Crop rotation moves vegetable families to different beds each year to prevent soil-borne disease and balance nutrient demands. A four-bed UK rotation cycles legumes, brassicas, roots, and alliums/potatoes through the plot over four years. Trials show rotation reduces clubroot incidence by up to 80% and improves yields by 10-25% compared with static planting.
Key takeaways
- Rotate crops on a four-year cycle: legumes, brassicas, roots, then alliums and potatoes
- Rotation reduces clubroot and other soil-borne diseases by up to 80% over four years
- Legumes fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting the brassicas that follow the next year
- A three-bed system works well for small gardens by combining alliums with roots
- Green manures sown between crops add nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure
- Keep a simple plan or diary each year to track which family grew where
crop rotation vegetables allotment soil health planning grow your own
Our team produces practical UK gardening guidance from source research, contributor records and established horticultural practice. Editorial standards are overseen by Matt W.
