What is succession planting?

Sowing small batches of the same crop at regular intervals, so plants reach harvest at different times, giving a continuous supply rather than a glut.

Which crops are best for succession planting?

Quick-maturing crops: lettuce, radish, rocket, spinach, spring onions, beetroot. These have short harvest windows so benefit most from staggered sowings.

How often should I sow?

Every 2-4 weeks for most salad crops. Match the interval to the harvest window — sow again when the previous batch starts producing.

When should I stop sowing for the season?

Allow enough time for the last sowing to mature before first frosts (typically mid-October in the UK). Count back the crop maturity time.

Which crops benefit most from succession planting?

Lettuce, radishes, spring onions, and salad leaves give the best returns from succession sowing. Sow every 2-3 weeks from March to August for continuous harvest.

GardenCalcs

Succession Planting Calculator — Continuous Harvest

Plan sowing intervals for a continuous harvest throughout the season.

Crop

Harvest Weeks Wanted

Plants per Sowing

How We Calculate This

Sowing interval is based on each crop harvest window. Total sowings = Desired harvest weeks ÷ Sowing interval.

Total plants = Total sowings × Plants per sowing batch.

Maturity times used: Lettuce 8 weeks, Radish 4 weeks, Spinach 6 weeks, Carrot 12 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates based on standard gardening guidelines. Results may vary with soil conditions, climate, and plant varieties.