Crop Rotation?

[DaisyDiamond]

I am aware that I need to rotate the veg I grow in each space each year to avoid disease and soil exhaustion. I have just pulled out my calabrese plants which have finished and am ready to harvest my shallots which will leave me with some free space. I am thinking of planting some peas for an autumn crop, more salad veg etc. If I want to get some more veg in this year should I plant them in the same beds as that group of plants have already been in, or do I grow them in the year 2 bed (and would that then mean next year would then be year 3).

If anyone understands my question and can advise it would be appreciated!

[zazen999]

I have given up on crop rotation as a rule, it's more of a general guideline.

I just plant something from a different family in the space that I am vacating. That way, the pests/diseases don't get a chance to get hold.

[Snadger]

I have given up on crop rotation as a rule, it's more of a general guideline.

I just plant something from a different family in the space that I am vacating. That way, the pests/diseases don't get a chance to get hold.

My sentiments exactly Zazen!

I think DaisyDiamond is confusing true crop rotation with annual crop rotation?

I NEVER follow like with like and it works for me!

[zazen999]

I've deliberately followed some white rot onions with Golden Bears to test their 'resistance'.

[OllieMartin]

Hmmm, interesting. It's my first year growing and I'm using a 4 bed rotation.
I had assumed the same as you Daisy, I was planning on keeping each type as they are for the winter and then digging over in spring and performing the rotation then (from what I can tell their ought to be a period in February/March when my last harvest is done. That said, I don't have much of a winter crop as I hadn't planned for it.

If I didn't do it this way, I wouldn't be able to dig a bed over as I have upto 6 different varieties in one bed, each with their own harvesting dates.

[zazen999]

That's why I do it Ollie; In one bed at the lottie I had overwintered onions, then beans and peas for the summer along one long side. Once the onions started coming out, I have put in there some tomatoes, with cukes and winter squashes on the opposite long side where the poles are. Then, as the last onions have come out, I've put in lettuces, some extra onions from module grown clumps, some herbs; and if there are any additional spaces, I'll put in swedes or winter cabbages as they will start needing room as the toms are finishing.

Plus now we are in yr 2 of the lottie I add home made compost when things go in [I dig with a hand tool only, and about a 2ft width at any one time], and deep weed inbetween crops. Trying to get to a no-dig plot eventually; once all the bindweed and couch grass is all gone.

[Flummery]

I also use the vague guidelines method. Don't follow like with like and try not to grow the same things for 3 years. Works. People do stress about it.

[DaisyDiamond]

I like the vague guidelines idea - it makes things much easier! Thank you all as always.