Topic: allium rotation

[aquilegia]

Is it ok to put spring sown alliums in the same bed as ones sown last autumn?

IE - can I put my leeks for harvesting winter 2005/6 in after taking out garlic planted autumn 2004?

Or should I have two beds per year for alliums?

[Sprout]

Isn't it the 'standard rule' of crop rotation that you don't put plants of the same family in the same bed for 3 or 4 years? If so, I wouldn't risk it.

[Lizard Man]

Don't know for sure, but I would agree with Sprout - it's all to do with the biology of the plants and the way they process different nutrients, isn't it? Nothing to do with the time of year they are planted/harvested.

[Merry Tiller]

It's really not worth the risk, White Rot is a very difficult thing to get rid of so the Onion family is one of those that I really take the trouble to rotate properly

[gavin]

Hi aquilegia - I don't have white rot (at least as far as I know, on my new plot), so perhaps better waiting for Tim/Emma to come along?

But fwiw, if you don't have white rot (don't introduce it!), keep garlic/shallots/onions strictly in the allium rotation, and be relaxed about the leeks?  Mine usually go in after the early potatoes - a big empty space ready just at the time I need a big empty space for the leeks!

I believe garlic is particularly susceptible to white rot, whereas leeks are the opposite, (perhaps because white rot needs a ceratin temperature range ???).

All best - Gavin

[Clayhithe]

Don't risk it.

Poor Tim can't grow alliums anymore.

[moonbells]

After my scare with leek viruses a couple of weeks ago (bright yellow leek, slimy roots) I wouldn't risk not rotating them either!

moonbells

[aquilegia]

Ok.

So leeks after the spuds.

I reckon probably brassicas after the garlic, then!