If you have a vegetable garden or otherwise grow annual plants, a one-time proven cultural method for preventing disease is crop rotation. Crop rotation is the practice of growing different plants in different locations each year to prevent the buildup of soil borne diseases, insect pests, and depletion of soil nutrients. Diversity in landscape also helps attract different insects and wildlife to your beds and rows; making for a healthy habitat.

To help simplify the process, you just need to plant from a different plant family each growing season if using the same location. Here are some common plant families and vegetables for you to choose from:

Alliaceae: Chives, Garlic, Leeks, Onions

Cucurbitaceae: Cucumber, Melon, Pumpkin, Squash

Cruciferae: Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Kale, Kohlrabi, Radish, Rutabaga, Turnip

Fabaceae: Beans, Peas

Poaceae: Corn

Amaranthaceae: Beet, Spinach, Swiss Chard

Solanaceae: Eggplant, Pepper, Potato, Tomato

Apiaceae: Carrot, Celery, Dill, Fennel, Parsley, Parsnip

Asteraceae: Lettuce

Written by Michael W. Thomas - Extension Master Gardener Volunteer - Carteret County