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Next year plans?

15 years ago

My garden this year consists of containers and raised beds. I was wondering as far as rotating crops, isn't it hard if you have a small area? Sometimes, isn't it necessary to plant in the same spots? As far as my raised beds, they are positioned so that each one is better for certain crops--like one is in a partly shaded area; one is in total sun, etc. I don't think my Dad worried about things like that. Be interested in your remarks. Barb

Comments (6)

  • 15 years ago

    I do containers every year with chiles, tomatoes, and herbs. Next year I get the flower bed on the south side of the house as the Mrs killed off all the rose bushes (grin). I still have to dig up everything and till it over. Hopefully it will be ready for next spring!

  • 15 years ago

    While rotation is a good idea, we do what works out the best for us...as long as your plantings are really productive, go for it.

  • 15 years ago

    I have two 4X4 raised beds and a few containers. I dont really rotate my tomatoes and cukes because they need to be north or they block all sun from everything else. I do rotate squash (I plant it every other year in alternating beds) and carrots, although after last year's carrot fiasco, I think we are taking a long break from carrots.
    everything else kinda goes wherever it fits, sometimes in the same spot and sometimes one foot over (not really rotation in my book) and so far so good. but I've only been gardening for 5 years so what do I know. I do add tons of compost every spring to replenish the soil.

  • 15 years ago

    There is alot of conflicting information out there about crop rotation, even in these forums. From what I have read, it's important to do all you can, but if occasionally, you cannot rotate, chances are you'll be okay. Top priority is maintaining good soil fertility, since that is the secret to growing healthy plants that can shrug off alot of problems.

    I have 9 raised beds. Each summer I plant 3 beds each in beans (string beans, butterbeans, cowpeas), tomatoes (includes eggplants and peppers), and squash (includes cucumbers, summer squash and winter squash). I rotate these beds yearly, which gives me a three year rotation.

    But, of course, my growing season is so long that I can and do plant 3 crops a year in my beds, so what do you do about that? In my favorite southern gardening book, the author says on the subject of rotation, "If in doubt, plant a legume". So, if there was any evidence of disease, or even a heavy insect infestation, I plant a crop of beans in that spot. Otherwise, I try to plant something different but still in the same family, like following cucumbers with a squash, etc. If there is a heavy insect infestation, like SVB, I pull everything out of the bed as soon as I see it and plant a bean.

    I plant alot of brassicas in the fall and winter. I try not to plant them directly behind tomatoes because flea beetles love both crops, and their populations will explode with two seasons of their favorites. I try to plant some kind of legume in between. So, for instance, this fall I will plant broccoli behind a bean, then early next spring, I will plant sugar snap peas behind the broccoli, and then come summer, I will plant tomatoes. Needless to say, it's crucial to use plenty of good compost and appropriate fertilizer between each crop too.

  • 15 years ago

    I have a smaller garden with raised beds and have a hard time getting real rotation going. I just do the best I can. Luckily, beans and tomatoes both grow on trellises, so I can alternate those some. The shorter stuff gets moved around better. But pretty much every other summer, my veggies are in the same place again. I'd keep the thought in the back of your mind and if you can, alternate your plantings. But I wouldn't lose a ton of sleep over it. Especially with container plantings, you have the option of dumping your dirt and filling them with fresh, which simulates rotation. You could do that if you find some plants aren't doing as well as they did in prior years.

  • 15 years ago

    You might want to check over in the container gardening forum, but I would thing that if there is no sign of disease and you add tons of compost etc, things should be fine.
    I usually switch things every other year and have had very few problems (except for very little heat last year and part of this)but that has nothing to do with the health of the plants.
    Good luck! Nancy

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