compost rotation

I'm not sure if I asked about this last year but was unable to find anything. I had certainly intended to ask. Quick search didnt answer my question.

So, I grow in pots. I am aware of crop rotation when using the earth and assume the same principles apply when using pots. I kept all my compost separate from each other in case the rotation principle was the same.

What I'd like to know is what of last years veg should most definitely not be used for this year? e.g. Is it possible to use last years tomato compost for potatoes this year? what about garlic and leek etc?

I thank you in advance

 

No, same plant family I'm afraid

Ditto.

However, two thoughts occur to me.

1) If there was no disease last year then you probably won't have a problem. There might have been disease that was not bad enough for you to notice, and if that has overwintered then it may be far worse this year if you reuse compost for same-crop.

2) Plants "extract" different things from the soil/compost, so an additional reason for crop rotation is to have plants with different nutrient requirements following each other (Peas and Beans that put Nitrogen IN to the soil, followed by Brassicas that take it OUT for example); but in containers you are feeding them, so this may be less important.

I think, on balance, if you can rotate the crops in your containers, same as you would do in a veg. plot, then that would be best. But ... I'm not sure how much it matters.

 

Thanks! It was a disease free year last year despite my panicking over blight. I guess I need to invest in a handy vegetable family tree.