How to Do Succession Sowing for a Continuous Harvest

One of the best ways to keep your garden productive all season long is by practicing succession sowing. Instead of planting everything at once and ending up with a sudden glut (and then nothing), this method spaces out sowings over time, ensuring a steady supply of fresh produce. And when combined with heirloom and heritage varieties, succession sowing becomes a powerful tool for increasing biodiversity and maximising flavour.

Why Succession Sowing Works

In nature, plants don’t all grow and mature at the same time. By mimicking this natural cycle, succession sowing allows you to:

• Salad leaves – Sow every 2–3 weeks for a continuous supply.
• Radishes – Quick growers that can be replanted throughout the season.
• Carrots & Beetroot – Heritage root veggies develop deeper flavours when grown in waves.
• Beans & Peas – Staggered sowing extends the harvesting period.
• Brassicas (cabbage, kale, broccoli) – Different sowing times ensure a steady yield.

How to Succession Sow Like a Pro

• Plan Your Sowing Schedule: Instead of planting all at once, sow small batches every 2–4 weeks.
• Use Different Maturity Dates: Mix early, mid, and late-season varieties to extend your harvest window.
• Re-sow After Harvest: As soon as one crop is finished, have the next batch ready to go.
• Combine With Intercropping: Grow quick crops (like radishes) between slower-growing ones (like carrots) to make the most of your space.
• Save & Swap Heirloom Seeds: Many heritage varieties adapt well to local conditions, making them perfect for succession planting year after year.

A Sustainable Approach to Year-Round Harvests

Succession sowing is a game-changer for any gardener looking to make the most of their space while keeping a steady supply of fresh food. By choosing heirloom and heritage varieties, you not only ensure a diverse and resilient garden but also help preserve traditional plant genetics for future generations.

So, grab your seeds, make a plan, and start sowing in waves—you’ll thank yourself when you’re still picking fresh produce long after others have run out!