After the potatoes have been harvested, gardeners often face the question of what crops to plant in their place.
The soil needs to be restored after potatoes, because this plant takes a lot of nutrients from the soil.
Selecting the right crops for planting will help restore soil fertility and avoid the accumulation of pests and diseases.
The first step in restoring soil fertility is planting green manure. These plants improve the soil structure, enrich it with nitrogen and suppress the growth of weeds.
Popular green manure crops include rye, oats, lupine, phacelia and mustard.
Green manure helps to loosen the soil, prevent its depletion and improve water-retaining properties.
After potatoes, you can safely plant legumes such as peas, beans or beans.
These plants are known for their ability to fix nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that is available to other plants. This property helps restore the balance of nutrients in the soil and prepare it for subsequent plantings.
Brassicas such as cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower are also suitable for planting after potatoes. They are less demanding of the soil and help improve its structure thanks to their powerful root systems. Cabbage usually grows well in places where potato crops were previously grown.
Green crops such as spinach, lettuce and dill can be planted after potatoes to further enrich the soil with organic matter. Not only do they improve the soil structure, but they also provide an early harvest in the spring.
Perhaps the best choice for planting after potatoes are vegetables such as carrots, beets, radishes and turnips. These root crops will help the soil to recover, as their roots penetrate deep into the soil, improving its aeration and structure.
After harvesting potatoes and selecting new crops, it is important to pay attention to basic agricultural practices.
The soil should be dug up, organic fertilizers should be added, and the moisture level should be monitored. Crop rotation and regular soil checks will help avoid problems in the future and produce a rich harvest.