[MickyB]

I am a first year plot holder and I am thinking ahead to next years summer crop, should I stick with the varieties that grew successfully this first year or be adventurous and try something new?

Spuds so far have been great Pentland Javelin, Charlottes, King Edwards, Maris Piper & Desiree, the last two are still to be tried, I sneaked a few early King Edwards for the missus who was missing her mash.

[Beetroot queen]

Maybe so a split and try both. Its nice to experiment but you still want the good old crops that you know work for you.

[Madame Cholet]

I

Maybe so a split and try both. Its nice to experiment but you still want the good old crops that you know work for you.

I agree I try a few new things and growing ideas each year along with the regulars.

[JayG]

The most popular crops are popular for a reason, in that they are relatively easy to grow, productive, and good to eat, but there's still no point growing anything that you know you don't like.

Nothing wrong with making life more interesting by experimenting though, either with different crops or different varieties, although I think I could make the case for mainly sticking with varieties of crops like tomatoes which you have already tried and tested given than there are thousands of named varieties available worldwide, of which hundreds are probably available in the UK (and they're all still "only" tomatoes!) 

[compostqueen]

It's only by trying new things that you grow as a gardener 

Also, on here there are recommendations from other growers so you have a huge resource to call on

[Goosegirl]

Personally, I would review what pots you grew this year and select those that were the best for taste and kitchen use, such as new pots, chippers, mash. As to other veg, do the same, though you could look at those that produce very early and very late in their season to extend your harvest. It's a difficult question to answer, as seasonal weather affects various crops differently, so don't go off one year's success or failure. If you really love a particular veg that hasn't done well this year, keep trying until it's a no-go for you. If you have a glut that results in throwing some stuff away like beans, plant accordingly but give at least 2-3 months to stagger harvesting, or sow less. As to trying something new - why not if you have the space - that's how we learn.

[oldcow]

Every year I grow again my favourite crops or varieties, drop the stuff that I didn't enjoy as much, and introduce at least a couple of new crops or varieties, since I find that fun.

[maxie]

I like to try a few new varieties but some things i stick to like boltardy beetroot,white lisbon spring onion and a few others, ive tried other varieties over the years but these are best by far to me and cheap.
Runners,french beans,parsnip etc i experiment i dont really think theres a bad variety of runners i just buy whatever takes my fancy,same with broad beans and dwarf french.

[MickyB]

I think I will chop and change a few things, as a first year plot holder I have lots of scope for change    I have plans to add rhubarb and a couple of outdoor hardy grape vines along with some other additions, I am hoping for a bit more fruit this year - the strawberries were lovely and I have added a 'everbearer' to the crop to extend the season, I have planted some berries (rasp, logan, tay & black) so I am looking forward to some berries next year and trying some jam making! I have three patio fruit trees pear, plum and apple hopefully they will produce some fruit as well - can't wait!

[Growster...]

Nature usually makes your mind up for you.

This year, we were planning all sorts of repeats, like salsify, and scorzonera, but they just didn't have a chance in the bad spring weather, so we just planted more peas, carrots and beans, and they're loving it!

We'll always bet on a good autumn, and this means we don't give up on a space to plant anything in, until it's dark...

[polly nator]

Think I agree with all the answers you've had  particularly the proviso that as all years are so different regarding weather and light conditions one years success could be next years failure - so cover all bases!

Personally I love experimenting and not just with trying new varieties but growing methods also. Its what makes the gardening fun.

[Jabberwock]

Living in the north of Scotland the weather tends to determine how experimental I get, for instance years ago everyone laughed at me for attempting to grow tomatoes outdoors, however I tried it and as long as I limit the number of trusses I always manage a great crop.  This year my great experiment is a couple of outdoor butternut squash plants, which to someone living in the south might not sound very exciting but up here I am being regarded as off my rocker for even trying!!
I do however tend to stick to the tried and trusted for most things but can't resist trying at least a couple of new things every year.

[Growing4mykids]

I'm of the thinking, that's how we learn, trying new things. So, as long as the space is there, we'll always try something new and if we don't like it, we hav'nt lost anything, we've gained something, the knowledge that we don't like it