The Ultimate Guide to Companion Planting, Crop Rotation and Succession Techniques 

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.