Plan your Plot and Crop Rotation

With the winter months behind us, now is the time to plan your plot for the season ahead. I am sure you will have all heard the saying “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail� and this is very true when planning your plot. It’s not difficult, and you will reap the rewards with abundant and healthy crops if you do it right.

It is a good idea to draw a plan of what you are going to grow where, and then prepare your plot by dividing up the available land into four sections. A plot 3 metres long by 3 metres wide should be large enough. You can grow your crops either in a raised bed or just directly into the ground, but either way it is important to make sure that the right nutrients are in the soil to ensure healthy plant growth.

To improve the soil structure and add nutrients dig in Soil Improver or Soil Conditioner, available at Sir Plants-Alot. This will break up heavy clay soil and improve the quality of sandy soil and encourage worms to do their job in aerating the soil.

Crop rotation is important to ensure that the soil is fertile and helps to prevent pests and diseases. Vegetables which are in the same botanical family have similar nutrient requirements, and some vegetables actually improve the soil structure and add nutrients.

Your four year rotation plan could be as shown below. By the fifth year the crops should be in the same position as they were the first year.

Year 1 Potatoes Legumes Greens Roots
Year 2 Legumes Greens Roots Potatoes
Year 3 Greens Roots Potatoes Legumes
Year 4 Roots Potatoes Legumes Greens
Year 5 Potatoes Legumes Greens Roots

Potatoes = Potatoes
Dig in manure where you are going to plant potatoes
Legumes = Pea and Bean crops
Dig in manure or compost. Add lime if soil is acid
Greens = Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Kale,
Swede, Turnip, Radish
Dig in lime if required
Roots = Carrot, Parsnip, Beetroot
No manure or lime required before planting

Tips: Group crops with other crops which are susceptible to the same diseases
Do not repeat a crop with a crop of a similar type within four years
Legumes follow a crop which has been manured
Brassicas and leafy greens follow legumes, they like the added nitrogen
Never manure carrots or parsnips
If you have had a problem with clubroot on a plot, leave as long as possible before growing brassicas

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