[pmkelly]

I have 7 plots approx. 3 Metres x 7 Metres each.

6 of these sit out in the open, one is enclosed by short bushes and a dry stone wall. For the last two years I have very successfully grown courgettes in this one.

I would like some pointers on the best way to manage rotation within these. I would definitely like to keep 2 of the patches in potatoes. I imagine I can't keep planting courgettes in the sheltered patch?

Maybe I should consider letting some sit fallow or under some green manure.

Thank you in advance.

[Yorkie]

Welcome to the site 

Courgettes don't tend to have too many problems but regular growing in the same place will deplete the soil of relevant nutrients so I would indeed try to rotate them as well as the others.

http://www.allotment-garden.org/vegetable/index.php has a series of crop rotation articles which you might find useful.

You need to group your regular crops into the relevant groups - onion family, bean family, cabbage etc family, spuds / tomatoes, and anything else.

Depending on how many groups you're growing, that should help you decide whether you're using a 3-year rotation or longer.

Green manure can be a good idea but you'll need to work out whether it actually helps with the rotation or not.

Come back with some thoughts of what you're growing, and quantities (area not weight), and we can probably offer some more concrete thoughts.

[gobs]

No, you do not need to let it sit idle and yes, you do not want several years of courgettes in one spot.

5 left is plenty to play with. Write what you want to grow and eat, also how much.

I can see, Yorkie also asks this. Such bores we are.

[Yorkie]

I can see, Yorkie also asks this. Such bores we are.

  Speak for yourself 

[gobs]

I can see, Yorkie also asks this. Such bores we are.

  Speak for yourself 

I do apologise. Just me then. Your question is entirely original and unique, Sir.

[Yorkie]

 

Ma'am please  :blink:

[Yorkie]

Great minds think together, I think 

[gobs]

Ma'am please  :blink:

 

I think, he should grow 20 courgettes, that will show him.

And I'm going to hot bed, lots to do tomorrow.

[Yorkie]

20 plants 

To pmkelly, I have 3 beds the size you describe (I have a half plot). 

On one I grow peas and beans.

In another, it's red cabbage on half and squash / courgettes / sweetcorn on the other half.

On the final one, it's spuds on half, and parsnips / garlic / leeks on the other half.

So, the beans have a 3-year rotation and everything else has a 6-year rotation as I just swap the halves around.