Picture This: Succession Planting

Have you ever thought you knew all you needed to know about a subject, just to figure out in the midst of it that you still have much to learn?

Picture this...

It is February and you are in the midst of a cold spell. Feeling the need to do SOMETHING warm weather related, you begin to collect seeds and supplies so that you can begin to start some vegetables indoors that you will be able to plant when warm weather finally arrives. You read directions, 3 books and 10 websites about how to start them correctly.

Finally, a few days later, you see the first few shoots. So exciting! Green!!!!! Oh how you missed seeing GREEN! Shortly, the small shoots develop into seedlings and the countdown to spring begins. Being in Zone 5, May 15th is the no frost date. That is a long time to keep seedlings alive and thriving.

The day comes and you can finally harden off the plants and plant them in the garden. You water and fertilize. Then, well, they die. THEY DIE! Not all of them. But sheesh!

Fast forward to June 17th. I have peppers that are starting to look alive, lettuce that is also trying. Tomatoes that I don't think are going to make it. What's growing well? The bush beans, squash, broccoli and swiss chard are doing very well. They of course were plants where the seeds were sewn directly into the soil outside. Thankfully, I'll have SOMETHING to show for my 2011 garden adventure. It's a good thing we have wonderful farmer's markets in the area as well as a few orchards where you can pick your own fruits while also offering veggies.

At this point, I'm already starting to plan for next year. I'd love to build some raised beds for my veggies and herbs. However, I don't know that I'll get around to it. The yard is almost tamed, but this fall I will still be busy tilling and getting grass planted and started. I'll have to see how things look in the spring. What I have figured out is:

Considering the poor soil condition this year due to the vast amount of weeds competing for soil nutrients, I am going to have to get some great compost and till it into the garden this fall and again in spring.

I will most likely NOT start tomatoes from seed next year. I'll simply buy good heirloom plants from the nursery and call it a day. I did that with the broccoli and it was a great decision.