CROP ROTATION
When you plan where to grow things on your plots it is important to have what is known as Crop Rotation, this basically means not growing vegetables from the same family 2 years running on the same ground as this can lead to a build up of pests and diseases and also the depletion of nutrients in the soil, which will result in poorer yields. Exceptions to this are crops such as Herbs, Artichokes, Rhubarb, Asparagus, Onions can also be grown in their own bed for many years as long as they remain healthy.The Standard 3 year Crop Rotation plan is shown below along with the needs of the different groups of crops, both of these will help to ensure that you get the best from your crops for many years to come and maintain your soils health and fertility.
YEAR 1................ YEAR 2................ YEAR3................. YEAR 4..............
ROOTS
Beetroot, Carrot, Jerusalem Artichoke, Parsnip, Potato, Salsify & Scorzonera.
DO NOT MANURE, DO NOT LIME, RAKE IN GROWMORE 2 WEEKS BEFORE SOWING OR PLANTING.
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BRASSICAS
Broccoli, Brussels Sprout, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Kale, Kohl Rabi, Radish, Swede, Turnip.
ADD SOME WELL ROTTED MANURE OR COMPOST AT DIGGING TIME IF THE SOIL IS KNOWN TO BE SHORT OF HUMUS. LIME THE SOIL UNLESS YOU ARE SURE THAT THE SOIL IS ALREADY ALKALINE. RAKE IN GROWMORE 2 WEEKS BEFORE SOWING OR PLANTING.
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OTHERS
Aubergine, Runner Bean, Broad Bean, French Bean, Peppers, Celeriac, Celery, Cucumber, Chard, Leek, Lettuce, Marrow, Courgette, Squash, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pea, Spinach, Sweet Corn, Tomato.
ADD PLENTY OF WELL ROTTED MANURE OR COMPOST AT DIGGING TIME. LIME IF THE SOIL IS ACIDIC. RAKE IN GROWMORE 2 WEEKS BEFORE SOWING OR PLANTING.
