Planning · Rotation
The four-year pattern.
Crop rotation is the highest-leverage move a small garden can make. Here's your four-year plan.
The rotation plan adapts so each bed moves through a different family each year.
Year 1
Nightshades
Heavy feeders that deplete calcium and attract solanaceous pests. Never follow themselves.
Year 2
Alliums
Natural pest deterrents. Minimal nutrient demand; good transitional crops between heavy feeders.
Year 3
Legumes
Nitrogen fixers — they leave the soil richer than they found it. Ideal before heavy feeders.
Year 4
Brassicas
Clubroot and cabbage worm pressure builds fast. Rotate away every year without exception.
| Bed | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The first-year garden | Legumes Edamame, Fava Bean, Green Bean | Brassicas Arugula, Bok Choy, Broccoli | Nightshades Eggplant, Ground Cherry, Pepper | Alliums Garlic, Leek, Onion |
The salsa bed | Alliums Garlic, Leek, Onion | Legumes Edamame, Fava Bean, Green Bean | Brassicas Arugula, Bok Choy, Broccoli | Nightshades Eggplant, Ground Cherry, Pepper |
The salad patch | Composites Artichoke, Endive, Escarole | Cucurbits Acorn Squash, Butternut Squash, Cantaloupe | Carrots & umbels Carrot, Celeriac, Celery | Legumes Edamame, Fava Bean, Green Bean |
The three sisters | Alliums Garlic, Leek, Onion | Legumes Edamame, Fava Bean, Green Bean | Brassicas Arugula, Bok Choy, Broccoli | Nightshades Eggplant, Ground Cherry, Pepper |
The cool-season patch | Cucurbits Acorn Squash, Butternut Squash, Cantaloupe | Carrots & umbels Carrot, Celeriac, Celery | Legumes Edamame, Fava Bean, Green Bean | Composites Artichoke, Endive, Escarole |
The heat lovers | Alliums Garlic, Leek, Onion | Legumes Edamame, Fava Bean, Green Bean | Brassicas Arugula, Bok Choy, Broccoli | Nightshades Eggplant, Ground Cherry, Pepper |
Family guide
Nightshades
Cucurbits
Brassicas
Legumes
Carrots & umbels
Alliums
Amaranths & chenopods
Grasses & grains
Composites
Other