More on crop rotation . . .

Some garden experts recommend a 3 year crop rotation plan, others suggest 4 years.

Alliaceae (Onion Family) = Onion, garlic, leek, shallot, chive
Apiaceae (Carrot Family) = Carrot, parsnip, parsley, celery
Asteraceae (Sunflower Family) = Lettuce, endive, salsify, Jerusalem artichoke
Brassicaceae (Mustard Family) = Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, turnip, radish, Chinese cabbage, kale, collards, rutabaga
Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoot Family) = Beet, Swiss chard, spinach
Convolvulaceae (Bindweed Family) = Sweet potato
Cucurbitaceae (Gourd Family) = Cucumber, muskmelon, watermelon, squash, pumpkin, gourd
Fabaceae (Pea Family) = Garden pea, snap bean, lima bean, soybean
Malvaceae (Mallow Family) = Okra
Poaceae (Grass Family) = Sweet corn, popcorn, ornamental corn
Solanaceae (Nightshade Family) = Tomato, pepper, eggplant, potato, husk tomato

Crop rotation . . .

Crop rotation wil help keep your garden in good condition for years. If you are interested here is a link to Yankee Gardener's, Crop Rotation Chart, a place to start.

We have a lot of rhubarb chard in the greenhouse now and have adapted the recipe for Warm Herbed Garden Spinach from Yankee Gardner's recipe.

• 1/2 cup red onion or yellow onion, chopped
• 2 slices well cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
• 2 Tablespoons margarine (we use butter*)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (sea salt*)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 lb fresh garden picked spinach (can use chard or other greens*)
• 3 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon (Optional use lime juice if available)
• Top with crumbled feta or blue cheese*
• Garnish with chopped fresh oregano to taste*

Cook onion, bacon and garlic with margarine (butter*), over medium heat until bacon is crisp and crumbled.
Stir frequently.
Reduce heat and add seasonings.
Add spinach (and or other greens*)
Toss just until spinach (and/or other greens) is/are just wilted.
Drizzle with the fresh lemon juice.
Garnish with parsley & fresh oregano*.
Serve immediately.

* As in most kitchen we have added our own touches as noted by the * in this recipe.

The web site has lots of useful information for gardeners and cooks.