One of the most popular and delicious vegetables that many people grow in their gardens is cucumbers.
They are distinguished by high productivity and beneficial properties.
But after harvesting cucumbers, it is important to know what can and cannot be planted in the same place next year. This will help to avoid diseases, pests and reduced yields.
Crop rotation rules
Crop rotation is a system of alternating plants on the same plot of land in different years.
Crop rotation helps maintain soil fertility, prevent soil depletion, improve soil structure, and reduce the risk of plant diseases and pests.
The basic rules of crop rotation are as follows.
• Do not plant plants of the same family or genus in the same place two years in a row. This can lead to the accumulation of harmful substances in the soil and the development of diseases and pests specific to this group of plants.
• Plant plants of different families or genera that have different nutritional needs and root systems. This will help ensure uniform use of nutrients from the soil and improve its structure.
• Plant plants that have a positive effect on each other. For example, legumes add nitrogen to the soil, which is beneficial to other plants. In addition, some plants produce substances that repel pests or attract beneficial insects.
What can and cannot be planted after cucumbers
Cucumbers belong to the gourd family, which also includes pumpkin, squash, pattypan squash, melon and watermelon.
These plants have a powerful root system and consume a lot of nutrients from the soil. Therefore, you should not plant other squash or plants that require rich soil after them.
What should not be planted after cucumbers
Potatoes. This plant also belongs to the crops that deplete the soil. In addition, cucumbers and potatoes are susceptible to the same diseases, such as late blight, alternaria and bacteriosis.
Tomatoes. This plant also requires rich soil and suffers from the same diseases as cucumbers. In addition, tomatoes and cucumbers attract the same pests, such as aphids, mole crickets, and Colorado potato beetles.
Eggplants. This plant also belongs to the nightshade family, like tomatoes and potatoes. It also needs fertile soil and is susceptible to the same diseases and pests as cucumbers.
What can be planted after cucumbers
• Onion. This plant grows well in poor soil and is not afraid of diseases and pests. In addition, onions release phytoncides that improve the condition of the soil and protect other plants.
• Celery. This plant also does not require rich soil and is resistant to diseases and pests. In addition, celery helps improve the structure of the soil and enrich it with calcium.
• Carrots. This plant also does not require fertile soil and has a deep root system that penetrates into the layers of soil that cucumbers have not touched. In addition, carrots secrete essential oils that repel some pests.
Remember that following crop rotation rules is the key to healthy plants and soil.
