Growseed has compiled a list of crops that are very well-suited for successive planting across the growing season.
If you plan to save money or produce an going supply for your own family. These are the crops you can plant at set intervals across the growing season, to provide a steady supply of high-quality and great tasting vegetables.
Plant these crops in succession:
Carrots, Spinach, Radish, Rocket, Lettuce, Beetroot, Spring Onions, Chard, Turnip, Peas & French Beans* sow in regular batches for a continued all year round supply
*French beans the last sowing should be around early august and sow undercover ideally in a greenhouse or polytunnel, you can start sowing these again from March the following year.
Courgettes, cucumbers, runners beans, sweetcorn can be sown until mid July due to the ever changing UK climate harvest is possible on these crops well into October and sometimes November (if undercover and no heavy frost)
Gluts & Shortages
Both are common themes with allotment holders. I’m sure we have all wondered what to do with a never ending supply of courgettes or 100s of runner beans.
However with some careful planning, and sowing little, regular batches of seed gluts and shortages can be a thing of the past.
Why is succession planting important
No matter if you have a little or large allotment, a back garden or a few pots on a window. Succession planting ensures you have maximum productivity throughout the growing season and in some cases beyond.
Planting in succession increases plant yield and crop waste.
As the cost of living increases it could also help reduce your food bill.
What not to plant in succession.
Long season crops such as Aubergines, Peppers, Tomatoes require and early start and a long growing season so are best left to an early sowing. Brussel sprouts and leeks again have a long growing season and can be left in the garden until harvest is required.
Onions, Garlic and Pumpkins store very well and in some cases can be stored for 9+ months although we do recommend sowing spring onions on regular intervals.
Brassicas & Cauliflower’s
Cabbages, Kale, Broccoli, Calabrese and Cauliflowers both have a long growing season however with time and care with sowing you can plan harvests through out the year.
While this is not a true rule to succession planting we do recommend 2-3 sowings for Spring & Summer harvest and 3-4 regular sowings for Winter and Autumn.