crop rotation in your veg patch

Crop rotation is practised to avoid the build up of pests and diseases, and to make the best of any manures and fertilisers.

There are three main groups of veg, and each group, once grown in the garden, shouldn't be grown in the same place again for a couple of years.

Group 1: Roots

• Beetroot, carrots, kohl rabi, potatoes, turnips, swedes and celariac.
• Add compost to the area over the winter, and fertiliser before you sow.

Group 2: Legumes

• Leeks, lettuces, beans, peas, leeks, onions, shallots and radish.
• Add rotted manure to the area over the winter, and fertiliser before you sow.

Group 3: Brassicas

• Cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale and spinach.
• Add compost and lime to the area over the winter, and fertiliser before you sow.

Perennial veg, like asparagus, globe artichokes and rhubarb, does not need to be rotated. They can stay in the same bed for many years.

EXAMPLE ROTATION

Here is an example of a four-year crop rotation using these groups:

	Area A	Area B	Area C
Year one	Group 1	Group 2	Group 3
Year two	Group 2	Group 3	Group 1
Year three	Group 3	Group 1	Group 2
Year four	Group 1	Group 2	Group 3