[savbo]

At the end of our first season on the new plot I'm trying to develop a sensible rotation system that I can follow from now on. I've got 12 beds which I think I'm going to try a 4 year rotation on...

I'll be putting in my Japanese onions and garlic before too long, and am trying to decide whether to put them in the bed that I've grown onions and shallots in this year - and which then wouldn't have any onions in for 4 years - or put them in a fresh bed but which then would probably have onions in within 3 years...

what do people think?

M

[mumofstig]

If you have had onions in that bed this year and you put the winter ones in ....which won't ripen until ..June?..then surely that means you have had onions in that bed for 2 years running?

I would be trying to avoid that, and start all of next years onions in a new bed 

[savbo]

ta MoS, good point... I should be thinking of them as early planting for next year rather than as a winter crop..

back to the drawing board

M

[madcat]

Thats how I'm looking at it.  Do you have the problem of more ideas than ground???   

[savbo]

Yep - even with 12 beds on the new plot (plus all the permanent ones), I'm wondering how to fit everything in. And it's hard to work out a rotation when I seem to want twice as much Roots as Spuds...

[Trillium]

Spuds can easily be grown in large grow bags that are now designed for spuds, or large containers. Be sure to plant varieties that will keep growing all along the stemline as not all will. The container soil can then be used for carrots, then amended for alliums or whatever.

meanwhile, the plot beds can have easier rotation and more space for the roots.

[evie2]

I wouldn't repeat plant in the same spot and if possible I'd consider following a plan that allowing one area free from planting in rotation, does that make sense?

[JayG]

I don't think it's necessary (or much fun!) to become too enslaved by rigid rotation schemes.

It is certainly a good idea to be mindful of persistent pests and diseases which can build up in the soil but these are really only a big issue for potatoes, brassicas, and possibly alliums.

Everything else can be compensated for; on my sandy soil I can pretty much guarantee that each spring the soil will be pretty much depleted of nearly all nutrients whatever I grew there the previous year!

(A bit controversial, hopefully Savbo will be pleased!)