Successive Sowing: Keep it Coming!Updated 14 days ago

Successive sowing is a technique that ensures a continuous harvest of fresh vegetables and flowers throughout the growing season. Here's a concise guide to practicing successive sowing in your garden.

What is Successive Sowing?

Successive sowing involves planting seeds in intervals rather than all at once. This staggered approach extends the harvest period, providing a steady supply of crops rather than a single, overwhelming yield.

When to Sow

Start sowing as soon as the soil is workable in the spring. Continue sowing every 1-3 weeks, depending on the crop, to ensure a continuous harvest. Refer to seed packets for specific timing recommendations.

Outdoor Sowing

Choose a sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil. Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any weeds. Sow seeds according to the depth and spacing instructions on the seed packet. Water gently after planting and maintain consistent moisture, especially during the germination phase.

Indoor Sowing

For crops that require a longer growing season, start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Use seed trays and a light, well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and provide plenty of light. Transplant seedlings outdoors once they are strong enough and the weather is suitable.

Care and Maintenance

Regularly monitor your garden to identify when it's time to sow the next round of seeds. Keep the soil fertile by adding compost or a balanced fertilizer between sowings. Water consistently, and mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. As you harvest, clear space for the next sowing, and rotate crops to maintain soil health.

Pests and Diseases

Pests like aphids and caterpillars can be an issue with successive sowing due to the continuous presence of young plants. Use row covers or organic pest control methods to protect your crops. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.

Harvesting

Harvest crops as they mature, ensuring you leave enough space for new sowings. Be mindful of the specific harvesting requirements for each plant, as some may need to be picked frequently to encourage further production.

Garden Use

Successive sowing is ideal for crops like lettuce, radishes, carrots, and beans that mature quickly and can be planted multiple times in a season. It’s also effective for flowers that benefit from a prolonged blooming period, such as zinnias and sunflowers.

For further details, visit the full guide on the Botanical Interests Blog.