Plot 36, some thoughts on crop rotation and layout

A while back did some research into companion planting and decided that I would like to have 4 beds in my first year. I've been reading up on crop rotation this week to help me figure out where to dig them. I am also planning a 5th bed of runner beans now too and am also thinking of growing my toms in grow-bags as according to some of the other allotment folks I have been chatting with, toms have done very badly here for the last 3 years.

• Potatoes, Marigolds (Rosemary nearby)
• Leeks, Carrots (Mint nearby)
• Broccoli, Kohlrabi, Marigolds (Chives nearby)
• Runner beans
• Tomatoes, Basil and Nastertiums

I've found details for 3, 4 and 5 year rotation plans but this one looks like it will suit me and the size of my plot pretty well, especially as I am not planning to dig a further bed for my toms (I think I can dig the grow bag compost in to my potato bed at the end of the growing season).

(HDRA recommended method)

1)potatoes and tomatoes - add organic matter, high nitrogen (manure)
2)roots - add nothing
3)brassica - add general fertiliser and lime 
4)legumes - add organic matter, low in nitrogen (compost)

In this rotation, the alliums go with one of the other groups, but chosen so they are grown in a different place and with a different group each year.
Here is a little sketch of how I think my plot can be laid out in year 1

Jolene x

ref:
http://www.moonbells.com/advice/Allotment_Manual/allotment_manual.html
 

Plot 36, researching herbs for companion planting

While waiting to get my hands on my very own allotment access key I have  been doing some more research on companion planting. I'm looking particularly for herbs that are known to work well with the veg choices I have already made and which veg combos are known to work well together or best to avoid. Writing this blog post is going to help me decide what to plant together in the first beds that I dig, the results of my research today is:
 



Veg - Companion herbs - Avoid

Potatoes - any aromatic herbs - Avoid tomatoes
Kohlrabi - Mint, Chives - Avoid tomatoes
Leeks - ? - Avoid legumes, beets
Carrots - Mint - Avoid dill, parsnip, radish
Tomatoes - Basil, Chives - Avoid brassicas, potatoes
Broccoli - Chives - Avoid tomatoes

Marigolds are attributed with attract snails away from many types of plant, especially brassicas and tomatoes so I'll deffo be planting some in my mixed beds. Nastertium attract predatory insects and taste nice in leaf salads too.

So, looking at the above I think I will plant out my first bed with
Potatoes, Marigolds, Rosemary

Second bed with
Broccoli, Kohlrabi, Marigolds, Chives

Third bed with
Leeks, Carrots, Mint

Fourth bed
Tomatoes, Basil and Nastertiums.

I traded in some Tesco vouchers for Thompson and Morgan gift vouchers yesterday, off to have a look now and order some herb seeds.

have a lovely week, Jolene x

references -
http://www.howtogardenadvice.com/garden_info/companion_planting_chart.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_companion_plants#Flowers