Managing two plots

[WendyC]

After a bit of a wait I now have a second plot next to my original one giving me a total of 5 rods. I can't decide how to manage the planting of the two plots.
On both plots I have sectioned off the south end for fruit, then the rest is divided into four for crop rotation. My first thought was to plant up No1 plot as normal and then when I get to May/ June time when I have run out of space start planting the later crops that I usually cram in such as swede, fennel, leeks etc,start planting No 2 plot. In that way I'd sort of have one plot with early crops and the other one with later/ winter crops.
Or I put two crop groups on one plot and and two on the other. As an added factor I have some onion white rot on No1 plot so will try to get alliums on No 2 plot, although in truth I don't know if there is white rot there too.
Any thoughts?

[Kristen]

I have two rotations ... 4 beds for standard 4-year rotation, and then another 10 beds (all about equal size) which contains:

1 Permanent bed for Asparagus

1 semi-permanent bed for Strawberries - 3 rows within the bed, one row renewed each year, but every 5 years or so I move to a brand new bed.

1 overspill bed for Brassicas - always seem to take up more space than the other rotation crops

2 - 3 beds for Potatoes

1 for Sweetcorn

1 permanent for Courgettes and Buttenut Squash (on edge of plot so they sprawl across the grass)

and the other 2 or 3 for cut flowers and any overspill veg.

In addition I have 4 permanent beds for soft fruit

[Bigmallly]

Congrats on your 2nd plot Wendy. I'm assuming they are fruit trees & not bushes so wondered if it would be better to put them on the North end of your plot to reduce shading............If they are bushes, ignore me............

[WendyC]

Thanks for responses. No fruit trees just bushes. The only thing inherited on No2 plot is a square raised bed, which I am going to use for asparagus (and lilies because of the cats at home) rhubarb and bindweed!

[Noosner]

Fabulous! No suggestions as such, just wanted to say congrats on the new plot.

[WendyC]

Yes, I keep saying to myself it's going to be great! I've been watching the plot go into gradual decline over the last few years and itching to get my hands on it. I have yet to get on to the worst part which hasn't been worked for three years and looks like a field. It is all covered so I'm hoping when I get there the grass with have died off a bit.

[Nicos]

Congrats on the second plot Wendy!

[lottie dolly]

well done,i have 2 plots,each have 2 areas,so 4 in all,1 has the grow house,pond area with herbs and flowers,plus a bit of fruit,the 3 others are used in rotation,with strawberry beds on on all 3 in raised beds,i also have another raised bed on them,this gives a defined area for carrots and aliums,plus rotation of the strawberry beds when new plants are ready,i also have a shed at the top of each plot,1 a potting & storage,2,a canteen & storage,another thing i have introduced is,a permenant net cage on all 3 areas,saves erecting flimsy support every year,we have a rain collection of barrels down both side of each plot,i find this works well for me,best of luck and happy growing,just remember,Rome was not built in a day,

[Spuddie]

plot 2 too

HI Wendy
I've also taken over a second plot . The exciting thing now is just how much choice I have.

I'm really tempted to go overboard this year with the potatoes as I'll have the space and opportunity to experiment and the bonus will be the thorough digging

Practically however I can now begin to think a bit more long term and perhaps have an asparagus bed , (any suggestions welcome).

Congratulations l Think I know just how excited you are

[Kristen]

perhaps have an asparagus bed

If you Asparagus bed won't be prepared-to-plant this Spring? then perhaps sow seeds this spring and they'll be ready to plant out (into your properly prepared bed, eh?!!) next Spring.

I grew mine in 2L pots using a packet of seeds I bought in the sale for 50p (I've got about 50 plants), but if I was doing it again I would grow 3 varieties for Early, Mid and Late season cropping.