The transition of spring transitioning into summer is a terrific time to implement your plan for succession planting. This is the strategy of removing one plant or crop and replanting another plant or crop in that space. It’s typically something we think about for the fall crops, but spring into summer is just as good appropriate a time.

Succession Planting Plans

My garden may look static as the moment—so many crops are just sitting there just growing their little hearts away—but there’s movement going on. Here’s how I am slowing implementing my succession planting plan:

Lettuce to Bok Choi

I planted way more romaine lettuce than a person has a right to. In fact, I thought I had planted a Bibb-type variety but the packaging that promised leafy lettuce actually contained a different variety. Romaine-type lettuces have longevity in the garden, so I’ll have 40-some heads to harvest for several weeks to come. Meanwhile, with each head I harvest I replant that space with bok choi seedlings I started in a tray a few weeks ago.

Lettuce to Lettuce

When I transferred the romaine seedlings from my seed-starting tray to the garden, I planted the seedlings in groups of three to five—the roots were intertwined and I didn’t want to damage them. Sometimes when I remove a head of romaine, I spread out those clumps of lettuce.

Garlic to Yard Long Noodle King Beans

My garlic will be ready for harvest in a week or two. I will replant that space with six of the dozen Yard Long Noodle King Bean plants I had seeded in a row a few weeks ago. The reason for the transfer is 1) because I sowed those seeds too close together and 2) these are pole beans, so they will growing viney and tall and will need support. My garlic row is adjacent to the garden fencing, so that will help.

Shallots to Cannellini Beans

Again, my shallots (or are they onions?) are ready to harvest in a week or two. Once those are gone, I’ll move some of my very-quickly-growing cannellini bush beans to that spot. I sowed that bean row waaaay to densely and all the seeds came up and the row is very crowded!

Zucchini to a Bare Spot

I don’t usually grow zucchini from seeds, but I had some old seed around and thought I’d see how they germinate. Success! Now to find room for all six of them. I know I don’t need six zucchini plants. I’ll leave three is the sunny spot I planted them and move the other three to a still-unplanted section of the garden. Okay, so maybe this isn’t the true definition of succession planting. That portion of the garden doesn’t get a whole lot of sun, so it’s the planting space of last resort. The zucchinis that will occupy the shaded space will grow, just not as quickly as the others. That’s okay. If I do get a harvest from that spot, it’ll likely come after the other zucchini plants have produced.

I still have some seedlings of two different types of kale growing in a seed tray. Where will I plant those? That is a very good question. Maybe into pots on the deck. I better get planting. Here’s wishing you success with your succession planting, no matter what season!