The main secret of a productive garden for many years: we draw up a crop rotation scheme

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Planning a garden is an art that combines science and experience. Crop rotation (alternating crops) helps to avoid soil depletion, reduce the risk of diseases and pests, and increase yield.

Basic rules of crop rotation

A garden scheme that takes into account crop rotation is an investment in the future harvest. It not only increases yield, but also reduces costs for fertilizers and disease protection. Experiment with crop compatibility, keep a planting diary, and don't forget about green manure. And remember: a good garden starts with a wise plan!

To properly rotate crops, follow these principles:

1. Do not plant the same crop in the same place for 2–3 years in a row.
2. Group plants by family (e.g., nightshade, cabbage, root crops).
3. Alternate “heavy” and “light” crops: plant reducing crops (legumes, green manure) after nutrient absorbers (cabbage, cucumbers).
4. Consider the depth of the roots: alternate root crops (carrots, beets) with crops that have a superficial root system (radishes, lettuce).

For example, after potatoes (nightshade), the next year you should plant onions or garlic, which disinfect the soil.

Dividing crops into groups

All garden plants can be divided into 4 main categories:

• Nutrient-demanding (cabbage, cucumbers, pumpkins) – require a lot of nitrogen.
• Medium-demanding (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants) – use nutrients moderately.
• Low-demanding (onions, lettuce, radishes) – have shallow roots.
• Regenerators (legumes, green manures) – enrich the soil with nitrogen.
• This division helps create a balanced crop rotation cycle.

Example of a 4-year crop rotation cycle

It is recommended to devote the first year to nutrient-demanding crops, such as cabbage or cucumbers.

In the second year, medium-demanding plants should be planted in this area – tomatoes or peppers, after adding compost.

The third year is ideal for low-demanding crops: onions, carrots or radishes, which do not require a deep layer of nutrients.

In the fourth year, the area is allocated for legumes (peas, soybeans) or green manures (lupine, mustard) to restore soil fertility. This system prevents its depletion.

Crop compatibility

Some plants enhance each other's growth, while others inhibit it.

For example, carrots and onions protect each other from pests: onions repel carrot flies, and carrots repel onion mites. Tomatoes and basil are another good tandem: the aroma of basil repels worms and improves the taste of tomatoes.

But cucumbers and potatoes should not be planted next to each other – they compete for water and nutrients, which reduces the yield of both crops.

Additional methods for increasing yield

To increase yield, it is worth using green manures, such as mustard or buckwheat, which enrich the soil with nitrogen after harvesting the main crop. Mulching with straw or peat helps retain moisture and fight weeds.

Companion plantings save space: for example, tall plants (corn) create shade for low ones (zucchini). It is also important to periodically give the area a “rest” by sowing it with green manures once every 5-6 years.