Succession planting is an effective method to ensure continuous harvests throughout the growing season. By staggering the planting times of crops, you can maximize the productivity of your garden. This guide will help you understand how to implement succession planting, specifically tailored for the UK climate.
What is Succession Planting?
Succession planting involves sowing seeds of the same crop at regular intervals to ensure a continuous supply of fresh vegetables. This technique helps avoid gluts and ensures that you have a steady harvest throughout the season.
Benefits of Succession Planting
- Continuous Harvest: Provides a regular supply of fresh produce.
- Efficient Use of Space: Makes full use of garden space by keeping the soil productive.
- Reduced Risk: Minimizes the impact of pests and diseases by spreading out the planting times.
- Variety and Freshness: Ensures a diverse range of vegetables available at different times.
How to Plan Succession Planting
- Choose Crops Wisely: Select crops that are suitable for succession planting, such as lettuce, radishes, spinach, and carrots.
- Stagger Planting Times: Sow seeds every 1-3 weeks to ensure a continuous harvest.
- Use Different Varieties: Choose early, mid, and late-season varieties to extend the harvesting period.
- Maintain Soil Health: Regularly add compost or organic matter to keep the soil fertile.
Example Succession Planting Schedule
| Crop | Planting Interval | First Planting | Second Planting | Third Planting | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lettuce | Every 2 weeks | Early April | Mid April | Late April | Choose different varieties |
| Radishes | Every 2 weeks | Early April | Mid April | Late April | Harvest as they mature |
| Carrots | Every 3 weeks | Early April | Late April | Mid May | Thin seedlings as needed |
| Spinach | Every 2 weeks | Early April | Mid April | Late April | Keep soil moist |
| French Beans | Every 3 weeks | Late May | Mid June | Early July | Support with stakes or trellis |
Tips for Successful Succession Planting
- Track Planting Dates: Keep a garden journal to track planting dates and varieties used.
- Monitor Weather: Be aware of the local weather conditions to adjust planting times if necessary.
- Regular Maintenance: Ensure regular watering, weeding, and pest control to keep plants healthy.
- Harvest Promptly: Harvest crops as soon as they are ready to make room for the next planting.
Succession Planting Guide
| Crop | Notes | Planting Interval |
|---|---|---|
| Beetroot | Move undercover during winter; adjust for low light | Every 3 weeks |
| Carrots | Can be planted in succession, adjust for winter light | Every 3 weeks |
| Chard | Suitable for year-round; protect during frost | Every 4 weeks |
| French Beans | Not frost-tolerant; use cloches in early spring/late autumn | Every 3 weeks |
| Lettuce | Ideal for succession; move undercover in winter | Every 2 weeks |
| Microgreens | Can be grown indoors year-round | Every 1 week |
| Pak Choi | Tolerates cooler weather; cover in severe frost | Every 3 weeks |
| Peas | Use frost protection for early/late planting | Every 2-3 weeks |
| Radishes | Succession plant every 2-3 weeks; can grow in cooler temps | Every 2-3 weeks |
| Rocket | Tolerates cooler weather; protect in severe frost | Every 2 weeks |
| Spinach | Grow in cooler months; protect during frost | Every 2-3 weeks |
| Spring Onions | Suitable for year-round; adjust for low light | Every 3-4 weeks |
| Turnip | Plant in cooler months; cover in severe frost | Every 3-4 weeks |
Are you looking to maximize your garden's productivity and ensure a continuous harvest throughout the growing season? Our dynamic succession planting template is designed just for you!
Features of the Template:
- Customizable Sowing Dates: Enter your first sowing date, and the template will automatically calculate subsequent planting dates based on each crop's days to maturity.
- Comprehensive Crop List: Includes a variety of common crops like Beetroot, Carrots, Lettuce, and more, tailored specifically for UK gardening conditions.
- Dynamic Date Calculations: Automatically adjusts planting intervals to help you plan effectively.
- User-Friendly Format: Easy to fill out and print, making garden planning straightforward and efficient.
Benefits:
- Optimize Your Harvest: Ensure a steady supply of fresh produce throughout the season by planting at optimal intervals.
- Save Time: Automated date calculations reduce the hassle of manual planning.
- Stay Organized: Keep track of your planting schedule and varieties all in one place.
How to Use our succession planting template:
- Download the Template: Click the link below to download the Excel file.
- Enter Your First Sowing Date: Input your first sowing date in the designated cell.
- Plan Your Garden: The template will automatically fill in the subsequent planting dates for each crop, helping you plan your garden efficiently.
Download our succession planting calculator
Download is an Excel file. Enter your own date at the top of the document and the template will update with a 10-week sowing plan