Crop rotation.
Not something that we all consider but something we really should. Growing the same crop on the same ground year after year is a recipe for disaster. (There are a few exceptions like rhubarb and asparagus which of course cannot be rotated.) Soil borne pests and diseases are always something to contend with but not rotating crops gives those pests and diseases chance to build-up in the soil to a level where your crop will begin to suffer in quality and yield. Another good reason for rotation is that different crops have different needs. In the past, rotating crops was the norm and one plot of land was even left fallow. Rotation is simply good management.
So, what exactly is rotation and which crop should follow which?
Group 1 the root crop. These include things like potato, parsnip, swede, celery and salsify.
Group 2 should follow Group 1. This group includes the legume family, peas and beans. You could also include here onions and leeks.
Group 3 follows Group 2. This group is the brassica family and includes cabbage, cauliflower, spinach and Brussels sprouts.
This is a basic 3 year rotation plan.
Just why a particular group follows the other will be discussed later. But for the time being and before you start planting this year, you have time to sit down with pen and paper (or the Flower Genie programme) to consider how you are going to divide your plot with rotation in mind.
