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The Four-Bed Crop Rotation System: A Sustainable Approach to Gardening

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At Your Garden Coach NZ, we advocate for sustainable gardening practices that enhance soil health and improve crop yields. One of the most effective techniques we emphasise is the four-bed crop rotation system. This method divides your garden into four distinct sections, rotating different groups of crops each year to promote a healthy growing environment. 


Understanding the Four Groups 


  1. Group 1: Legumes and Corn This group includes nitrogen-fixing plants like beans and peas, as well as corn. Legumes enrich the soil with nitrogen, making it more fertile for future crops. 

  2. Group 2: Brassicas and Leafy Greens This group features nutrient-rich vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and various leafy greens like spinach and lettuce. Their rapid growth improves soil structure and health. 

  3. Group 3: Heat-Loving and Summer Fruiting Crops in this group include tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, which thrive in warm weather. They benefit from the nutrients left behind by the previous groups. 

  4. Group 4: Roots, Tubers, and Alliums This group contains root vegetables like carrots and potatoes, tubers such as sweet potatoes, and alliums like onions and garlic. These crops help aerate the soil and utilise nutrients from deeper layers. 


Why We Believe in It 


At Your Garden Coach NZ, we advocate for the four-bed crop rotation system because it brings numerous benefits: 


  • Enhanced Soil Health: Rotating crops helps maintain nutrient balance, preventing depletion and promoting a vibrant ecosystem in your garden. 

  • Effective Pest and Disease Management: Changing the crop locations disrupts the life cycles of pests and reduces the likelihood of diseases, leading to healthier plants. 

  • Boosted Yields: A varied planting strategy encourages robust plant growth and contributes to higher overall harvests. 

  • Sustainable Practices: By minimising reliance on synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, this approach aligns with our commitment to environmentally friendly gardening.

     

We believe that embracing the four-bed crop rotation system not only leads to more productive gardens but also fosters a more sustainable relationship with the environment. Join us at Your Garden Coach NZ in implementing this effective strategy and enjoy the rewards of a thriving, resilient garden!


Please see a free, downloadable handout here:





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