Crop rotation in your veggie garden is important to implement from season to season. But what is crop rotation, and how does it work? Well, crop rotation helps your soil not become depleted of the nutrients your vegetables use to grow. It creates sustainable growing conditions from one crop family to another crop family as each takes and replenishes the soil with different bits and pieces. For example peas and beans add nitrogen to the soil and will make better conditions for the next crop of leafy green vegetables.

Crop rotation is also important as not to over work the soil with only one type or family of vegetable. Over working of the soil can lead to disease, less vigorous growth and a decrease in yields. Keeping your crop rotations as simple as possible is usually best, and don’t forget to use plenty of compost and manure to help replenish the soil between crops too!

Crop Rotation Chart

Year 1 – cabbages, cauliflowers, broccoli, leeks, corn, potatoes, pumpkins, tomatoes, zucchini (heavy feeders)
Year 2 – legumes: beans, peas (legumes replace nitrogen in the soil)
Year 3 – carrots, beets, radishes, turnips, onions (lighter feeders)
Year 4 – start again!

Look at companion planting , compost and soil management for some more info on creating healthy, living soil.