Canadian gardeners seeking a consistent vegetable harvest throughout the growing season can benefit greatly from succession sowing, a method that staggers planting times.
This technique, also known as relay planting, involves sowing seeds of a specific crop at regular intervals to ensure a staggered maturity, providing a steady supply of fresh produce rather than a single, large harvest.
Several approaches to succession sowing exist, and gardeners are advised to choose a method based on the crop, its planting window, and its maturity time.
For example, loose-leaf lettuce, which boasts a long planting window in some Canadian regions and matures within 1-2 months, can be sown every few weeks for a continuous harvest. When weather permits, re-seed after the initial lettuce plants are harvested.
Another effective strategy involves planting different varieties of the same crop. You could plant one variety of green beans that matures in 50 days, and another that matures in 65 days.
Extending the growing season can also be achieved by planting cool-season crops in both the fall and spring.
When re-seeding, it's essential to rotate planting areas to minimize pests and diseases. Avoid re-seeding carrots in the same location; instead, plant in a new row. Before planting in a freshly harvested area, enrich the soil with fertilizer, as the previous crop likely depleted its nutrients.
Some suggested sample succession planting for lettuce, for example for loose leaf, plant 1 foot of row per person weekly from mid-spring to late spring, or throughout late summer. For head lettuce, plant 1 foot of row per person weekly between early spring and late spring.
For bush beans 2 feet per person weekly between late spring and early summer, or late summer through early fall.
For carrots plant 1 foot of row per person weekly between early spring and late spring, or late summer and early fall.
By implementing these strategies, Canadian gardeners can maximize their yields and enjoy a continuous supply of fresh, homegrown produce throughout the gardening season.