Crop Rotation

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).