help for new gardener please

[lynndave]

hi can someone help with a crop rotation question, can i plant out brassicas now in my dwarf bean bed, or am i best waiting
until next year? I am trying to aim for a four bed rotation

I have six beds all 1 metre by 1 metre.
bed 1 has dwarf beans
bed 2 has dwarf beans
bed 3 has brussel sprouts
bed 4 has brussel sprouts
bed 5 has cauliflower
bed 6 has carrots and salad.

What can I add to the beds re: companion planting that will not affect the rotation? can I follow the dwarf beans with brassicas this year or leave until next?
Please advise. Lynn

[lynndave]

[PurpleHeather]

For heaven's sake do not worry about crop rotation.

If you are new to the site, you will have no idea what was grown there before. No way of finding out either.

Rotation is best suited to farmers who have vast areas of fields. With an allotment your little bed may well be so near to another bed with a pest problem that the rotation ideal wont help you much.

It is a good idea not to grow the same crop in the same bit too often.

For example, Onions will develop a lot on top and have smaller bulbs if planted on 'rich' soil but as an allotment holder you may well be delighted with the bulbs you get.

Just keep the plot as free of weeds as you can and enjoy growing.

[manicscousers]

hiya, lynndave, welcome to the site
we always follows beans with brassicas  ;D

[Robert_Brenchley]

As long as you move crops about from one year to the next, that's all that really matters. There are a very few things you have to watch out for; onion white rot for instance.

[antipodes]

yes I agree. This is why my neighbours don't understand why I do not plant things in long rows like they do - squares much simplify moving things from year to year.
This year I did not pay much attention to the winter crops, they went in wherever there was space, but the summer crops like onions, potatoes, toms, beans I have deliberately planted in different spots to avoid disease. On a small plot like mine I don't think it makes a lot of difference but is probably helpful to the soil in the long run. I wouldn't worry too much about your cabbages for now and make a more strategic plan in the spring  ;)

[cacran]

Hey, I have been stressing out about crop rotation this year too. Last year was my first and I had a plan, this year I have almost followed the rotation rule but run out of space for a few things. I can't believe how worried I have been about where to put these extra things. i will just opt for any old place , I think!!!! :-[