Late-Summer Succession Planting for Abundant Harvests

Every gardener dreams of a thriving, harvest-filled plot from spring through fall. Yet, even with careful planning, gaps inevitably pop up. Maybe the squash finished early, disease took out your beans, or your spring lettuce finally called it quits. The beauty of succession planting, especially in summer, is how it gives those empty spaces new purpose and lets you squeeze more bounty from your soil.

Plants grown alongside each other very closely tend to support each other. Keeping those beds full not only maximizes your yield but also reduces weed pressure, supports healthy soil, and helps deter pests. Plus, it’s a chance to outsmart Mother Nature’s curveballs.

What Makes a Great Late Summer Succession Crop?

Not all crops are cut out for a fast summer turnaround, especially when it’s hot and you’d rather be sipping lemonade or a cocktail than tending finicky seedlings. The best summer succession picks share a few traits:

• Quick maturity: Choose varieties that reach harvest in 30–60 days.

• Heat tolerance: Seeds should germinate and thrive in warm soil and intense sun.

• Low maintenance: Bonus points if they don’t need trellising, seed trays, or a ton of fuss.

• Volume: Make sure the harvest is worth the space, unless you’re simply after looks or a cover crop.

Keep it simple: direct sow, mulch, water, and let summer do its thing.

5 Fast, Heat-Loving Picks

Let’s dive into some tried-and-true crops perfect for mid-to-late summer plantings:

1. Cucumbers: Bush Types for Quick Wins

Many bush and patio varieties reach maturity in under 60 days and sprawl easily in raised beds or garden corners. No trellis? No problem. They mature quickly and are great for avoiding pests that might limit the harvest. Try varieties bred for containers and enjoy a speedy refresh of your salad game.

2. Bush Beans: Nitrogen-Fixing Champions

Bush beans are your go-to for filling in random spaces because they don’t need pollinators and mature rapidly, often within 60 days. Tuck a few seeds beside taller summer crops for a little shade or use them after something that depleted soil nitrogen. Frequent picking keeps them tender and abundant.

3. Okra: Almost Foolproof for Hot Summers

Okra loves heat so much that I often wait until late June to plant my main crop. Fast-maturing types like Annie Oakley hit harvest in 45 days, while others like Clemson Spineless take just a little longer. Okra’s resilience to pests and beautiful flowers make it ideal for both practical and ornamental purposes.

4. Summer Squash: Zucchini on Demand

Compact bush varieties of zucchini and yellow squash are superstars, maturing in as little as 45 days. Late summer is sometimes the best window for avoiding squash vine borer, and frequent harvests keep the fruit coming. If you get overwhelmed by abundance, don’t hesitate to pull tired plants and reclaim that bed for something new.

5. Arugula: Spicy Greens in a Flash

Arugula thrives with baby leaves ready in as little as 20 days. It handles the heat better if you can provide some afternoon shade and plenty of water. I recommend succession sowing every couple of weeks for a continuous fresh supply. Heat-tolerant varieties like Rocket and Sandy are best for midsummer trials.

Setting Your Succession Up for Success

Before tucking new seeds into spent spaces, fluff up the soil with a bit of compost to replenish nutrients and combat compaction. And don’t forget mulch, critical in retaining moisture, suppressing weeds, and cooling the root zone so crops withstand summer’s fiercest days.

Short-season growers (zones 3–4) may have tighter turnarounds; stick to the fastest-maturing options or shift focus to fall crops if time is tight. Remember, gardening isn’t linear. It’s dynamic. Embrace the surprises and stay flexible.

Keep Your Beds Full, Your Soil Happy, and Your Harvests Coming

Late summer doesn’t have to mean garden fatigue. With strategic succession planting, you can keep your space lively and productive all the way into fall. Whether you’re after a few bonus cucumbers or want a burst of fresh beans, there’s always room for one more crop. Next time you see a bare patch, remember: every season offers a new chance to just grow something.

More details are available in Episode 258 - 5 Quick Crops to Fill Summer Garden Gaps

Ready to skip the rest of summer and jump right into fall? I hear ya’! Join my free Fall Garden Challenge for five days of emails to take you right into the fall garden bounty (and ease!).

Your Friend in the Garden,

Karin