How to Rotate Crops in Your Garden

Plants in the same family have similar nutrient needs and face similar pests. Group plants like leafy greens, root vegetables, and fruiting plants together. This makes it easier to rotate these groups each season. For example, if you planted tomatoes in one area this year, plant beans or peas there next year to replenish the soil with nitrogen. 

For a simple and effective crop rotation, follow a four-year cycle. This method involves rotating four groups of plants through your garden beds:

• Year 1: Plant legumes (beans, peas) to enrich the soil with nitrogen.
• Year 2: Plant fruiting crops (tomatoes, peppers) that need the nitrogen left by legumes.
• Year 3: Plant root crops (carrots, onions) that deplete fewer nutrients.
• Year 4: Plant leafy greens (lettuce, spinach) to finish the cycle.

This rotation ensures your soil stays healthy and balanced.

Keep a gardening journal or simple notes on where you plant each year. This helps you avoid planting the same crops in the same spot by accident. Tracking your rotating garden plan ensures you maximize the benefits of crop rotation over time.