Crop Rotation in Organic Gardens

Sound cultivating practices are the best defense against trouble in the organic garden. Methods scientifically studied and found to be beneficial in the prevention of pests and diseases go a long way in helping us to avoid commercial products that sacrifice nature’s balance. Let’s look at one of these recommended practices and find out how to set the stage for success next year.

Crop rotation

Crop rotation reduces repeats of quite a few common garden problems. If you plant the same crop in the same location the following year, you are more likely to encounter the same problems you had last year. Some insect eggs, larvae or mature insects may winter over in the soil. Certain fungi and mold also survive the winter.

Many plant diseases and insects are host specific. That means the disease or insect preys upon one type of plant. Hornworm, an insect, and Fusarium and Verticillium Wilts, fungi are specific to solanaceous crop plants (tomato, potato, pepper, and eggplant). Rotating the location of your annual plants will prevent reoccurrence of these host specific pests.

The soil can be exhausted of essential nutrients by planting the same annuals in the same space year after year. Minerals and other nutrients are consumed different quantities by different types of plants. Conversely, different plants can add or leave behind nutrients. Legumes (peas and beans) enrich the soil with nitrogen.

As you plan crop rotation, vegetables are classified by three groups; root crops such as beets, carrots and turnips; cabbage family also known as (brassicas) such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage; and legumes and salad crops such as beans, peas, sweet peppers, tomatoes, lettuces and other leafy greens.

Plant your root crops in the previous years garden to the cabbage family site. The cabbage family should go to the legumes and salad site, since cabbage family plants benefit from extra nitrogen. Legumes and salad crops go to the root crop bed of the year before.

You can write down what you planted and in what location, drawing a plan of your garden beds and labeling each area. Photographs of your garden beds are another way to keep track of your garden plans. Whatever way works best for you. As you plan for the next growing season, a good record of this year’s garden can be your guide to the best location for your vegetables. Just divide your vegetable bed in three, and plot your course.