What is succession planting?

Succession planting is a gardening practice designed to maximize yield by planting crops in intervals, allowing for a continuous harvest throughout the growing season. This technique involves planting new seeds or seedlings at staggered times, which ensures that while some plants are maturing and ready for harvest, others are still growing. This method not only optimizes space and resources but also reduces wasted time and increases the overall productivity of a garden.

This practice results in a steady supply of produce, as different crops reach maturity at various times, leading to a diverse harvest over an extended period. It effectively takes advantage of the growing season, ensuring that the gardener has a consistent output of fresh vegetables or flowers, which is beneficial for both home gardens and commercial operations.

Other options don't encapsulate the essence of succession planting. For example, planting crops in the same spot each year does not take full advantage of available resources or time, while using multiple crop types in the same area relates more to intercropping rather than succession. Similarly, planting crops without rotations can lead to soil depletion and increased pest pressures, as it doesn't promote the ecological balance needed for healthy crop production.