dates

Once you’ve picked your crops, organize their sowing, transplanting, and harvest dates. Some gardeners prefer a simple handwritten chart, while others use spreadsheets or garden apps. Your chart should include:
✔ Sowing dates – When to plant seeds indoors or outdoors.
✔ Transplanting dates – If starting seeds indoors, note when to move them outside.
✔ Harvest windows – When crops will be ready to pick.
✔ Replanting intervals – When to sow the next batch to avoid gaps in production.

Step 4: Plan for Garden Space

Limited space? No problem! Plan your successions so that one crop finishes in time for the next.

For example, after harvesting spring spinach, you can plant bush beans in the same space. Intercropping (growing fast and slow crops together) also helps maximize every inch of your garden.

Step 5: Keep Track and Adjust

Your first season using a succession planting chart might not be perfect, and that’s okay! Keep notes on what worked, what didn’t, and how you can improve for next year.

Over time, your chart will become a powerful tool for planning bigger and better harvests.

Crop Timing and Scheduling for Succession Planting

Timing your plantings correctly ensures a steady supply of fresh vegetables instead of unpredictable harvests. By planning your intervals carefully, you can avoid having too much at once or gaps where nothing is growing.

Finding the Right Planting Intervals

Each crop has a different growth rate, which affects how often you should replant. Lettuce, spinach, and radishes mature quickly and should be replanted every two to three weeks.

Carrots and beans grow a bit slower and do best with plantings spaced every three to four weeks.

Tomatoes, pumpkins, and other long-season crops don’t need frequent replanting, but choosing early, mid-season, and late varieties allows you to stagger your harvest.

Scheduling Common Crops for Continuous Harvests

Leafy greens like lettuce and spinach should be planted every few weeks from early spring to fall.

Since they bolt in hot weather, summer plantings should be done in partial shade or under a cover. Root crops like radishes and carrots grow quickly and can be planted every few weeks to keep a steady supply.

Beans and cucumbers take a little longer, so spacing them out by a month ensures you don’t get too much at once.

Sweet corn benefits from staggered planting, but instead of replanting, it’s best to plant early, mid-season, and late-maturing varieties all at once.

This way, the ears ripen at different times, keeping the harvest going longer.

Using Staggered Planting for a Longer Growing Season

Not all crops need to be replanted often, but you can still extend their harvest. Indeterminate tomatoes will keep producing until frost, while determinate varieties ripen all at once.

Growing both types ensures you get an early crop followed by a steady supply.

The same applies to winter squash and pumpkins—choosing varieties with different maturity dates prevents everything from ripening at once.

Adjusting Your Schedule for Weather and Growing Conditions

Each season is different, and your succession planting plan should be flexible. If a crop matures faster than expected, you may need to plant the next succession sooner.

If extreme weather slows down growth, adjusting the schedule prevents too many crops from ripening at the same time.

Keeping records of how plants perform in different conditions helps you fine-tune your schedule for future seasons.

Maximizing Space with Smart Succession Planting Techniques

A productive garden isn’t just about what you plant – it’s about how you use your space. With the right approach, you can fit more crops into your garden while ensuring a steady supply of fresh produce.

Intercropping to Make the Most of Every Inch

If you're working with limited space, intercropping is a great way to maximize your garden’s potential.

This technique involves planting two crops in the same space at the same time—one matures quickly, while the other takes longer.

For example, radishes grow fast and can be harvested before slower-growing carrots need more room. Green onions can fit between lettuce heads without competing for space.

By pairing crops with different growth rates and root depths, you ensure that no space goes to waste.

Relay Planting for Continuous Production

Instead of harvesting an entire bed at once and leaving it empty, relay planting lets you stagger plantings within the same area.

As soon as one crop nears the end of its harvest, another is already growing in its place.

For example, you can plant rows of lettuce every two weeks so that by the time one batch is ready to harvest, the next is already growing.

This keeps your garden beds in use and prevents long gaps between harvests.

Row-by-Row Replanting for Efficiency

Rather than replanting an entire bed at once, you can replace crops one row at a time.

This method works especially well for bush beans, peas, and salad greens, where you can harvest a section and immediately replant it.

Row-by-row replanting not only ensures a steady supply of fresh produce but also makes it easier to manage crops at different stages of growth.

Using Vertical Space

If you're short on space, vertical gardening can help you fit more crops into your garden.

Instead of sprawling across the ground, plants like cucumbers, pole beans, and peas can be trained to grow on trellises. This frees up valuable garden space for other crops, while also making harvesting easier.

Managing Harvest and Extending Crop Life

Your garden doesn’t stop producing just because you’ve harvested a crop. With the right harvesting techniques and planning, you can keep plants producing longer, reduce waste, and enjoy fresh food for months.

