Crop rotation-Probably been done before.

[Nicky]

I've got a 10rod allotment and have divided it up into beds with paths inbetween so I don't have to walk on them. I want to use crop ratation but am a bit unsure about onions.... I've got 18 beds and they've been divided into 5 groups..... beans and peas, potatos, roots, onions and brassicas. Question is how do I rotate them and am I right to separate the onions from the roots? If they should be with the roots I'm a bit stuck as that would leave me with an uneven nmber of beds per type if you see what I mean.
I know you put brassicas after peas and beans but any other suggestions on how I should do it?

[martini]

Hi Nicky - there was an article in last month's GYO on rotation. They recommended a 4 year rotation plan, which I think will be OK for me (going to put 8 raised beds in the garden). Group 1 = roots including potatoes, Group 2 = onions, leeks, garlic, shallots, Group 3= brassicas (including swede and turnip) and Group 4 = legumes like peas, beans and broad beans. There's been a bit of discussion on putting the brassicas in after the beans etc. Because the legumes leave a lot of nitrogen in the soil this will encourage brassicas to put on leafy growth (OK for cabbage put possibly not for cauliflower where you want heads). Don't really know how you would rotate on a five-yearly basis especially if you have two sets of roots (the carrots etc and the potatoes separate). Hope this helps - I'm sure you'll get plenty of advice here. Good Luck

[JennieAtkinson]

Nicky - do a search on the Grapevine for crop rotation as we have discussed it quite a bit. I know what you mean about uneven beds! I don't grow many legumes outside so have included a cut flower bed in that group.

[Waffler]

Where do courgettes etc. and sweetcorn fit in to the CR system?

[nick the grief]

Where do courgettes etc. and sweetcorn fit in to the CR system?

Where ever you've got space I normally fit mine in with the Onions

I've got a 10rod allotment and have divided it up into beds with paths inbetween so I don't have to walk on them. I want to use crop ratation but am a bit unsure about onions.... I've got 18 beds and they've been divided into 5 groups..... beans and peas, potatos, roots, onions and brassicas. Question is how do I rotate them and am I right to separate the onions from the roots? If they should be with the roots I'm a bit stuck as that would leave me with an uneven nmber of beds per type if you see what I mean.
I know you put brassicas after peas and beans but any other suggestions on how I should do it?

The normal 4yr system is

1. Legumes
2. Brassica's
3. Potatoes
4. Onions & roots

For your 5 year system I would be tempted to split it as follows

1. Legumes
2. Brassica's
3. Potatoes **
4. Onions
5. Roots

** Manure for this crop.