Succession sowers
Stagger plantings every 2–3 weeks to extend harvests of fast-maturing crops well into the season.
Calculate based on your crop’s days to maturity minus your average first fall frost date, then count back planting intervals. Lettuce, for example, takes 45–55 days but bolts in heat—so early spring and late summer plantings work best. Beans and radishes mature in 30 days or less, allowing 3–4 small sowings in one season if timed right.
Use a simple broadcast or drill method for small batches to avoid waste, and keep rows labeled with date and variety. Water lightly but consistently after each planting to prevent crusting, especially in fine-textured soils. Refresh seed reserves each planting—don’t reuse old packets unless viability tested, as germination drops sharply after one year.
Cut back or replace slow-growing crops mid-season to make room for fast-turnover picks. For root vegetables like carrots, harvest in stages: pull a few thinnings early for greens, leave others to swell. Keep pest monitoring frequent—smaller plantings can get overwhelmed faster by pests like flea beetles or cabbage loopers.
