Crop rotation in the vegetable patch
When the same crop is grown in the same place year after year, the soil becomes depleted and diseases and pests build up. Crop rotation is a simple way to get a better harvest without extra fertilisers or pesticides.
You will need
- A drawing of the vegetable patch or squared paper
- A notebook or spreadsheet for keeping records over the years
- A list of the crops you want to grow
Steps
Divide the patch into sections
Divide the vegetable patch or raised beds into 3–4 equal sections. A four-section rotation is the most common and easiest to follow.
Group the crops
Start with nutrient-hungry crops
Follow with less demanding crops
Improve the soil with legumes
Move the groups every year
Use green manure
Record every year
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