Planting guide

Family groups

Every plant belongs to a family group of related plants.

These plants will have similar characteristics, such as:

  • they like to grow in the same conditions
  • they require the same nutrients
  • they are susceptible to the same diseases and pests
  • they perform the same function eg. legumes fix nitrogen in the soil

Knowing which plants belong to which family is important in crop rotation, and in the general planning of where to plant crops.

Silverbeet

Chenopodiaceae

(beetroot)

Beetroot / Swiss chard / Silverbeet / Spinach / Quinoa
Lettuce

Compositae

(daisy) also known as Asteraceae

Artichoke / Endive / Lettuce / Chicory
Sweet potato

Convolvulaceae

(morning glory)

Sweet potato / Water spinach (kang-kong)
Broccoli

Cruciferae

(brassicas) also known as brassicaceae

Broccoli / Cauliflower / Turnips / Arugula (rocket) / Rutabaga / Kohlrabi / Kale / Mustard / Radish / Swede / Land cress
Corn

Gramineae

(grasses) also known as Poaceae

Corn (maize) / Oats / Rice / Rye / Sorghum / Barley / Wheat / Sugar cane
Beans

Leguminosae

(legumes) also known as fabaceae

Beans / Peas / Lentil / Alfalfa / Peanut / Soy bean / Lupin / Clover
Onions

Liliaceae

(alliums- onions)

Onions / Leeks / Shallots / Garlic / Chives
Rosella

Malvaceae

(hibiscus)

Okra / Rosella / Cacao
Eggplant

Solanaceae

(nightshades)

Tomatoes / Potatoes / Eggplant / Peppers (including chillies and capsicums)
Carrots

Umbelliferae

(parsley family)

Carrots / Celery / Fennel (plant by itself) / Parsley / Parsnip / Celeriac / Dill / Cumin / Coriander (Cilantro) / Caraway / Queen Anne’s lace
Zucchini

Cucurbitaceae

(gourd family)

Squash / Marrow / Cucumber / Melon / Pumpkin / Zucchini
Sorrel

Polygonaceae

(smartweed or buckwheat family)

Rhubarb / Sorrel / Buckwheat
Sorrel

Rosaceae

(Rose family)

Strawberries / Cherries / Raspberries / Blackberries / Pears / Apples / Plums

Sorrel

Lamiaceae

(plants that contain essential oils)

Mint / Basil / Hyssop / Lavender / Sage / Thyme / Oregano / Rosemary