3-4-5 year crop rotation

tippgod

Hi all

i have just built a new polytunnel and looking at crop rotation. It has two long side beds and a medium center bed. My options for the beds are
3 bed= 2 long beds and a center bed
5 bed= 2 long beds split into two and a center bed
4 bed= 2 long beds split into two and a center bed used for annuals and herbs

any advice on how to use the space to its best and what suggested rotations

thanks

Oldtree

organic growing suggest 4 year rotations, which is what I use (outside). More is better if you can manage it like that.

livinsane

I can offer a few tips on crop rotation.

Legumes [peas and beans] can fix nitrogen from the air into the soil so it would be a good move to grow a nitrogen hungry crop the year after your peas and beans. So maybe brassicas [cabbages/broccoli/brussels sprouts] after your peas and beans.

Root crops like carrots will thrive better if the soil is not heavily manured [it can stunt their growth and cause more foliage than root] so don't plant these in enriched soil. They might do well grown the year after the brassicas.

Look into companion planting too. Apparently planting carrots and onions together can prevent carrot fly and onion fly attacks. I've read that growing basil with tomatoes can improve the taste of the tomatoes. Makes sense. I'm going to try that this year.

I use Joy Larkcom's book Grow Your Own Vegetables alot. Its packed with practical info and is well regarded. She suggests this three year cycle for the main crops:

Plot 1
Year 1 - Legumes
Year 2 - Brassicas
Year 3 - Potatoes

Plot 2
Year 1 - Brassicas
Year 2 - Potatoes
Year 3 - Legumes

Plot 3
Year 1 - Potatoes
Year 2 - Legumes
Year 3 - Brassicas

Macy0161

tippgod wrote: »

Hi all

i have just built a new polytunnel and looking at crop rotation. It has two long side beds and a medium center bed. My options for the beds are
3 bed= 2 long beds and a center bed
5 bed= 2 long beds split into two and a center bed
4 bed= 2 long beds split into two and a center bed used for annuals and herbs

any advice on how to use the space to its best and what suggested rotations

thanks

I'd really go with whatever fits with what you want to grow really, and maximise the space. You can dig out/ replace the soil after three years if you don't feel you are getting the rotation. I have 4 equal beds (and rotate Toms, Peppers, Legumes, Brassica), but I'm in a harsh enough location, so I try to grow a bit more ordinarily hardy crops undercover than I would if I was somewhere less exposed.