Driveway Succession Planting: What to Grow and When

Driveway succession planting is a smart gardening technique that ensures you have fresh, seasonal produce throughout the year. By planning your planting schedule carefully, you can maximize space and harvests, making your driveway a productive extension of your garden.

Understanding Succession Planting

Succession planting involves staggering the planting of crops so that as one harvest is completed, another is ready to take its place. This method extends the harvest season and optimizes space, especially in areas like driveways where space may be limited.

What to Grow for Driveway Succession Planting

  • Early Spring: Lettuce, radishes, spinach
  • Late Spring: Peas, broccoli, carrots
  • Summer: Tomatoes, peppers, beans
  • Fall: Kale, Brussels sprouts, turnips

Timing Your Plantings

Timing is crucial for successful succession planting. Here is a general guide:

  • Early Spring: Sow cool-weather crops as soon as the soil can be worked, typically March or April.
  • Late Spring: Transplant seedlings or sow directly once the danger of frost has passed, around May.
  • Summer: Plant heat-tolerant crops in late spring or early summer, around June.
  • Fall: Start fall crops in late summer, August or September, to mature before the first frost.

Tips for Success

  • Use raised beds or containers to maximize space and improve drainage.
  • Plan for crop rotation to prevent soil depletion and pests.
  • Maintain consistent watering and fertilization schedules.
  • Use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Keep a planting calendar to track your succession schedule.

By incorporating these strategies, you can transform your driveway into a thriving, productive garden that provides fresh produce year-round. Succession planting not only increases yield but also keeps your gardening experience engaging and rewarding.