Crop rotation reduces build up of soil-borne disease. It also makes deficiencies in the soil less likely.
When thinking about crop rotation it’s best to think in terms of vegetable families:
- onion family
- beets
- brassicas
- carrot family (including parsnips and celery)
- cucurbits (squashes and cucumbers)
- legumes (peas and beans)
- potato family (including tomatoes)
Typically crops are organised in 3 or 4 year rotations.
- Three year rotation = legumes > brassicas > roots
- Four year rotation = legumes > brassicas > potatoes > onions & roots
One suggested rotation is: Onions/ garlic > Brassicas > Legumes (broad beans, peas & beans) > Potato family (including tomato, aubergine) >
Also salad crops, carrot family (including parsnip and parsley), and curcubits (cucumber, squash, pumpkin).
Philosophising... 