[exdipper]

I hope to lift my first earlies this week. I have them in a raised bed in my allotment (1st year!) and would like to know what to do next with the bed? Can I plant something in it? What would be best from a rotation pov? I read somewhere that carrots and parsnips would do well as soil will be loose and broken up from the spuds which they'd like. I also read that brassicas are a good follow-on which would suit me as I have baby caullis waiting for a bed! Any help and advice welcomed!! Tx.

[SorchaBC]

Brassicas could follow them exdipper, but the only problem is that brassicas are hungry little beggers and you'll have to enrich the soil after the spuds for them to have enough nutrients to thrive. That's why the carrots and parnsips are a good follow up, as they actually prefer slightly poorer, loose soil.

You could plant from the legume family either, as they actually fix nitrogen into the soil so that it's well rich after you're done with them.

The model I've seen most recommended for rotation, and the one I'll be using myself is: legumes - brassicas - spuds - root veg - green manure/rest.

Hope that helps

[michael brenock]

cauliflowers could be planted there but not the best rotation. However it does make good use of nutrients left after early potatoes.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

[exdipper]

Thanks guys. Think I'll go with carrots then and pop the caullies elsewhere.