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Morgan's Farmhouse

Creating a Homegrown and Homemade Life

How to Rotate Crops

February 15, 2023 by morgansfarmhouse Leave a Comment

Did you know that you are supposed to rotate what type of plant you grow each year? Each takes something unique from the soil. Crop rotation will leave you with healthier soil, less pests, less disease, and more food! I will teach you the simple process of how to rotate crops.

How to Rotate Crops-Seed packets spread out on soil with garden glove on top

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Just Like George Washington..Carver That Is!

I grew up near the George Washington Carver National Monument. Everybody here has to take a field trip to the park at some point. We went more often than that though. I’ve walked the trail, listened to rangers, and explored the museum many times in my life. One thing I remember learning is that he introduced peanuts as a way to rotate crops. They put back in what the cotton took out. 

Although I don’t grow cotton or peanuts, I do rotate my crops just like George Washington Carver. It sounds super complicated and scientific, but it’s actually quite simple. Once you have the hang of it, your garden planning will change forever. And your plants will thank you!

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Type of Crops

There are four main types of crops. Each takes extra of something from the soil. So although all plants need nitrogen, some need more. 

Leaf

The leaf group takes the most nitrogen from the soil. Often these are the cold weather crops like kale, broccoli, and brussel sprouts. The Brassicas all fit into this category. Potatoes and corn do as well, although they aren’t leafy vegetables, because of the amount of nitrogen they take from the soil. Even if you aren’t able to go through the entire crop rotation, it’s still best to give the soil a break from these nitrogen suckers for at least 2 years. 

Fruit

This group includes anything that has a blossom that turns into something we eat. Although they require nitrogen, it isn’t as much as the leaf group. In fact too much nitrogen will cause these plants to produce lots of leaves, but not much fruit. They do like phosphorus though. This group includes cucumbers, tomatoes, squash, peppers, and melons.

Root

Root crops like lots of potassium, but don’t need as much nitrogen and phosphorus. The are the plants that you have to dig up to eat. This includes garlic, onions, carrots, beets, turnips, and radishes. The only exception is potatoes because they fall into the leaf group.

Legume

The legume group helps to put nitrogen back into the soil. The roots have a bacteria on them that releases nitrogen back into the soil. This group includes peas and beans. 

FREE Garden Planner

How to Rotate Crops- Raised garden bed full of soil

How to Rotate Crops

I am going to explain the ideal way to rotate crops, but keep in mind that real life isn’t ideal. My raised beds aren’t big enough for me to rotate through all four groups perfectly. Sometimes I have to go out of order to get it all to fit and that’s ok. This is just a guideline. 

I listed the plant types in the order you should plant them. Leaf, fruit, root, legume, then back to leaf. The leaf group uses up most of the nitrogen, so that the fruits don’t get too leafy. The fruit uses up most of the phosphorus. That’s ok because the root crops don’t need much of either, but do need lots of potassium. Then the legumes put nitrogen back into the soil for the leafy plants to use next planting. 

Try to avoid planting tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes in the same place each time. They share the same diseases. That also means I wouldn’t follow tomatoes with potatoes or peppers. It’s best to wait 3 years before putting one of these in the same place.

How to Rotate Crops- small tomato plant inside tomato cage

Why Rotate Crops

One of the main reasons to rotate crops is to allow the soil to recuperate what was depleted. That doesn’t mean you will not have to amend the soil or add compost if you follow the crop rotation. It just won’t leave the soil so depleted of specific nutrients. The key to healthy plants is healthy soil. Rotating your crops will help keep the soil healthy with very little effort on your part. Fewer amendments and less work are always a plus.  

The other reason to rotate crops is to prevent disease. Some plants, like potatoes and tomatoes, are susceptible to the same diseases. By rotating where they are planted, it doesn’t allow disease to get established. This is also why it’s best to wait several years before putting the same group of plants back in the same soil. It gives the disease time to die and go away.

Grab my FREE Garden Planner, so that you can start organizing your crop rotation today!

How to Rotate Crops- seed packets spread on wood floor

The site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As a Revive EO Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Filed Under: For Beginners, Garden Tagged With: beginner garden, crop rotation, garden, gardening, gardening for beginners, plan a garden

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Morgan's Farmhouse

Hi, I’m Morgan, wife, teacher,  and wannabe homesteader. Follow along for recipes, tips, and tricks as we learn how to go from city living to homesteading heaven. Read more about me here.

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