Succession Planting: Maximizing Your Harvest
Succession planting is a simple yet powerful technique that allows gardeners to make the most of their space by continuously growing crops throughout the season. At Gardening Well, we use succession planting to ensure a steady supply of fresh produce while improving soil health and reducing waste.
Why Succession Planting Works
Instead of planting everything at once and harvesting in a single wave, succession planting staggers sowing times to extend the growing season. This method:
- Prevents gaps in harvests and ensures a continuous food supply
- Reduces the risk of crop failure due to weather or pests
- Maximizes space by replacing harvested crops with new plantings
- Improves soil health by rotating different plant types
How We Use Succession Planting
1. Staggered Sowing for Continuous Harvests
One of our most successful succession planting experiments involved lettuce and spinach. Instead of planting all at once, we sowed small batches every two weeks, ensuring a steady supply of fresh greens throughout the season. This method worked so well that we shared the results on social media, showing how easy it is to avoid the dreaded "lettuce glut."
2. Replacing Early Crops with Late-Season Varieties
After harvesting early-season radishes and peas, we immediately replanted the space with carrots and kale. This approach keeps the soil active and productive while reducing bare patches that attract weeds.
3. Companion Planting for Better Growth
We’ve combined succession planting with companion planting to improve yields. For example, we plant basil alongside tomatoes, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh herbs while deterring pests naturally.
4. Using Vertical Space for Extended Growing
To maximize space, we’ve experimented with vertical succession planting. Zack helped build a trellis system where we first grew peas, then replaced them with climbing beans later in the season. This method keeps the garden productive without expanding its footprint.
Lessons from Our Garden
One of our biggest takeaways from succession planting is the importance of planning. Sam has been tracking planting schedules and sharing updates on social media, showing how simple adjustments can lead to bigger harvests.
Get Started with Succession Planting
Want to try succession planting in your own garden? Start with these steps:
- Plan your sowing schedule based on crop maturity times
- Rotate crops to maintain soil health
- Use fast-growing varieties to fill gaps between harvests
- Experiment with vertical planting to maximize space
For more tips, visit our Eco-Friendly Gardening Tips page.
Succession planting keeps your garden productive—start today.