GreenThumb Digest  |  13 April 2026

Keep It Coming: Master Succession Sowing

Think like a production gardener. Sow little and often so you always have something ready to harvest -- all season long.

By Tony O'Neill  |  Simplify Gardening

By now, your garden's waking up properly, and things are growing fast. To make the most of the season, it's time to think like a production gardener, sowing little and often so you always have something ready to harvest.

Succession Sowing and Gaps

Succession sowing means replacing harvested crops immediately with new ones. It keeps beds productive and maximises your harvests all season long.

This week's key tasks:

  • Sow new rows of quick crops like radish, beetroot, and lettuce every two weeks.
  • Refill gaps left by early harvests with fresh seeds or transplants.
  • Alternate heavy feeders (like brassicas) with lighter ones (like carrots).
  • Keep seedlings in small trays ready to fill any empty space fast.

Pro Tip

Record your sowing dates in a notebook or phone app. It makes staggering crops easy and helps you fine-tune timing for next year.

Your Gardening Questions Answered

Q: How close together should I plant for continuous harvests?

A: Slightly tighter than usual, but not crowded. For lettuce, about 15 cm apart is ideal. Harvest outer leaves first to let new ones form in the centre.

Feed the Soil Between Crops

This Week's Tip

After each harvest, add a light side dressing of compost or worm castings before replanting. It restores nutrients and keeps soil healthy through heavy use.

Free Ultimate Side Dressing Guide

Free Download

Boost your soil between successions with my free Ultimate Side Dressing Guide. It shows what to add, when, and how much to keep your crops growing strong without chemical fertilisers.

Succession sowing keeps your garden -- and your harvest basket -- always full. Sow a little more this week, and your summer table will thank you.

You reap what you sow,

Tony O'Neill

Green Thumb Digest  |  Brought to You by Simplify Gardening

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