This list is a great guide to determine how many plants to buy for your family’s consumption. Hope this helps. Note that you should buy more than the suggested amount if you are fond of some specific veggies.
Cool‑Season Vegetables
(Spring + Fall; frost tolerant)
| Vegetable | Plants Per Person | Notes |
| Beets | 10–20 | Plant in waves for continuous harvest |
| Broccoli | 3–5 | Side shoots extend harvest |
| Cabbage | 3–4 | Good storage crop |
| Carrots | 30–40 | Succession planting recommended |
| Cauliflower | 2–3 | One-and-done harvest |
| Garlic | 10–20 | Planted in fall; stores well |
| Kale | 3–5 | Long season; heavy producer |
| Lettuce (Head) | 4–6 | Plant monthly for continuous supply |
| Lettuce (Leaf) | 6–10 | Cut-and-come-again stretches harvest |
| Onions (Bulb) | 20–40 | Depends on cooking habits |
| Peas | 15–20 | Short season; plant twice for more |
| Radishes | 20–30 | Fast-growing; succession plant |
| Spinach | 10–15 | Spring + fall crop |
| Swiss Chard | 2–3 | One plant produces all season |
Copyright Martin Garden Center 2026
Warm‑Season Vegetables
(After frost; need heat)
| Vegetable | Plants Per Person | Notes |
| Corn | 10–20 | Plant in blocks for pollination; we recommend not planting these at all & instead buying corn ears at your local farmer’s market |
| Cucumbers | 2–3 | Trellising increases yield |
| Eggplant | 1–2 | High yield in warm climates |
| Green Beans (Bush) | 10–15 | For steady picking |
| Green Beans (Pole) | 5–8 | Higher yield per plant |
| Hot Peppers | 1–2 | Very high yield |
| Lettuce (Head) | 4-6 | Plant in the shade during summer; plant monthly for a continuous supply |
| Lettuce (Leaf) | 6-10 | Plant in the shade during summer; Cut-and-come again stretches harvest |
| Okra | 3–5 | Loves heat; steady producer |
| Peppers (Bell & Sweet) | 3–5 | Increase to 6–8 if used often |
| Potatoes | 5–10 | Higher if you eat them frequently |
| Sweet Potatoes | 3–5 slips | Very productive |
| Tomatoes | 3–5 | Double if making sauce |
| Cherry Tomatoes | 1–2 | Very productive |
| Winter Squash | 1–2 | Large space requirement |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | 1–2 | Very productive |
Copyright Martin Garden Center 2026