Preparing For Winter Planting And The Importance Of Rotation 

April is a big month for those who have a home garden. Depending on where you are in the country, you may be harvesting beetroot, spring onions, potatoes and/or radishes. But it’s not just about harvesting – it’s time to think about your winter planting and remember to rotate your crops.  

Preparing for winter crops.

We are all conscious of looking for worms in our soil, which provide a gauge of the health of our soil. But a healthy soil ecosystem contains more than just worms. In preparing garden beds for your winter planting, we encourage adding beneficial microorganisms with products like Superzyme. Superzyme contains beneficial bacteria and fungi that enhance soil life and re-introduces organisms that plants require to function normally. 

Why is this important? Well, the beneficial bacteria and fungi found in Superzyme can improve soil structure, texture, and nutrient levels, which is crucial for ensuring healthy plant growth and, in turn, nutrient-dense food to eat.  Plants grow in optimal conditions when the correct ratio of fungi to bacteria is present, and the ratio of predator to prey is present. Using beneficial inoculums such as Superzyme will enable the plant to function at optimal conditions.

In addition, Mycorrhizal fungi and Superzyme go together like carrots and beans.  Our mycorrhizal product, Rootella, enables plants to uptake more water and nutrients, which is better for the environment and better for whoever has the pleasure of eating the produce. Additionally, these beneficial organisms prevent stress and disease, so you will have more success with growing whilst promoting healthy soil teeming with life and vitality. 

Crop Rotation 

Tomatoes, broccoli, corn and then potatoes? How do you rotate your crops?

Another essential practice for maintaining healthy soil in your vegetable garden is crop rotation. Crop rotation is the practice of alternating the types of crops that are grown in a particular area to prevent the build-up of pests and diseases that can be specific to certain plants. Additionally, the rotation of plants is also important from a nutritional sense; crops such as peas or beans in a healthy soil ecosystem attract specific bacteria that can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere into the soil. Other symbiotic microorganisms, such as mycorrhizal fungi, enhance the uptake of phosphorus. Healthy soil teeming with life enhances soil fertility, reducing the risk of disease development and additional fertiliser requirements, and is, therefore, vital to our health and well-being. 

So if you’re planning on growing your own veggies, consider crop rotation and the addition of beneficial organisms to keep you and your garden thriving. 

Feel free to reach out to us at Roots, Shoots and Fruits if you have any growing questions or to view our products click here.