Most gardeners know that corn is the plant that requires crop rotation, simply because it takes all the nutrients from the soil.
Gardeners often prefer not to plant anything for a year after they grow corn, but some plants can actually survive these conditions.
Let's look closely at them.
Legumes Like Beans or Peas
Planting beans or peas after corn is great because they can add nitrogen back to the soil.
Nitrogen is like plant food, and corn uses a lot of it.
Leafy Greens
Try planting leafy greens like lettuce or spinach.
They don't need as much nitrogen, and they can benefit from the nutrients left by the corn.
Root Vegetables
Root vegetables like carrots or radishes are good choices.
They can reach down into the soil, finding nutrients the corn might have missed.
Squash or Pumpkins
Planting squash or pumpkins is smart because they can help control weeds.
Their big leaves shade the ground, making it harder for weeds to grow.
Crop Rotation
Consider rotating your crops. If you had corn in one area, try planting something different there next time.
This helps prevent soil diseases and keeps the soil balanced.
Cover Crops
Planting cover crops like clover or alfalfa in between your main crops can protect the soil from erosion.
It can also add nutrients when you plow them back into the ground.
Herbs
Herbs like basil, cilantro, or parsley can be great additions.
They not only add flavor to your cooking but can also attract beneficial insects.
Marigolds or Sunflowers
Planting marigolds or sunflowers can help control pests.
They attract good insects and repel the ones that might harm your plants.
