How has rotating crops reduced pests and diseases in your garden? Share your best crop rotation patterns.
Rotating crops helps break the life cycles of pests and diseases that thrive on specific plants. For example, following legumes like beans or peas with brassicas such as cabbage or broccoli can enhance soil nitrogen levels while reducing the chance of pests that target the same family. A good pattern you might try is planting tomatoes one year, followed by peppers, and then planting a cover crop like clover before returning to tomatoes. This not only diversifies your crops but also improves soil health and reduces the buildup of pathogens.
Another effective rotation pattern is to follow heavy feeders like corn with a light feeder such as squash or cucumbers, and then plant a nitrogen-fixing crop like clover or vetch before returning to corn. This approach not only keeps the soil balanced but also helps suppress weeds and disrupt pest cycles. Additionally, incorporating cover crops in the off-season can enhance soil structure and organic matter, boosting overall fertility for the following season.