Simple Raised Bed Crop Rotation

Simple Raised Bed Crop Rotation

Remember as you plant this season to rotate your crops. One of the keys to organic pest control and healthy growth is to rotate crops.

I always keep a garden journal of where I planted each year and the results, that way the next year I can see what works and make sure I rotate crops. Now if you didn't do this, that's ok, just make your best guess and then make sure you keep track this year.

So here's some easy bed rotations: You can rotate in 1/2's , 1/4's or Sideways. With 1/2's you just flip flop sides each year with your crops (good for just a few crops). With 1/4's you just rotate from 1 corner to the next, etc... (good for 4 or more crops) And with sideways rotations you just rotate from right to left in sections (good for multiple crops-base number of sections on number of crops).

Happy gardening,
--Greg



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A Simple Raised Bed Garden Plan (part 2)

Image via Wikipedia

A Simple Raised Bed Garden Plan (part 2)

Now for part 2 ...

2 Weeks After Last Frost

Set out:
Tomatoes - 4 plants
Bell Peppers - 4 plants
Sweet Basil - 1 plant
Cucumbers - 4 plants
Zinnias - 3 plants

Plant:
Pumpkins - 2 seeds
Zucchini - 2 seeds

6-8 Weeks After Last Frost

As first crops come out, plant:
Early Corn - 24 seeds
Bush Limas - 36 seeds
Cosmos - 1 seed

14 Weeks After Last Frost

As potatoes come out, plant:
Corn - 32 seeds
Bush Green Beans - 25 seeds

8-12 Weeks Before First Frost

Start seedlings:
Leaf Lettuce - 16 seeds
Head Lettuce - 10 seeds
Broccoli - 7 seeds
Calendulas - 5 seeds

4-8 Weeks Before First Frost

As early corn comes out, set out:
Leaf Lettuce - 8 plants
Head Lettuce - 5 plants
Broccoli - 5 plants
Calendulas - 5 plants

Plant:
Carrots - 96 seeds
Peas - 218 seeds
Chard - 2 seeds
Radishes - 43 seeds

Happy gardening,
--Greg



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A Simple Raised Bed Garden Plan (part 1)

A Simple Raised Bed Garden Plan (part 1)

Now there are ways to extend your season (see past posts), but for now here's a basic plan for 3 raised beds.

This plan is based on 3 4x8 beds (adapt for more). Again 4x8 beds are best because they are made from standard size 8ft lumber which keeps costs down and 4ft wide means that its 2ft to center from each side, which makes easier access. (adjust vegetable choices to your preferences)



 6 Weeks Before Last Frost of Spring

Start seedlings:
Cabbage - 8 seeds
Broccoli - 4 seeds
Leaf Lettuce - 10 seeds
Head Lettuce - 6 seeds

2 Weeks Before Last Frost of Spring

Set out:
Cabbage - 4 plants
Broccoli - 2 plants
Leaf Lettuce - 5 plants
Head Lettuce - 3 plants

Plant:
Bush Peas - 218 seeds
Carrots - 96 seeds
Beets - 17 seeds
Onions - 60 sets
Radishes - 43 seeds

Start seedlings:
Tomatoes - 8 seeds
Peppers - 8 seeds
Sweet Basil - 2 seeds
Zinnias - 6 seeds
Cucumbers - 8 seeds

On Last Frost Day

Plant:
Potatoes - 35 starts

That should get you started for now, my next post will cover part 2.

Happy gardening,
--Greg



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