This rotation may seem unusual, but it is actually based on very logical reasons. Since most crops can be grown much cheaper by local farmers than in the city, there are very few practical reasons to grow a garden inside the city. Space is limited and expensive in the city, so only the most nutritious crops can be justified. Only the crops where raw freshness is important can be justified for fresh city growing. If you live on the edge of the city and have room for a large garden, please refer to Organic Self Sufficient Crop Rotation.

1. SPRING - beets, chicory
   EARLY WINTER - work in manure

2. VERY EARLY SPRING - turnips
   LATE SUMMER - collards, kale mixture
   LATE WINTER - work in manure

3. SPRING - okra
   EARLY WINTER - work in manure

DETAILS:

The main advantage of this rotation is that every year each bed will be growing some high calcium / magnesium crops.

If planting by hand, soak the winter cover seeds for 24 hours before planting to speed sprouting.

In a small garden, mulch really is the best organic way to control weeds throughout the growing season.

In the fall, after harvesting, till in all remaining plant residue to prevent disease.

In the fall, after harvesting, till in all remaining plant residue to prevent disease.

In the winter, work in crop residue with hardwood chips and manure. The wood chips will grow a fungus which kills nematodes. The wood chips will also provide potassium.

If insects or disease becomes a problem, you may need to add another rotation between the beets and brassica. A member of the grass family such as rice or sorghum would be ideal.

If it is hard to find mulch, you may need to add another rotation to grow your own, such as sorghum in the spring or rye in the winter.