Growing Vegetables

No matter which climate you live in you do not have to be at the mercy of the elements. There a many modifications and improvements you can make to your garden to reduce climate factors, and allow you to grow vegetables you normally might not get to. Don’t expect to completely alter your environment, but if your microclimate may be able to be stretched to increase your growing season.

The key is to make the most of your existing conditions. Try to take advantage of any natural features in your land or its surroundings. Perhaps moving veggies a little closer to a wall or tree line will reduce their sun exposure but increase their protection from wind and cold. One of the best ways to fight colder climates is to plant transplants instead of seeds in the spring. This will give you a head start on your growing season by letting you start the seedlings indoors.

Dry windy days also have an effect on your crop causing fruiting problems. Cool night temperatures can cause plants to drop their flowers before they are pollinated. You need to put up wind blocks such as rocks or hay bales.

A cold frame is basically a cheaper scaled down greenhouse. It is a growing area outside enclosed in glass. It’s a great place to start annuals and perennials or to put seedlings in to harden-off for the spring planting. A cold frame will give the benefit of more sunlight and wind protection and since it also used solar heat it can be considered an energy saving practice.
The cold frame should not be too deep so plants are easier to work with. They can be constructed out of scrap wood and old windows or panes of glass. They need to slant towards the south to take advantage of the most sun.

On days that are very sunny you may need to use some shade to keep plants from sun burning or lift the lids to keep them from steaming. The temperature in a cold frame can reach up to 95° when the outside temperature is only 15°. Alternatively during the night when the sun goes down cold frames may need to be covered with an old blanket or tarp.

A hot frame is more complicated than a cold frame. A hot frames heat is provided by rotting manure or by electricity. Using manure is not an exact science but relies on the gardeners know how. Electricity is easier to control and monitor but also more expensive.