Gardening Tool
Crop Rotation Checker
Check whether your next crop repeats the same plant family as last season.
Free check · No sign-in needed · Results appear as you choose crops
Try a common rotation check
How this checker works
Rotate by plant family
Crop rotation works by plant family, not just crop name. Tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and eggplant are all nightshades, so they count as related crops even though they look different in the garden.
Why repeated families matter
Repeating the same family in one bed can increase pest and disease pressure over time. The checker uses cautious wording because a repeat is a risk signal, not a guarantee that something will go wrong.
Use this as a bed check
Use the result before placing a crop into a bed with known history. PlotSmarter can track the same crop-family evidence across every bed when you save the garden.
Common questions
Can I plant peppers after tomatoes?
If you have another bed, it is usually better to rotate. Tomatoes and peppers are both nightshades, so planting peppers after tomatoes repeats the same plant family. In a small garden, this is sometimes unavoidable, but it is worth tracking.
What should I plant after tomatoes?
Choose a crop from a different family when your season and spacing allow it. Beans, peas, lettuce, carrots, basil, and onions are common non-nightshade options, but the best choice still depends on your timing and bed space.
Does crop rotation mean I can never repeat tomatoes?
No. Small gardens often require compromises. The checker flags repeated family pressure so you can choose another bed when that is practical.
Why does the checker mention families?
Related crops can share pest and disease pressure. Tomatoes and peppers are different crops, but both are nightshades for rotation purposes.
Do I need an account to use the crop rotation checker?
No. The public checker works without login. Saving bed history across seasons requires a PlotSmarter garden.