Most gardeners think fall signals the winding down of the growing season. But with the right technique, you can actually increase your harvests — not just preserve them. The secret?
Succession planting.
This simple yet powerful method allows you to make the most of your garden space, especially in the cooler months. If your summer crops are spent and you’re eyeing empty soil, it’s the perfect time to plant again — and keep harvesting well into fall.
What Is Succession Planting?
Succession planting is the practice of planting crops in intervals, rather than all at once. It also involves replanting a new crop after one finishes, allowing you to get multiple harvests from the same garden bed or container.
In fall, this strategy is especially effective because:
- The weather is cooler and more stable
- Pests are fewer
- Many crops grow faster in autumn than summer
- You can fill in space left by summer crops (like tomatoes or beans)
Succession planting is the key to maximizing your space and extending your growing season without needing more land.
Why Succession Planting Works So Well in Fall
Fall brings several conditions that make succession planting easier than in spring or summer:
- Moist soil holds water better
- Mature compost is available from summer clean-up
- Cool temperatures reduce stress on young plants
- Fast-growing greens mature quickly in crisp air
- Empty space opens up as summer crops are removed
Even small gardens can benefit. A single raised bed or a few containers can provide two or three harvest rounds in a single fall season.
Best Crops for Fall Succession Planting
Not all crops are suited for rapid turnover, but the following do especially well:
✅ Fast-Growing Greens
- Arugula (20–30 days)
- Lettuce (30–45 days)
- Spinach (30–40 days)
- Mustard greens (30–45 days)
✅ Quick Root Crops
- Radishes (25–35 days)
- Baby carrots (50–60 days)
- Turnips (40–60 days)
- Beets (50–60 days)
✅ Compact Brassicas
- Pak choi (30–45 days)
- Baby kale (25–35 days)
- Cabbage (early varieties, 60 days)
✅ Herbs and Microgreens
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Basil (early fall)
- Microgreens (10–14 days)
These crops thrive in shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures, making them ideal for late planting.
When to Plant Successions in Fall
Timing matters in fall more than in spring because daylight hours are shrinking. The goal is to get crops to maturity before hard frost.
Use this general guide:
| Weeks Before First Frost | What to Plant |
|---|---|
| 8–10 weeks | Kale, chard, carrots, beets |
| 6–8 weeks | Lettuce, spinach, arugula |
| 4–6 weeks | Radishes, turnips, mustard |
| 2–4 weeks | Microgreens, baby greens |
Check your first frost date, then count backward to plan each planting wave.
3 Ways to Practice Fall Succession Planting
There’s more than one way to use succession planting in fall:
1. Stagger Planting of the Same Crop
Instead of planting all your spinach at once, sow half now and half two weeks later. This way, you’ll harvest over time rather than all at once.
2. Replace Spent Crops
Pull out finished summer crops (like bush beans or cucumbers) and replant with fast-growing fall crops.
Example:
Cucumbers end in late August → Sow radishes or arugula in their place.
3. Interplant with Early Harvesters
Pair a fast-growing crop with a slower one. Harvest the fast one early, leaving space for the second to continue.
Example:
Plant radishes next to young kale — radishes will be gone in 30 days, kale will fill in afterward.
How to Plan a Fall Succession Garden
✅ Step 1: Check Your Frost Date
Know when to expect your first hard freeze.
✅ Step 2: List Crops with Days to Maturity
Look at seed packets and count backward to know if there’s enough time left.
✅ Step 3: Prep Soil Between Plantings
After pulling old crops, amend the soil with compost, worm castings, or a mild organic fertilizer.
✅ Step 4: Water and Mulch Consistently
Moisture is key in fall. Use light mulch to keep soil temperature stable.
✅ Step 5: Use Covers for Extended Growing
Floating row covers or cold frames help push crops 2–3 weeks beyond your frost date.
Mistakes to Avoid with Fall Successions
- Planting too late — Crops grow slower in short days
- Ignoring frost timelines — Some crops won’t tolerate cold
- Reusing depleted soil — Refresh between plantings
- Skipping planning — Space and timing matter more in fall
- Overcrowding — Keep spacing generous to prevent rot in damp air
Stay ahead of your planting schedule and you’ll avoid losing precious growing time.
Sample Fall Succession Plan (8-Week Window)
| Week | Task |
|---|---|
| 1 | Pull spent crops, add compost |
| 2 | Sow spinach and lettuce |
| 3 | Sow radishes and mustard greens |
| 5 | Sow arugula, cilantro, and beets |
| 6 | Harvest early lettuce, replant kale |
| 7 | Add low hoops and row covers |
| 8 | Start harvesting arugula, radishes |
This rolling plan keeps every square foot productive until the season ends.
FAQs
Can I succession plant in containers?
Yes. Use fresh potting mix and fertilize between plantings. Greens and roots thrive in containers.
What’s the easiest crop to replant in fall?
Radishes — fast, reliable, and great for new gardeners.
Is it too late to succession plant after September?
It depends on your zone. In zones 7–10, fall succession planting can continue into October with row cover protection.
Do I need to fertilize between crops?
Yes. Lightly amend the soil with compost or an all-purpose organic fertilizer to refresh nutrients.
Will my fall crops survive frost?
Many can tolerate light frost (spinach, kale, carrots). Use row covers to extend their life.
Final Thoughts
If you want more harvests this fall, succession planting is your best strategy. It turns one harvest into two or three — even in a small garden. With proper timing, crop choice, and soil care, you’ll enjoy fresh greens, roots, and herbs long after most gardeners have packed up.
Don’t let empty space or cooling weather go to waste.
Plant again. Harvest again. That’s the power of succession planting in fall.