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Definition
Crop rotation is the practice of
growing a series of dissimilar types of crops in the same space in sequential seasons to avoid the build-up of pathogens and
pests that often occurs when one species is continuously cropped. Crop rotation
also seeks to balance the fertility demands of various crops to avoid excessive
depletion of soil nutrients.
For the purpose of planning crop rotation, plants are grouped by
family (because they make similar demands
and have similar susceptibilities).
Here are some examples of
frequently grown crops, by plant family
(heavy nitrogen feeders are identified HF, light feeders
LF, and nitrogen fixers NF):
| Alliacae (LF);
Garlic,
Japanese bunching onion, Leek, Onions - globe, pickling, Japanese, Shallots,
Spring onion, Welsh onion |
Cruciferae (HF);
Broccoli, Brussels Sprout, Cabbage, Calabrese, Cauliflower, Kale,
Kohlrabi, Mustard, Oriental Brassicas, Radish, Rocket, Seakale, Sprouting
broccoli, Swede, Turnip
|
Leguminosae (NF);
Broad
Bean, French Bean, Runner Bean, Clover, Fenugreek, Lupins, Pea, Tares, Trefoil
|
| Compositae (HF);
Chicory, Endive, Lettuce, Salsify |
Cucurbitaceae (HF);
Courgette, Cucumber, Gerkin, Marrow,
Melon, Pumpkin, Squash
|
Solanaceae (HF);
Aubergine, Chilli, Capsicum pepper, Potato, Tomato
|
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Chenopodiaceae (HF);
Beetroot, Good King Henry, Red orach, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Spinach Beet
|
Gramineae (HF);
Sweet
Corn
|
Umbelliferae (LF);
Carrot, Celeriac, Celery, Dill,
Florence fennel, Hamburg parsley, Parsnip
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Always plan your garden so that
closely related vegetables are grown in a different place each year.
Where possible, group together crops
which will be harvested approximately at the same time, this makes it
easier to vacate a reasonably sized area for the next sowing.
Vegetables may be divided into either four or six major groupings.
Crops grouped into 4. ( 4 year rotation ).
|
(1) Cabbage family |
(2) Legumes which fix nitrogen such as Peas and
Beans |
(3) Corn, Carrots, Beets, Onions |
(4) Cucumber, Pumpkin, Melon,
Squash |
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Divide your garden into 4 areas and plant a different group in each area
every year, beginning the rotation again at the end of four years.
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Perennial vegetables such as Rhubarb
& Asparagus should be grown outside of the main beds and not included in the
rotation.
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Crops grouped into 6. ( 6 year rotation ).
|
(1) Cabbage family |
(2)
Cucumber Pumpkin, Melon, Squash |
(3)
Legumes |
(4) Corn |
(5) Onions, Garlic and
Leeks |
(6) Potato
family |
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Carrots, Celery, Parsnips, and Herbs may be added to any convenient
group |
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Perennial vegetables such as Rhubarb
& Asparagus should be grown outside of the main beds and not included in the
rotation.
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A typical example might be to grow potatoes (heavy feeders) on
newly fertilized soil, follow these next
season with peas and beans (which feed the soil), and then follow with onions
(light feeders). In the fourth season,
rather than planting potatoes again (which would give only a three year
cycle), a different heavy feeder from a different family might be grown (e.g..
courgettes).
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Example. Three Year Plan. |
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
Year 4 |
| Bed 1 |
Brassicas, inc Swede & Turnip |
Beans & Peas, Tomatoes, New Potatoes |
Onions & Roots |
As Year 1 |
| Bed 2 |
Beans & Peas, Tomatoes, New Potatoes |
Onions & Roots |
Brassicas, inc Swede & Turnip |
As Year 1 |
| Bed 3 |
Onions & Roots |
Brassicas, inc Swede & Turnip |
Beans & Peas, Tomatoes, New Potatoes |
As Year 1 |
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Example 1. Four
Year Plan.
|
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
Year 4 |
| Bed 1 |
Brassicas, inc Swede & Turnip |
Beans & Peas, Tomatoes, New Potatoes |
Onions & Roots |
Leave Fallow or grow Green Manure |
| Bed 2 |
Beans & Peas, Tomatoes, New Potatoes |
Onions & Roots |
Leave Fallow or grow Green Manure |
Brassicas, inc Swede & Turnip |
| Bed 3 |
Onions & Roots |
Leave Fallow or grow Green Manure |
Brassicas, inc Swede & Turnip |
Beans & Peas, Tomatoes, New Potatoes |
| Bed 4 |
Leave Fallow or grow Green Manure |
Brassicas, inc Swede & Turnip |
Beans & Peas, Tomatoes, New Potatoes |
Onions & Roots |
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Example 2. Four Year Plan.
|
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
Year 4 |
| Bed 1 |
Potatoes |
Beans & Peas, Leeks, Lettuce |
Cabbage, Winter greens |
Carrots, Beet, Turnips, Parsnips |
| Bed 2 |
Beans & Peas, Leeks, Lettuce |
Cabbage, Winter greens |
Carrots, Beet, Turnips, Parsnips |
Potatoes |
| Bed 3 |
Cabbage, Winter greens |
Carrots, Beet, Turnips, Parsnips |
Potatoes |
Beans & Peas, Leeks, Lettuce |
| Bed 4 |
Carrots, Beet, Turnips, Parsnips |
Potatoes |
Beans & Peas, Leeks, Lettuce |
Cabbage, Winter greens |
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