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

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Harnessing the Power of Succession Planting: A Homesteader’s Guide

Introduction to Succession Planting

Join Harold Thornbro and Rachel Jamison as they delve into the topic of succession planting, a vital technique for maximizing garden productivity. In this relaxed conversation, they share insights into their personal experiences with succession planting and its various forms.

The Different Approaches to Succession Planting

Succession planting can be approached in several ways, each with its unique benefits:

Staggered Planting for Continuous Harvest

One common method involves planting crops like lettuce in staggered intervals. This allows for a continuous harvest throughout the growing season, preventing a glut and maintaining freshness.

Replanting After Harvest

Another approach is replanting a bed after harvesting the initial crop. This method is ideal for quick-growing vegetables, enabling multiple harvests from the same space within a single season.

Variety-Based Planting

Planting different varieties of the same vegetable with varying maturity times ensures a steady supply over an extended period, reducing the risk of spoilage.

Intercropping for Efficiency

Intercropping, or planting different crops together, can optimize space usage and even improve plant health through symbiotic relationships.

Planning for Succession Planting

Effective succession planting requires careful planning, considering factors like climate, maturity times, and the potential need for season extension. Utilizing tools like Johnny Seeds’ Excel spreadsheet can simplify the planning process, ensuring timely plantings for continuous productivity.

Benefits of Succession Planting

The advantages of succession planting are numerous:

• Maximizes Garden Productivity: Succession planting ensures that garden space is utilized efficiently throughout the growing season.
• Protects Soil: Continuous planting helps maintain soil health by preventing erosion and nutrient depletion.
• Reduces Overwhelm: Staggering harvests can ease the burden of preserving large quantities of produce at once.
• Culinary Variety: Succession planting allows for a diverse and continuous supply of fresh ingredients for cooking.

Challenges and Considerations

While highly beneficial, succession planting also comes with challenges:

• Soil Depletion: Some crops are heavy feeders and can deplete soil nutrients quickly. Gardeners must replenish the soil between plantings.
• Pest and Disease Management: Crop rotation and careful selection of companion plants can mitigate risks associated with pests and diseases.
• Microclimates and Garden Layout: Understanding the specific conditions of your garden space is crucial for selecting suitable crops for succession planting.

Conclusion

Succession planting is a powerful technique for any homesteader looking to get the most out of their garden. With proper planning and execution, it can lead to a bountiful and continuous harvest, making the gardening experience both rewarding and sustainable.

Links:

• Great Charts and Tools From Johnnyseed – Succession-Planting Interval Chart for Vegetables 
• Row Cover- https://amzn.to/3NIVN1Bhttps://amzn.to/3NIVN1B
• Curtis Stone- Urban Farmer https://amzn.to/3CNZxd4
• Jesse Frost- The Living Soil Handbook https://amzn.to/430YEIY 

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 

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