๐ Understanding Succession Planting
Succession planting is the practice of planting crops at intervals to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the growing season. It's a fantastic way to maximize your garden's output and enjoy fresh produce for an extended period.
๐ฑ Objectives
- ๐๏ธ Understand the principles of succession planting.
- ๐งฎ Calculate planting intervals for different crops.
- ๐ Implement succession planting techniques in a garden.
- ๐ Identify suitable crops for succession planting.
๐งฐ Materials
- โ๏ธ Notebook and pen for planning.
- ๐ฑ Seeds or seedlings of selected crops.
- ๐ Ruler or measuring tape.
- ๐ชด Gardening tools (trowel, spade, watering can).
- ๐
Calendar or planting schedule.
โ๏ธ Warm-up (5 mins)
Brainstorming:
- ๐ค What are some of the challenges of having a garden that only produces crops for a short period?
- โ What benefits would a garden with a continuous harvest provide?
๐ Main Instruction
Types of Succession Planting:
- ๐ Repeated Planting: Planting the same crop every few weeks.
- โ๏ธ Intercropping: Planting a new crop between rows of a crop that is nearing harvest.
- โฌ๏ธ Relay Planting: Starting a second crop before the first crop is harvested.
Planning Your Succession Planting Schedule:
- ๐
Determine your growing season length.
- ๐ Research the days to maturity for each crop.
- โ Calculate planting intervals based on days to maturity. For example, if your growing season is 120 days and your lettuce matures in 30 days, you can plant lettuce every 30 days for 4 successive plantings.
Suitable Crops for Succession Planting:
- ๐ฅฌ Lettuce
- ๐ฅ Radishes
- ๐ซ Beans
- ๐ฅ Cucumbers
- ๐ฝ Sweet Corn
Tips for Successful Succession Planting:
- ๐ง Ensure consistent watering, especially for newly planted seeds or seedlings.
- Fertilize regularly to provide nutrients for each planting.
- ๐ Monitor for pests and diseases and take action promptly.
- โ๏ธ Choose locations with adequate sunlight for each crop.
๐งช Assessment
Answer the following questions to test your understanding of succession planting:
- โWhat is succession planting, and why is it beneficial?
- ๐
Describe the three main types of succession planting.
- ๐งฎ How do you calculate planting intervals for succession planting?
- ๐ฑ Name three crops that are well-suited for succession planting.
- ๐ก What are some key tips for successful succession planting?