Do you ever find yourself just planting your garden in the spring and that's it? There's always something you can be planting throughout the seasons. It's a gardeners' goal to keep the harvest going all season long. Let's talk succession planting. Whether you have a sprawling vegetable garden or a tiny plot, even if you're growing in containers on your deck or patio, this technique is for you. The concept is simple but oh-so-effective: once a crop is done, clear out the old and make way for fresh seeds or seedlings in the same space.
Now, summer planting can be a bit trickier than spring. The scorching sun and dry weather can pose a challenge, but fear not! I've got some fantastic tips to help you out and ensure your success. So grab your gardening gloves and let's dive in!
A Helpful Starting Point
Sprinkle some compost magic: Before sowing or transplanting, give your soil a boost by working in a generous 1/2 inch layer of compost. Your plants will thank you with bountiful yields.
Time it right: Don’t plant during the scorching heat of the day. Instead, wait for a cloudy or rainy day, or choose the cooler late afternoon hours when the sun isn't trying to kill you.
Beat the heat with shade: Pamper your new transplant babies with some shade. A mini hoop tunnel and a piece of row cover or shade cloth should do the trick to protect your plants from the blazing sun.
Quench their thirst: Keep those newly planted seeds and seedlings consistently watered. Remember, dry seedbeds lead to sad germination rates, and we don't want that!
Mulch it up: After settling your little plant babies (like kale, cabbage, broccoli, and kohlrabi) into their garden beds, give them a good drink and then cover the soil with a cozy layer of straw or shredded leaves. Mulching helps retain moisture and reduces the stress of transplanting.
But wait, what if you're short on garden space? No worries! You can still join the summer succession party by planting edibles in containers. Many crops thrive in pots, planters, and window boxes. In fact, when the summer heat causes cool-weather veggies like spinach, arugula, and mustard to bolt, you can enjoy a top-quality crop by planting them in semi-shady spots.
Alright, now that you're armed with all these awesome tips, it's time for the fun part—deciding what to grow!
Vegetables to your garden in July and August
Zucchini: This squash is a star when it comes to succession planting. It grows quickly and effortlessly, with beautiful deep yellow cylindrical fruits ready to harvest in just 50 days. Keep an eye on them and pick when they reach 5" to 7" for the tastiest treat.
Green Magic broccoli: If you're a fan of broccoli, this summer to fall variety is your best friend. The large, semi-domed heads will be ready for harvest approximately two months after transplanting. You can start the seeds indoors or direct-seed them, then watch your delicious bounty flourish from early to mid-autumn.
Mascotte bush bean: Winner of the All-America Selections award, Mascotte is the ultimate bush bean superstar. It not only yields early but also thrives in both garden beds and pots. Its compact growth gives you a massive harvest of tender, stringless green beans that are a breeze to pick, thanks to the pods conveniently growing above the foliage.
Imperial Green Spinach: When it comes to late-summer sowing, Imperial Green is your go-to spinach variety. These heat-tolerant and disease-resistant plants boast deep green, upright leaves that are perfect for salads, stir-fries, or pasta dishes. It's a spinach lover's dream come true.
Deep Purple mustard: Want to add some pizzazz to your late-summer salads? Look no further than Deep Purple mustard. This spicy Asian green sprouts from seed to baby leaf in just 25 days! You can sow the seeds in pots, beds, or even cold frames for a winter harvest that will spice up your meals.
Vulcan lettuce: Brace yourself for the beauty of Vulcan lettuce. With its puckered red and green leaves, this ornamental variety is almost too pretty to eat. It thrives in containers and garden beds alike. If you're lucky enough to have some left in your garden during late autumn, cover it with a mini hoop tunnel to protect it from frost.
Bulldog collard: Are you craving some savory collard greens? Get ready to grow your own with Bulldog! This vigorous variety boasts quick growth and stunning blue-green leaves. It's resistant to bolting, making it perfect for summer, and it can handle the cold for a fall and winter harvest. You can sow the seeds directly in the garden or give them a head-start indoors under grow lights. Move them to the garden about 50 days before the expected fall frost.
Market Express baby turnip: These delightful ping pong ball-sized turnips are highly sought after at farmers markets, thanks to their tender roots and tasty leaves. They're a breeze to grow, taking just 30 days from seed to harvest. Late summer and early fall are their favorite seasons. You can roast, stir-fry, sauté, or enjoy these creamy white roots raw in salads and various dishes.
With these tips and some exciting vegetables to choose from, your summer succession planting will be an adventure filled with delicious rewards. Happy gardening!
Comments