Crop Rotation - I'm confused

[Anita Plot]

Reading October GYO page 19 says that brassicas should not follow on from legumes for a few seasons.

Then on page 39, 2nd column, 4th line - it says once peas have finished cropping the soil is in an ideal condition for brassicas

Erm - are peas not legumes?????????

help

[martini]

Hi Anita - I had the same problem and sent an email to GYO - got a reply back and if you give me a few minutes I'll go re-read the reply.

[nick the grief]

I would have thought they would be OK as Brassica's are a leafy crop in hte main (Brussels, Cabbage & Kale anyway) & the Nitrogen from the pea & bean roots is just the thing for leaves. For the Cauli's & broccoli you perhaps don't want so much as you're hoping to eat the flower so a more balance fertiliser would be better - thats how I treat the Chrysanths & Dahlia's anyway.

[martini]

I had a problem because the advice in this month's GYO and the August issue was contradictory but basically the reply back from the editor was that you shouldn't plant brassicas after legumes as too much nitrogen is left in the soil and it makes too much leaf and not enough heart, i.e. if you're planting caulis. The other article said to plant brassicas after legumes but this was referring to spring cabbage where you do want to get leaf ! It is quite confusing but perhaps some more experienced grapes could tell us what they thinks best.

[martini]

Told you you should have a job on the mag

[Anita Plot]

Oh dear - how will I remember this
fanx anyway
never thought to e-mail GYO - duh

[nick the grief]

You'll soon pick it up AP. till then just keep asking here.