Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Are you trying to grow an apple variety that needs more chilly hours than you are zoned for? You
could choose a lower-lying spot to plant your apple tree, as the bottom of a slope can be a frost
pocket where the cool air gathers. Does your area have higher temperatures than your lettuce and
broccoli prefer? Try planting your lettuce in an area west of the cucumber trellis so it is provided
diffuse shade for part of the day, creating your own microclimate.
In general, southern exposures get more sun and tend to be warmer, while northern exposures get
less sun and tend to be cooler. Areas that are elevated tend to be warmer, while the low depressions
can allow cold air to collect. The exception would be at the top of a hill where cold wind exposure
makes it easier for plants to freeze. Providing a windbreak can raise the temperature for an area
by creating an insulating buffer. I'll cover ways to get more out of the garden, regardless of your
gardening zones, in Chapter 7.
Sun and Water
Another of the vital components to a healthy garden is sunlight. Each vegetable and fruit plant has
a natural cycle based on the number of hours of sunlight it receives. Most vegetables need a full six
to eight hours of sunlight to produce well. However, the following vegetable plants and herbs will
tolerate fewer hours of direct sunlight, thriving even if they only receive four to six hours:
Broccoli
Cabbage
Dill
Greens
Calendula
Chard
Lettuce
Mint
Cilantro
Of course, the more sun a plant receives, the more water it is likely to need. And water is another
area where conservation on the backyard farm can really make a big impact. Everything that I've
talked about so far can impact how you water your garden. Of course, my focus is on making it
easy, while not wasting water unnecessarily.
It is best to water deeply and thoroughly, so the water soaks completely into the soil and encourages
the plant's roots to grow deep into the ground. Loose, friable soil makes it easy for plants to grow
strong, deep root systems like this. Creating healthy soil with plenty of compost and organic mate-
rial worked into the garden soil will also help conserve water because those organic particles act as
little sponges, holding the water in the soil where the plants can access it when it's needed.
