Succession planting maximizes harvest by planting a second crop immediately after the first finishes. When the spring pea harvest concludes, the vacated garden bed is primed for a new planting that can yield a substantial second crop. Peas, as members of the legume family, leave behind a unique advantage in the soil. Selecting the right follow-up plants ensures a thriving, productive garden space.
The Soil Advantage Left by Peas
Peas enrich the soil through a natural partnership with beneficial bacteria called Rhizobia. These microscopic organisms reside in specialized nodules on the pea plant’s roots. They convert nitrogen gas from the atmosphere into a form plants can absorb directly. As the pea plants mature, they deposit usable nitrogen into the surrounding soil. When the pea vines are removed, the nitrogen-rich root nodules remain and decay, slowly releasing a nutrient boost that makes the soil fertile for the subsequent crop.
Heavy Feeders: Ideal Crops to Follow
The nitrogen left by peas is a perfect food source for “heavy feeders,” which require high levels of this nutrient for lush growth. Leafy greens, brassicas, and fruiting vegetables benefit from this natural soil amendment, making this planting a foundational principle of efficient crop rotation.
Brassicas
The brassica family, including broccoli, cabbage, and kale, are excellent choices because they demand significant nitrogen to produce dense, leafy heads. Transplanting late-season broccoli seedlings into the former pea bed allows them to rapidly establish and grow, utilizing the abundant nitrogen for large yields before the first hard frost.
Cucurbits
Cucurbits, such as summer squash, zucchini, and cucumbers, are also heavy feeders that thrive in this enriched environment. These sprawling plants require a constant supply of nutrients to support rapid growth and fruit production. Planting zucchini seeds directly after the pea vines are cleared provides the mid-summer nutritional foundation for their vigorous growth.
Fruiting Crops
Fruiting crops like tomatoes, peppers, and sweet corn are highly demanding of nitrogen during their initial growth phase. Setting out tomato or pepper transplants encourages strong vegetative growth and a robust framework before they switch energy to fruit development. Sweet corn, a notably heavy feeder, also benefits from the pea’s nitrogen legacy, helping to produce taller stalks and larger ears.
Succession Planting and Quick Turnaround Prep
Succession planting requires a speedy transition to capitalize on the available space and nutrients. Prepare the bed by cutting the pea vines off at the soil line, leaving the entire root system intact. This ensures the nitrogen-rich root nodules remain in the ground to decompose and feed the new crop.
The soil should be lightly worked to loosen the surface without deep tilling. While nitrogen is plentiful, the soil benefits from a light application of a slow-release amendment rich in phosphorus and potassium. These nutrients support flower, fruit, and root development, balancing the high nitrogen level.
Spring pea harvests typically fall in early to mid-summer, an ideal window for planting crops that mature in the late summer or fall. Direct-seeding quick-maturing leafy greens or transplanting heat-tolerant brassicas ensures continuous production. A quick turnaround maintains soil health and suppresses weed growth.
Crops to Never Plant After Peas
To maintain soil health and prevent pest and disease buildup, certain crops should never follow peas. The most important group to avoid is other legumes, such as beans or peanuts. Since they belong to the same family, they are susceptible to the same soil-borne diseases, like Fusarium wilt, which can infect the subsequent crop and sabotage the rotation.
Root vegetables are another category to skip because they do not perform well in high-nitrogen soil. Carrots, radishes, and beets primarily need phosphorus and potassium to form large, healthy roots. Excessive nitrogen encourages large, leafy top growth at the expense of the root, leading to poor harvest quality. High nitrogen can also cause root crops to “fork,” or split into multiple strands.