Friday, February 24, 2012

Succession Planting

In past years I've planted only spinach and lettuce in the spring and then warm weather crops in the summer. One of my goals for this year's garden is to try succession planting in most of the new garden beds. I started my seedlings earlier than usual with hopes that I can harvest them in time to plant new crops in their spaces by early June. Then in late August to early September when the warm weather veggies are starting to die back I will have fall cold weather seedlings ready to plant for  fall/winter harvest.
I wonder if maybe my plan is too ambitious?  But it will be a learning experience at least.
Below is my planting plan for each season. I know it's hard to read what crops I'm planting, but as I plant the beds I'll go into the details.

The new raised beds will be next to the garage and the driveway. This area gets full sun except for the back of the yard by the compost bin which is is in shade for part of the day. We plan to expand the fence to protect the beds next to the driveway. The smaller squares and rectangles are pots/ containers.

Spring:

Within the next few weeks I'll be planting the seedlings I've started in the garden: onions, lettuce, spinach, kohlrabi, kale, swiss chard, broccoli, cauliflower as well as carrot, beet, bok choy and pea seeds.

Summer:
I know that weather will dictate how successful the summer crop will be. I have some quick growing bush beans ready if any of the crops get diseased or if I get an invasion of squash vine borers
I'm not sure of I'll get to planting the grapes this year or not. But I hope to at least get the bed ready for planting next year. I'm trying to plant some things that veggie-hater JR will eat, one of which is concord grapes. Most if the other veggies will be eaten fresh, canned or frozen for myself.

Fall:

In the fall I plant to repeat most of the spring plantings but increase the numbers to freeze/store for the winter. I will also plant more cucumbers and peas and also some garlic. It will be interesting to see if and how well this works for me.







3 comments:

  1. Looks like a great plan. I wish I was able to be that well planned out :-)

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  2. Very nice plan. Hope it all works out!

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  3. That is an awesome plan. It is well thought out and very organized. Well done.

    Getting an early start is a must. I plant in my raised beds in the very early spring, but cover the beds with plastic greenhouse cover to keep the soil warmer and the seeds start even earlier. Seems my cabbage is always poking along, they are not very cooperative in my gardening plan even though I start them indoors. :)

    Love your blog and those seedlings look amazing.

    Lorie

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