The summer solstice is here already and I haven't even finished planting my garden! If you haven't finished planting your garden yet don't fret there is still plenty of time. In fact because we live in such a great growing climate there is always something that can be planted to produce food every month of the year.

The peas, garlic and onions are just about finished so it's time to think about what to put in their place. It's called succession planting when you follow one plant or crop with another and it makes perfect sense to optimize your gardening space by keeping it occupied and producing. Now, if you are thinking that the soil might get worn out and depleted you would be right. Fortunately we know what to do to replenish the soil, add compost and mulch. It's also a good idea to add a complete organic fertilizer when you re-plant.
Here's an example of succession planting that I am going to implement.

Since my peas are about finished I am going to cut them off at ground level leaving the roots in the ground because they are full of nutrients that the next crop can use. I will pull the vines from the trellis add some compost and re-plant with cucumbers. The cukes will love the nitrogen the peas left behind and the trellis is already in place. Other crops that can be planted in the next month as space opens up are, bush beans, beets, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, radish, spinach, turnip, collards, lettuce, zucchini and yellow crook neck squashes as well as Brussels sprouts.