Topic: crop rotation in tiny space

[aquilegia]

I have a tiny garden with only one longish, narrow veg patch in it.

Last summer I grew toms, broad beans, runner beans, courgettes and sweetcorn in it. Each veg had it's own bit of the patch, but the soil isn't divided in any way.

The year before I only grew runners in it.

What can I grow this year in it? I will be growing all of the above again, plus (hopefully) parsnips, garlic, leeks, radishes and maybe fennel. Is it ok to put the same thing in again, but in a different section of the bed?

Or how can I improve the soil (I'm organic)? I have plenty of manure, but obviously won't be using that for the 'snips section. (do radishes dislike manure too?)

Sorry for all the questions - novice here who's very keen to learn! ;)

[tim]

With 2 largish plots, I totally fail to observe the guide lines.

I do try to put brassica on a new patch each year - and pots and onions. But apart from that, things go in where  and when the ground is ready to receive them. And we have coped like that for over 40 years!! And don't do too badly. Dinna fash!! = Tim

[cleo]

I agree with Tim, rotation to avoid disease is not really a valid concept on small/medium sizes plots. It`s better to think in terms of the nutritional requirements and follow such general rules as not putting root crops in newly manured soil.

If you grow fennel think-water ,water if you want decent bulbs.

Stephan.

[gavin]

Agreeing too, with Tim.

I think the underlying reason for rotation is that large plots usually have pretty large blocks of monocultures.  So in one area all the brassica are reinforcing each other  - with their demands on the soil and ideal conditions for developing pest and disease.

Which doesn't apply in a small area - where you've got lots of small blocks much more mixed up together;  it's much more like companion planting, I suppose, with a much more balanced competition.

All best - Gavin