Seeing beyond the Snow – Plans for 2013 Garden
For now the garden is under snow. Difficult to believe that a year ago at this time I was posting about crocuses. Clearly this year we’re going to have to wait. And it is just as well, as there are changes afoot.
Here is the garden layout from last year. Notice anything wrong with it? Well really, there’s nothing wrong with it, but it may not be the best set-up. Sure it produced very well, but I think it can be better.
Here is the layout from 2012.
The first thing to do is reorient (probably rebuild) beds 1 & 2 to orient them east-west. Hopefully this increases the sun exposure in those beds as well creating room for another narrow bed. The rebuild is an opportunity to re-imagine beds 1 & 2 as cold frames with the North side 4″ higher then the South side. I love a good construction project, and this is a chance to have some fun. Not only will I rebuild the beds, but later in the season I’ll construct the “lights” or the cold frame covers.
Bed #3 will be expanded. The carrots and potatoes did so well I’m greedy for more.
The biggest physical change will be the beginning of an installation for a hoop house. Not the little hoop house, or low row covers, though I’ll use them, but a bigger more substantial installation based on Eliot Coleman’s book Four Season Harvest. I owned the book but Spencer over at Chohocton River Rock Mini-Farm sparked me to read it. And so, I worked my way through it this winter and while I won’t go into the whole epiphany thing; one part stands out. That is, I should be able to harvest some greens all winter long with a bit of planning, construction, and proper crop selection. Next winter will be the test, this spring and summer we’ll lay the ground work.
So here is the plan for 2013:
The plan is not to scale and as with all things gardening, is subject to change. I want the hoop house big enough that I can access bed #1 from both sides. The long bed to the North is only 2′ wide so that is not an issue. I’m really looking forward to the new challenges.
So some questions for you.
Are you making changes this year? If so, what do you have in mind?
Have you built a hoop house?
Are you harvesting year-round?
Now I’ll have another cup of coffee, and wait for the snow to melt.
Until next time, Keep Digging and Eat Well!
March 5, 2013
Last night I came back from 5 days in Southern California, after 2 days of work, I got to spend some time at a friends who is is working on starting her own sustainable urban farm. She was heavy into planning her beds, so it is interesting seeing your post. As I look out the window at the falling snow, it is hard to believe that we too could have fresh vegetables year round. I will be watching your progress! thanks for sharing
March 5, 2013
Yep it sure is coming down. I’m really looking forward to the grand experiment. You’re in Winfield?
March 5, 2013
I bet your garden has more snow on it now, Dave! Mine sure does. You’ve got your work cut out for you, redesigning and relocating some raised beds. Still, next Winter your pantry will be brimming with items from your garden, making it all very much worthwhile.
March 5, 2013
It sure does, I’m guessing well over a foot with the new over the residual. I hope to be harvesting next winter.
March 5, 2013
wow all great stuff! i need to do a hoop house project. one more thing on the list!
March 5, 2013
I like lists, and construction projects!
March 5, 2013
I’m so impressed with your plans for your garden and can’t wait to see them fulfilled. I think I have seen a hoop house, I just didn’t know what I was looking at. It’s in the backyard of a house that I long to own.. but I hear it always stays in the family. I always thought those hoop houses were called green houses:)
March 6, 2013
Barb, I suppose a hoophouse is a form of green house. But there is no glass, and it isn’t necessarily a permanent structure. Also this one will not be heated other than passively via the Sun.
March 6, 2013
I have few options with my garden design, because I have lots of shade to contend with – from my own house (which covers the whole West side of the property), and neighbours’ trees. