Crop Rotation Made Simple

Crop rotation is helpful to ensure the soil is never depleted of a particular nutrient, as different vegetable types require more of different nutrients. It also prevents the buildup of pathogens or harmful critters, as the host plant won’t be there to munch on year after year.

Legumes are nitrogen fixing. They put nitrogen back into the soil with the help of rhizobium bacteria. They also prefer looser soil, which root crops naturally help break up the soil.

Leafy Plants require lots of nitrogen, since nitrogen encourages the growth of leaves. Just cut back the legume vines when clearing them, leaving the roots (recommended when clearing all plants) and the nitrogen will become available in the soil.

Fruiting Plants don’t need as much nitrogen, as too much will cause a lot of leafy growth, but no fruit. They will certainly need a helping of phosphorus and potassium as they grow.

Rooting Plants need less nitrogen than fruiting plants, and the previous crops would have consumed most of the nitrogen given by the legumes by now. They will need some phosphorus and potassium as they grow.  They help break up the soil and pave the way for legumes to grow.

Cover Crops can be used at any time when not growing your primary vegetables. Just as the name suggests, they cover the soil and prevent erosion, moisture and nutrient loss, soil compaction, and weed growth. The plants can be cut down and turned into the soil or used as mulch, before they set any seeds, to add nutrients back into the soil.

Flowers can always be used to encourage pollinators and other beneficials into the garden. Large-seeded flowers can attract songbirds which will do their part in consuming pesky insects.

Fallow the plot, or let it rest unsown, to help replenish the soil. You can do this at any time.

Macronutrients' Main Purpose:

Nitrogen - leafy growth (too much late in the season can cause leaf bloom, but no fruit)

Phosphorus - root growth and fruiting, as well as cell development

Potassium - supports disease resistance and hardiness, as well as water transport and crop yield