Question
Trying to follow some sort of vegetable rotation, in 2010 I had tomatoes and eggplant in the garden, in 2011 it was time of cabbage, and in 2012 peas and broad beans.
The ground is affected by nematodes that attack roots and deform them, I have tried many natural methods but they haven't gone yet, problem is my land has been long neglected by the former owners and I am still working on fixing it in some sort of balance. According to my notes I should plant nightshades next year but they seem a bad idea on the nematode front, also I am not mad about nightshades myself...could squash do? I'm at a loss of ideas this year.
The garden is located at the base of hills in central Italy, there's plenty of clay and I did my best to clean it of most rocks and pebbles but it's surely still unsuitable for root vegs. Also, our summers are hot (up to 104F or 40癈) and draught can last up to 6 months, watering is a necessity but then it must be limited.
Any idea what could be hot weather resistant AND yucky to nematodes?
Thanks!

Answer
To control parasitic nematodes, I recommend an organic solution called grub-away. This product is effective against a variety of lawn insects, including both nematodes and grubs. Attached is a link to where you can purchase this product along with organic solutions to every type of garden problem imaginable.

http://www.gardensalive.com/product.asp?pn=5000

Another natural deterrent to nematodes are marigolds. Marigolds exude a chemical substance into the soil which will kill parasitic nematodes.

In regard to planting, I agree that you should avoid root crops for one year. Your safest option would be zucchini or winter squash, such as butternut. But before planting, I would definitely treat the soil with the product I suggested. When you do plant. be sure to plant marigolds liberally between the squash. Within one year, the soil should be rid of the parasitic nematodes.

Have a good week.

Mike