Rotations

My loyal slave calls round and I show him the progress I’ve been making with my veggie plot. I’ve been busy planting.

“Here are the potatoes,” I say. “And here are the broad beans and peas that I’ve just planted out.”

He nods approvingly.

I continue, “I’m using a four year rotation, so I’ve divided it into quadrants. I’ve just planted a row of carrots and a row of parsnips in that quarter and there’s enough room for a row of something else and I’m going to put sweet corn and squash in the last.”

“You mustn’t plant things in the same place two years running,” he says.

“Yes, that’s why I’m using a four year rotation.”

“It’s very important that you move things around. If you plant your carrots in the same place next year they won’t do well at all.”

“Isn’t that the point of a rotation,” I say.

“I think you should use a four year rotation here,” he informs me. “Next year you should plant your potatoes over there and your legumes over here.”

I give up.

“Thanks,” I say. “I’ll do that.”