round and round

Organic systems rely on a rotation of crops so that pests and diseases do not build up in one area and so that fertility can be built up in the soil.

Our four-year cycle begins with potatoes after the ground has been well composted or manured. Field beans are sown into the ground after potatoes are lifted as a 'green manure'.

The following spring beans are planted. Their roots are mini nitrogen factories that pack extra nutrients into the soil.

Brassica (cabbage) family plants follow in the third year.
With onion tribe plants completing the cycle.

Here's the bean bed plan for this year.

sweet corn planted with beans: climbing blue lake
early peas: feltham first
sweet corn planted with beans: climbing blue lake
marrowfat peas: marro
strawberry: marshmello	french beans for drying: horsehead
broad beans: aguadulce
beans: climbing blue lake	french beans for drying: horsehead