Crop rotation and associations in the vegetable garden

In order to compensate for the natural depletion of soil nutrients, a minimum of organization is required, on the one hand, and a few basic principles must be respected. Why rotate crops? The term "rotation" is commonly used, even if the word "succession" is easier to understand. Indeed, vegetable plants are classified on the one hand by botanical families (Fabaceae, Asteraceae, etc.) and on the other hand by types: leafy vegetables, root vegetables, etc. The idea is therefore to alternate crops in your garden, taking these two characteristics into account. Each large family has its own diseases and pests: there is a flea beetle, for example, which only attacks Brassicaceae. Not having crops successively is the best way to sustainably encourage fungal spores (the cause of many diseases) or the presence of insects (in the form of larvae, worms or pupae) in your garden, sure to find the host plant of their dreams the following year. Without rotation, diseases and pests quickly proliferate. Rotations over 3, 4 or 5 yearsDepending on the size of your vegetable garden, it is possible to follow these simple crop succession schemes over 3, or even 4 or 5 years for larger spaces.Over 3 yearsThis example of rotation is the most frequently accepted. The first year, the first part of the vegetable garden will receive a strong fertilization for the very greedy vegetables: half a wheelbarrow of compost for 10m². The second year, only the part that hosted the sober ones will be heavily fertilized to grow the very greedy ones. And so on. With this simple and easy system, you are guaranteed to respect your soil and ensure its proper renewal. Over 4 or 5 years A little more complicated, this succession of your soil, by adding an additional data: fruit vegetables; leafy vegetables; root vegetables; Fabaceae and bulbs. The rotation will be organized as follows: the first year, half a wheelbarrow of compost for the fruit vegetables part, a quarter of a wheelbarrow for the leafy vegetables and root vegetables part and nothing for the bulbs and Fabaceae. The second year, heavy fertilization will be done on the part dedicated to Fabaceae and bulbs. And so on. Above all, do not be impressed by these diagrams which may seem a little difficult: their sequence is very simple and is easily practiced in the garden. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced gardener, success in growing is above all guaranteed by a good knowledge and a maximum respect for your soil. This respect necessarily requires regular feeding. Crops extract nutrients and draw on resources. It is essential to organize ourselves to restore some of what is removed. This is also the only way to sustainably and happily cultivate your vegetable patch. The main families and their appetite: Apiaceae (carrot, celery, fennel, parsley, dill): Greedy Asteraceae (lettuce, chicory, Jerusalem artichoke): Greedy Brassicaceae (cabbage, radish, turnip, arugula): Very greedy Chenopodiaceae (spinach, chard, beetroot): Very greedy Cucurbitaceae (squash, melon, cucumber, zucchini, pumpkin, squash): Very greedy Fabaceae (beans, peas, broad bean): Sober Liliaceae (garlic, onion, shallot, leek): Sober Solanaceae (eggplant, pepper, chili, tomato, potato, physalis): Very greedyCombining crops in the vegetable garden Companion planting is the art of arranging plants in the vegetable garden in such a way that that they promote the growth and quality of neighboring crops. Good associations have many advantages such as a better harvest and an effective defense against pests and diseases. Some plants naturally secrete insect-repellent substances, improve the soil thanks to their roots or even promote pollination by attracting insects. The essential associations: The 3 golden rules: 1) Vary the species (vegetables, flowers, aromatic plants, shrubs, trees and wild plants). Plant support plants and climbing plants side by side. 2) Ensure essential needs: space, light, water and nutrients. Combine tall, sun-loving plants with shade-loving plants, for example, or greedy plants with frugal plants. 3) Pay attention to growing calendars. Two plants can theoretically be good neighbors, but with completely different growing cycles!