2. SUCCESSION PLANTING
Definition:
Succession planting is the practice of planting crops in a sequence to ensure a continuous supply of fresh produce throughout the growing season. This technique maximizes productivity and helps you make the most of your garden’s space.
Benefits:
Continuous Harvest: By planning your plantings strategically, you can enjoy a steady stream of harvests, rather than a single large yield at once.
Maximization of Space: Succession planting allows you to frequently replant beds as soon as crops are harvested, leaving no plot of land unused.
How to Implement:
To implement succession planting, begin by selecting fast-maturing crops that can be followed by another crop. For example:
After harvesting lettuce in spring, consider planting a quick-growing crop like radishes or spinach.
In the late summer, once you’ve harvested early crops, plant a fall harvest crop such as kale or turnips.
Leafy Greens: Start with lettuce or spinach in early spring, then follow up with fast-growing crops like radishes or arugula.
Carrots: Sow early in the season, and as you harvest, replant with beets or turnips.
Peas: Plant in early spring and follow with a summer crop like bush beans.
Zucchini: Plant in mid-summer after an early crop, like lettuce, is harvested.
Kale: Start with kale in early spring, then follow up with a fall crop of turnips or radishes.
Swish Chard: After harvesting spring crops, sow chard for a late summer harvest.
Sweet Corn: Plant sequentially every couple of weeks for a continuous harvest through summer.
Bok Choy: An early-season crop that can be followed by warmer-season crops like tomatoes.
Cucumbers: Plant after an early harvest of radishes; they enjoy the same growing conditions.
Pumpkins: Plant in mid-summer after harvesting other early crops like peas or lettuce.