Harvesting to Encourage Continuous Growth

Some crops will keep growing if you harvest them the right way. Leafy greens like lettuce, kale, and Swiss chard can be harvested using the “cut-and-come-again” method.

Instead of pulling the entire plant, you snip the outer leaves, allowing the plant to keep producing new growth.

For crops like beans and zucchini, frequent harvesting encourages the plant to produce more. If you leave beans on the plant too long, it stops making new pods.

Picking zucchini when they’re small prevents them from over-maturing, ensuring the plant continues to grow new fruits.

Using Shade and Moisture to Prevent Bolting

Some plants, especially spinach, lettuce, and cilantro, tend to bolt (flower and go to seed) in hot weather. Once they bolt, the leaves turn bitter, and the plant stops producing.

To slow down bolting, provide some shade during the hottest part of the day. You can use shade cloth, plant them near taller crops, or grow them in a spot that gets morning sun but afternoon shade.

Keeping the soil evenly moist also helps prevent stress that triggers bolting. Water deeply and regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.

Knowing When to Stop Planting Certain Crops

Not all crops can be replanted throughout the season. Peas and spinach struggle in summer heat, so it's best to plant them in early spring and again in late summer for a fall harvest.

Warm-season crops like cucumbers and beans can handle multiple plantings through summer. Keeping track of your planting schedule helps you replant at the right time for the best results.

Letting Some Plants Self-Seed for Bonus Harvests

Certain plants, like lettuce, dill, and cilantro, will naturally drop seeds and regrow on their own if left in the garden. While this isn’t as predictable as planned succession planting, it can give you extra harvests with little effort.

By harvesting wisely, providing the right conditions, and knowing when to replant, you’ll get the most out of your garden while keeping plants productive for as long as possible.

Soil Health and Crop Rotation in Succession Planting

If you want a productive garden season after season, taking care of your soil is just as important as what you plant.

With frequent planting, your soil can lose nutrients, leading to weaker plants and more pest and disease problems. A smart crop rotation strategy keeps your garden soil healthy while ensuring your plants thrive.

How Frequent Planting Affects Your Soil

Every time you grow a crop, it takes nutrients from the soil. Some plants, like tomatoes, squash, and corn, are heavy feeders and use up large amounts of nutrients. If you don’t replenish the soil, future plantings may struggle to grow properly.

On the other hand, certain crops, like peas and beans, actually improve the soil by fixing nitrogen—an essential nutrient for plant growth.

Rotating crops that deplete nutrients with those that restore them helps keep your soil balanced.

Using Crop Rotation to Keep Your Soil Healthy

Instead of planting the same crop in the same spot year after year, rotate plant families to maintain soil fertility.

If you grew tomatoes in one area this season, plant leafy greens or beans in that space next season instead of another heavy feeder like peppers.

This simple change reduces nutrient depletion while also preventing soil-borne diseases and pests that tend to build up when the same crops are planted repeatedly.

Adding Organic Matter to Improve Soil Quality

Your soil needs a steady supply of nutrients to stay fertile. Adding compost, aged manure, or cover crops between successions replenishes essential nutrients.

Cover crops like clover and rye can be planted between seasons to improve soil structure and prevent erosion.

Mulching with straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and slowly add organic matter back into the soil.

These simple steps ensure your soil stays rich and productive for every new planting.

Pest and Disease Control in Succession Planting

A garden that’s always growing is great for fresh harvests, but it also creates the perfect conditions for pests and diseases to settle in.

Unlike traditional gardening, where soil rests between plantings, succession planting keeps beds active, making it important to take proactive steps to protect your crops.

How Succession Planting Helps Reduce Pests and Diseases

One advantage of succession planting is that it naturally disrupts pest life cycles. Many insects lay eggs near their favorite crops, expecting food to be available when their larvae hatch.

By switching crops and staggering planting times, you make it harder for pests to establish themselves.

Diseases work the same way. Fungal and bacterial infections often spread through infected plant debris. When you rotate plant families and ensure good airflow, you reduce the chances of disease lingering from one planting to the next.

Using Row Covers for Protection

One of the easiest ways to keep pests away is by using row covers. These lightweight fabrics protect young plants from flea beetles, aphids, and other insects that target tender leaves.

For crops like arugula and turnips, row covers can prevent serious damage without using chemicals.

Since row covers can also trap heat, remove them once plants are strong enough or when pollination is needed for fruiting crops like cucumbers and squash.

Companion Planting to Deter Pests

Certain plants naturally repel pests, making them great companions for succession planting. For example, marigolds help keep aphids away, while basil can deter thrips and whiteflies.

