What crops make way for others?

Hi.

This is my first full year with an allotment and I realise that more experienced growers will have a automatic feel for what crops make way for others as the year progresses.

For example, my over wintering garlic and onions will begin to be pullable around early June (I think - first time for me). So then I know I can start using that ground for, say, spring onions and beetroot that I plan to grow in succession throughout the year. But that's an easy one - spring onions and beetroot can be grown over a long span of time.

So my question is, if crop A finishes in time for crop B to be planted (perhaps transplanted from seed started earlier), what would your ideas be for plants in categories A and B?

Yes, I know I could read loads about this but I sense that some of you just know this.

So, any thoughts?

Thanks.

Overwintered broad beans to squashes or sweetcorn is a good idea, Spuds to brassicas, if only to keep the lime away from the potatoes in the rotation....

There are ways if space is tight to get six proper crops out of a piece of land in three years, from memory it would be something like early potatoes to squash to overwintering broad-beans to brussels/winter cabbage to early peas started in a GH in guttering to leeks. The leeks would finish coming out  out at the start of the fourth year but that's six "proper" crops (ie not salads !), suggest then a root vegetable, if celeriac then you might be able to get a fast crop of broadies or peas or salads through before they went in.

To go from early spuds to squash selectively harvest spuds to leave gaps about 4 feet apart for the squashes, then harvest the rest of the spuds out of the way of the growing squashes.

chrisc

I am working out the intercropping, crop following this year as well. From the other members suggestions I've got the following ideas
winter onions -> dwarf beans, peas
earlies -> sweet corn
you might need to seed and pot them ready and waiting for a place.
like players warming up the touchline without knowing when they are about to be substituted

Thanks folks.

All good feedback.

Squash is one thing I want to grow this year, so your comment, chrisscross 1966, is very interesting  ("To go from early spuds to squash selectively harvest spuds to leave gaps about 4 feet apart for the squashes, then harvest the rest of the spuds out of the way of the growing squashes.)" I think I'll do that.

Also, going from earlies to leeks is very possible too.

Cheers all.

I don't tend to put things in after a crop has finished.
I either cover the ground or sow a green manure.
I know it's a bit of a waste of land but i think to rest it helps with it's health for the next year. 

great idea if you have the space unfortunately not an option for many