Defining Succession PlantingSuccession planting is a method of growing that ensures harvest all through the growing season. - University of Saskatchewan
|
|
Benefits of Succession Planting
- Harvest throughout the season
- Take advantage of all the space available
- Reduces soil erosion
- Ensures a root system that supports microbial activity in the soil
- Extends the season
- Build knowledge year over year
- A form of "garden insurance"
Succession Planting - The Basics
This video is a great video showcasing the basics of succession planting.
The Joe Gardener website shares a useful image from Meg Cowden that would need to be adapted to our Zone 3 location; however, it is a useful visual to understand the link between planting and harvesting when succession planting.
The Joe Gardener website shares a useful image from Meg Cowden that would need to be adapted to our Zone 3 location; however, it is a useful visual to understand the link between planting and harvesting when succession planting.
Tips for Succession Planting
In our Zone 3 climate, we should adapt some of our approaches to succession planting to ensure the best harvest. If you're at a more northern latitude, you'll need a few adjustments for the different light cycles, too.
- Experiment with low-cost
- Choose plants with a short lifecycle
- Much of the emphasis on succession planting focuses on planting, but also consider how you will manage the crop when it's time to harvest.
- Know your frost dates
- Monitor soil health
- Plan your succession plantings with rotations, companion planting, and cover crops in mind.
- Combine this with other gardening techniques, such as companion planting, crop rotations, and square foot gardening, to amplify results.