Avoiding Boom & Bust in Your Garden

Succession planting is the practice of sowing seeds at staggered intervals or planting different crops in the same area throughout the growing season. This approach ensures a continuous supply of produce, avoiding the all-too-common garden 'boom or bust' scenario.

Understanding Boom vs Bust in Gardening

The 'boom' in gardening refers to that overwhelming period when all your plants mature at the same time, leaving you with more produce than you can use or give away. On the other hand, 'bust' is when your garden goes suddenly quiet, with little to nothing ready for harvest. Succession planting helps to smooth out these peaks and troughs, ensuring a more manageable and consistent output.

How to Implement Succession Planting in Your Herb Urban Garden

Start with a Plan:

Begin by mapping out your garden space and deciding what you want to plant. Consider the maturity times of different crops and plan your planting schedule accordingly.

Stagger Planting Times:

Sow seeds of the same crop at intervals (typically every 2-4 weeks), depending on the growth cycle of the plant. This method works great for fast-growing crops like lettuce, radishes, and spinach.

Succession Planting After Harvest:

After harvesting a crop, immediately replant the space with a new one.

Choose the Right Crops for Succession Planting:

Some of the best crops for succession planting include salad greens, herbs, carrots, and beans.

Benefits of Succession Planting

• Steady Harvest: Enjoy a continuous supply of fresh produce throughout the season.

• Reduced Waste: Avoid the glut of produce that often goes to waste during a 'boom'.

• Optimised Space: Make the most of your Herb Urban garden space by having plants at various stages of growth.

• Improved Soil Health: Crop rotation in succession planting helps prevent soil-borne diseases.

Succession planting is an effective way to maximise the productivity of your Herb Urban garden while avoiding the extremes of boom and bust. By planning your planting schedule carefully and choosing suitable crops, you can enjoy a diverse and continuous harvest. This approach not only makes your gardening experience more rewarding but also ensures that you can relish the fruits (and vegetables!) of your labor throughout the growing season.