Urban Crop Rotation Rest Period Planner

Give raised beds and containers time to rebound after intensive crops. This planner blends crop maturity, nutrient demand, soil organic matter, and cover-crop downtime to suggest a rest interval that protects microbial life and yields.

Look up the seed packet or extension guide for the full days-to-maturity of the crop you just harvested
Set 5 for heavy feeders like tomatoes or corn, 3 for moderate feeders, and 1 for legumes
Use the latest soil test result or estimate based on compost history
Enter the planned number of weeks you will grow a cover crop or leave mulch in place

Examples

  • Tomatoes to leafy greens: 68-day crop, nitrogen index 4, soil organic 4.2%, 5-week cover crop ⇒ 9.1 weeks
  • Bush beans to carrots: 45-day crop, nitrogen index 2, soil organic 6%, 3-week cover crop ⇒ 5.6 weeks

FAQ

How accurate is the rest estimate?

It provides a planning baseline. Use your soil test trends and observed plant vigor to fine-tune future rotations.

What if I use compost tea?

Improved fertility inputs like compost tea or worm castings can shorten rest periods—increase the soil organic matter value to reflect the boost.

Does the size of the bed matter?

Bed size affects total yield but not the rest interval, so it is not part of this calculation. Focus on soil health metrics instead.

How should I schedule successions in a small balcony garden?

Stagger plantings by using fast-growing cover crops or mulch during the recommended rest weeks, and rotate crops between containers to distribute nutrient demand.

Additional Information

  • Use higher nitrogen indexes for heavy feeders such as tomatoes, squash, or brassicas, and lower values for legumes or salad greens.
  • Soil organic matter above 5% often indicates compost-rich beds that can shorten rest periods without sacrificing fertility.
  • Track cover crop duration carefully—a 4-week oat or buckwheat cover can rebuild topsoil faster than leaving bare soil.
  • Combine results with the Garden Soil Volume and Compost Carbon Nitrogen Ratio calculators when planning amendments.

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