Johnny’s Seeds Succession Planting Interval Charts: Optimal Planting Timelines
What Is Johnny's Seeds Succession Planting Interval Charts? Johnny's Seeds Succession Planting Interval Charts are a free reference guide that provides rec
What Is Johnny’s Seeds Succession Planting Interval Charts?
Johnny’s Seeds Succession Planting Interval Charts are a free reference guide that provides recommended planting intervals for a wide range of vegetable crops. Rather than a downloadable spreadsheet, these charts present the information in a clean, easy-to-read format that you can view online or print and post in your garden shed. They are part of Johnny’s Selected Seeds’ extensive Grower’s Library, which has been built over decades of research at their trial farm in Maine.
Succession planting is the technique of sowing the same crop at regular intervals throughout the season to maintain a continuous harvest rather than a single glut. The interval between plantings varies significantly by crop — fast-growing radishes might be replanted every 7 to 10 days, while slower-maturing carrots may only need to be sown every 3 weeks. Johnny’s charts distill this information into a quick-reference format so you can plan your season without hunting through seed catalogs for spacing guidelines.
These charts are particularly useful for gardeners who prefer a visual reference over a spreadsheet. You can quickly scan the list of vegetables, find the crop you are growing, and immediately see how many days should pass between each sowing. The charts also include notes on season extension and frost-tolerant varieties, making them a comprehensive planning resource for both spring and fall planting cycles.
Key Features
- Crop-by-Crop Intervals: Detailed recommended days between successive plantings for dozens of popular vegetables, from arugula to zucchini.
- Printable Format: The charts are designed for clean printing on standard letter-size paper, perfect for laminating and posting outdoors.
- Season Extension Notes: Includes guidance on which varieties perform best in cooler fall conditions for late-season succession plantings.
- Frost Tolerance Ratings: Each crop is annotated with its frost sensitivity so you know which successions are safe to push into fall.
- Trial Garden Validated: All interval recommendations are based on real data collected from Johnny’s research farm, not theoretical estimates.
- Free Online Access: View the charts directly in your browser with no download, account, or payment required.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quick-reference format, no software needed | Static data — not interactive or customizable |
| Based on real trial garden data | Intervals calibrated for northern growing zones |
| Easy to print and laminate for outdoor use | No built-in frost date calculator |
| Includes frost tolerance information | Does not account for regional climate variation |
| Completely free with no sign-up | Limited to vegetables in Johnny’s catalog |
Pricing
The Succession Planting Interval Charts are entirely free. They live on Johnny’s website as part of the Grower’s Library, which is one of the most comprehensive free gardening reference collections available online. There are no paywalls, premium versions, or email signup requirements. Simply visit the page, review the charts, and print them if you want a physical copy for your garden workspace.
Johnny’s funds these free resources through seed sales, so if you find the charts helpful, consider supporting the company by purchasing your seeds from them. Their catalog includes organic, conventional, and heirloom options at competitive prices.
How to Use Johnny’s Seeds Succession Planting Interval Charts
Using the charts is simple and requires no special tools:
Step 1: Visit the Succession Planting Interval Charts page on Johnny’s website through their Grower’s Library section.
Step 2: Scan the list of vegetables to find the crops you plan to grow this season. Each crop lists a recommended number of days between successive plantings.
Step 3: Using a calendar, mark your first sowing date for each crop. Then count forward by the recommended interval to determine your next sowing date, and continue through the season.
Step 4: Check the frost tolerance notes for each crop. Crops rated as frost-tolerant can have later successions scheduled into fall, while frost-sensitive crops should be completed well before your average first fall frost date.
Step 5: Print the chart and post it near your seed-starting area or potting bench. Use it as a weekly reference during the growing season to stay on track with your succession sowings.
Who Should Use This Tool?
These charts are ideal for beginner gardeners who are new to succession planting and need clear, authoritative guidance on how often to re-sow each crop. They are equally valuable for experienced market gardeners who want a quick visual reference to double-check their planning. Community garden coordinators can print and distribute copies to members as part of a shared growing guide. Garden educators and Master Gardeners will find them useful as handouts for workshops on succession planting. Anyone who grows vegetables in a climate with a defined frost season — which is most of North America — can benefit from having these charts on hand.
Recommended Products
- The Vegetable Gardener’s Bible: An essential companion to the interval charts, this comprehensive reference book covers planting, spacing, and harvesting for every common backyard vegetable.
- Garden Hose Timer with Programmable Settings: Consistent soil moisture is critical for germinating successive sowings. This timer automates your watering schedule so no planting window is missed.
- Soil Moisture Meter: Monitor moisture levels before each succession sowing to ensure optimal germination conditions. This meter provides instant readings without batteries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the planting intervals the same for all growing zones?
The intervals listed are based on growing conditions in Maine (Zone 5a). Gardeners in warmer southern climates may find they can plant more frequently, while those in very short-season northern zones may need to extend intervals slightly. Use the charts as a starting point and adjust based on your own observations.
Can I use these charts for herbs and flowers?
The charts focus primarily on vegetables. However, many of the same principles apply to cut flowers and culinary herbs. Johnny’s also offers separate resources for cut flower planning in their Grower’s Library.
What if I miss a sowing date?
If you miss a scheduled sowing by a few days, simply plant as soon as you can and adjust subsequent sowings accordingly. Succession planting is forgiving — the goal is consistent harvests, not rigid adherence to a calendar.
Do I need to buy Johnny’s seeds for the intervals to be accurate?
No. The intervals are based on crop biology and maturity rates, not on a specific seed brand. They will work with seeds from any reputable supplier, though actual days to maturity may vary slightly between varieties.
Can I download the charts as a PDF?
The charts are displayed as a web page. You can use your browser’s print function and select “Save as PDF” to create a downloadable copy for offline use.