By pairing pest-fighting plants with your successions, you can reduce insect problems while keeping your garden productive.

Practicing Good Garden Hygiene to Prevent Disease

Keeping your garden clean is one of the best ways to prevent disease. Remove dead plants, fallen leaves, and any rotting vegetables to stop fungal spores and harmful bacteria from spreading.

Watering also plays a big role in disease prevention. Overhead watering can leave leaves wet for too long, encouraging fungal problems like powdery mildew.

Instead, water at the base of your plants to keep moisture where it’s needed without increasing disease risk.

By combining crop rotation, row covers, companion planting, and good garden hygiene, you’ll keep pests and diseases under control without relying on chemicals.

Common Challenges and Solutions in Succession Planting

Even with careful planning, succession planting comes with a few challenges. You might end up with too much of one crop, planting delays due to weather, or unexpected pest problems.

The good news? With a little flexibility, you can adjust and keep your garden thriving.

Avoiding Overlapping Harvests and Oversupply

One of the most common mistakes is planting too much too soon. If your successions are too close together, you may end up with more produce than you can use at once.

To prevent this, track your planting and harvest dates. If lettuce usually takes six weeks to mature but you planted a new batch every two weeks, you may end up with too much lettuce at once.

Adjusting the timing based on actual growth rates helps spread out your harvests.

Dealing with Weather-Related Planting Delays

Unpredictable weather can throw off your schedule. A heatwave can make cool-weather crops bolt, while a cold spell can slow down germination.

The best way to handle this is by staying flexible. If your seedlings aren’t ready for transplanting due to unexpected cold, wait a few extra days to avoid stunting their growth.

If extreme heat is expected, provide shade for young plants or delay planting until conditions improve.

Adjusting Succession Schedules for Better Results

No succession planting schedule is perfect the first time. Your plants may mature faster or slower than expected, or you may find that certain successions overlap too much.

The best way to fine-tune your planting plan is to take notes on what worked and what didn’t. If your second planting of beans was too close to the first, space them out more next time.

If a crop ran out too soon, schedule the next planting earlier.

Over time, these small adjustments will help you grow more food with less stress.

Keep Your Garden Productive All Season Long!

Succession planting is one of the most effective ways to maximize your garden’s productivity while ensuring a steady supply of fresh vegetables throughout the season.

By carefully planning your planting schedule, selecting the right crops, and using a well-structured succession planting chart, you can eliminate gaps in production and make the most of your available space.

While succession planting requires careful planning, the rewards are well worth the effort.

With the right techniques in place, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown produce for an extended season while making the most of every inch of your growing space.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

How do I figure out the best planting intervals for my crops?

The best intervals depend on how fast your crops grow and how long they stay harvestable. Quick growers like lettuce, radishes, and spinach can be replanted every 2–3 weeks for a steady supply. Crops that take longer, like carrots and beans, should be spaced 3–4 weeks apart. For tomatoes, peppers, and other long-season crops, it’s best to plant early, mid-season, and late varieties instead of replanting frequently.

Keeping a garden journal or tracking your planting dates helps you adjust future successions based on actual growth times in your climate.

What are the easiest crops for succession planting?

If you're new to succession planting, leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and Swiss chard are great starting points because they grow quickly and can be harvested multiple times. Radishes and carrots are also easy, as they can be replanted every few weeks.

For warm-weather planting, bush beans and cucumbers work well in successive plantings, while peas are perfect for cool-season rotations.

Can I use succession planting in a small garden or containers?

Absolutely! Succession planting works especially well in small spaces because it maximizes what you can grow. In containers, focus on fast-growing crops like lettuce, green onions, and radishes, which can be replanted often.

You can also try vertical gardening by growing cucumbers or pole beans on a trellis to free up space. Intercropping, where you plant quick crops between slow-growing ones, is another great way to make the most of a small area.

How do I keep my soil healthy when planting continuously?

To avoid nutrient depletion, rotate your crops so you’re not planting the same family in the same spot every time. Adding compost, aged manure, or organic fertilizers between plantings helps replenish nutrients.

Some plants, like peas and beans, actually improve soil by adding nitrogen. Using mulch and cover crops also helps retain moisture and maintain soil structure, keeping your garden productive over multiple successions.

What’s the best way to track my succession planting schedule?

A succession planting chart—whether on paper, in a spreadsheet, or through a garden app—is the best way to keep track of sowing, transplanting, and harvest dates. Many gardeners also use a garden journal to record what was planted, how well it grew, and any adjustments needed for next season.

For tech-friendly tracking, garden planning apps can help by suggesting planting dates based on your frost dates and climate conditions.