Number 1 rule to gardening I think would be NEVER to grow the same crop on spot year in and year out?!?! This lesson can either be learnt through experience or through the wise teachings of those that have gone before us. I learnt this through experience. Two things are mostly likely to happen if you ignore this firstly your garden runs the risk of growing pests and secondly it will lead to an imbalance in soil nutrient level. Crop rotation should take place at least every two years.
Botanically crops can be divided into 6/7 groups now for the average home gardener we will put them into four groups. Knowing and understanding these groups can help you plan for your garden better, especially when coming to crop rotation. Below is the listed four groups.
Group 1: The Cruciferous crops popularly known as Brassicas are heavy feeders. For optimum harvest they must be supplied with ample quantities of manure or compost. This type of crop prefers cool growing conditions however with onions and cabbages being accommodative to high temperatures, they can grow even in the summer seasons.
E.G cabbage, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, onions leeks and celery.
Group 2: The “Roots”, a very particular type of crops. Distinctive in their ways. Too much or anything, could have you harvesting inadequate crops. Too much manure could impact the growth of your roots. Whilst manure that contain nitrogen induces excessive top growth at the detriment of root development. The secret here would be to work your soil properly in the beginning before planting.
E.G carrots, beetroots, parsnips, salsify, and sweet potatoes
Group 3: This group prefers warmer conditions; these crops will respond well to dressing using manure or compost. Although if your soil was well prepared in the beginning this should really be necessary.
E.G Tomato, potato, pepper, egg plant, lettuce, and Swiss chard.
Group 4: Relatively light on soil for their food requirements and require little nitrogen fertilizer. Most of the group develop extensive root systems given favourable conditions and these appear to have ameliorated effect on the physical condition of the soil.
E.G Beans, peas, broad beans.
Below is a simple example of how home gardeners can practice crop rotation in their garden. You can research and simplify it according to what you want to grow and the space that you have.
What has been your experience with not practising crop rotation or even better what’s your experience with practising it?
No comment