[HOME] [GARDEN] [CONTENTS] [SECTION 1]
[SECTION 2] [SECTION 3] [SECTION 4] [APPENDICES]

SECTION ONE: THE NORTHERN GARDENER

CHOOSING THE SITE

Many of the problems of the north can be overcome by the proper selection of the site for any landscape or garden endeavour. When planning for a vegetable garden, one should try to choose a site that slopes to the south or southwest. This slope ensures an abundant supply of sunshine and, at the same time, allows for the drainage of cold air downslope. Do not situate the garden at the lowest point of the property. Windbreaks should be provided to the north, west and east if possible to protect the garden against the winds and to increase the soil and air temperatures by trapping the heat of the sun. The site should be open to the south and at the lowest point to allow the cold air free passage to lower areas and out of the garden. The windbreak should be at least 20 feet (6m) from the garden for maximum efficiency, and to ensure that the roots of the windbreak do not compete excessively with the garden for nutrients and water. A site situated as above will warm earlier in the spring and will be less susceptible to the early fall frosts.

When choosing a site for the orchard, on the other hand, the site would be better situated on a north or east facing slope. This will reduce the danger of rapid fluctuations in temperature which damages the trees and will reduce sunscald from the low winter sun. A north or east exposure also delays the opening of fruit tree blossoms and thereby reduces the risk of damage from late spring frost and subsequent loss of fruit. A windbreak is necessary, just as in the garden, and will improve pollination and builds up heat that aids in maturation of the fruit in the fall.

Choosing a site for landscaping is not always possible. In most instances the site for the home has already been decided upon without regard to any landscaping requirements. When possible, site your home to take advantage of the best possible exposure for the front yard. This will make the selection of landscape material much easier. If the home is already established on the site, the material must be selected to suit the existing exposure. For a north facing home, the foundation plantings must, of necessity, be chosen from material that will tolerate the shade. Windbreaks, fences and buildings all combine to change the micro-climate of the site. This must be taken into consideration when landscaping the site. This will be discussed in greater detail later on.

In all cases of site location, always attempt to avoid low areas where frost accumulates, especially concave slopes, basins, depressions, and other poorly drained areas where frost will collect sooner. Avoid areas where the flow of cold air downslope is hindered by barriers of any type including plant material, fences, buildings etc. An upland ridge or plateau adjacent to a low area is preferable to a flat, low area.

[TO TOP] [HOME] [GARDEN] [CONTENTS] [SECTION 1]
[SECTION 2] [SECTION 3] [SECTION 4] [APPENDICES]

choosing.html
This page by Pat
updated August 18, 2000

Background by