What to Plant After Brassicas

Brassicas, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, are nutritious and delicious vegetables to grow in the garden. However, like all plants, they can deplete the soil of certain nutrients over time. So, what should you plant after brassicas to replenish the soil and keep your garden healthy? Let's explore some options.

Option #1: Legumes

Legumes, such as beans and peas, are excellent plants to grow after brassicas because they are nitrogen-fixing. This means that they can take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that the plants can use. In turn, this improves the nitrogen levels in the soil, which is essential for the growth of healthy plants. Additionally, legumes have deep roots that can break up compacted soil, which is beneficial for brassicas that need loose soil for optimal growth.

Option #2: Root Vegetables

Root vegetables, such as carrots and beets, are also great plants to grow after brassicas. They have different nutrient requirements than brassicas, so they won't compete for the same nutrients in the soil. Additionally, root vegetables can help break up compacted soil with their taproots, which can improve the soil structure for future crops. Overall, planting root vegetables after brassicas is a great way to diversify your garden and improve the health of your soil.

Option #3: Alliums

Alliums, such as onions and garlic, are another good option to plant after brassicas. They have different nutrient requirements than brassicas, so they won't compete for the same nutrients in the soil. Additionally, alliums have natural fungicidal properties that can help reduce soil-borne diseases that may affect brassicas. Moreover, early season alliums can help deter cabbage worms, which can be a common pest problem for brassicas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many great options for what to plant after brassicas in the garden. Legumes, root vegetables, and alliums are just a few of the possibilities. By growing a diverse range of crops in your garden, you can improve the health of your soil and grow a variety of nutritious and delicious vegetables. So, don't be afraid to experiment and try new things in your garden, as you never know what amazing results you'll achieve!