Cultivating A Continuous Garden Through Succession Planting

On Today’s Podcast Episode Harold and Rachel Discuss Succession Planting, What It Is, The Benefits and Challenges Of It, And How To Implement Succession Planting Into Your Garden.

The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 211 – July 10, 2023

Listen To The Podcast

Listen and Subscribe On Your Favorite Podcast Player

Fountain | SpotifyApple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Amazon Music | Stitcher | Pocket Casts | Castbox | Breaker | RadioPublic | Anchor | YouTube Playlist | RSS


Succession Planting

What is succession planting?

  • Two or more crops in succession: On the same field where one crop has just been harvested, another is planted.
  • Same crop, successive plantings: Several smaller plantings are made at timed intervals, rather than all at once. The plants mature at staggered dates, establishing a continuous harvest over an extended period.
  • Two or more crops simultaneously: Non-competing crops, often with different maturity dates, are planted together in various patterns. Intercropping is one pattern approach; companion planting is a related, complementary practice. This method is also known as Interplanting: The practice of growing two types of plants in the same space.
  • Same crop, different maturity dates: Several varieties are selected, with different maturity dates: early, main season, late. Planted at the same time, the varieties mature one after the other over the season.

Importance and benefits of succession planting in the garden

  • Maximizes garden productivity
  • Protects soil

Planning for Succession Planting

  • Understanding your climate and growing season
  • Assessing available space and garden layout
  • Determining plant maturity and harvest times
  • Importance of crop rotation in succession planting

Implementing Succession Planting

  • Scheduling planting dates and intervals
  • Choosing appropriate plant varieties for successive planting
  • Managing soil fertility and amendments between plantings
  • Proper care and maintenance during different stages of growth

Extending the Growing Season

  • Utilizing season extenders like row covers and cold frames
  • Taking advantage of microclimates in your garden
  • Planting cool-season and warm-season crops in succession
  • Overwintering crops for early spring harvests

Dealing with Challenges

  • Pest and disease management in succession planting
  • Addressing nutrient depletion and soil health issues
  • Managing weeds in successive plantings
  • Avoiding common mistakes

Harvesting Successive Crops

  • Timing and methods for harvesting successive plantings
  • Maximizing yield and quality during harvest

This Week’s Recommended Books

  • Harold’s Pick – Teaming With Microbes: The Organic Gardener’s Guide to the Soil Food Web by Jeff Lowenfels and Wayne Lewis – https://amzn.to/3CRt1Xq 
  • Rachel’s Pick – Four Season Harvest: Organic Vegetables from Your Garden All Year Long by Elliot Colman- https://amzn.to/3JyvUAi 

Listen On YouTube

Thank You For Sharing

Leave a Reply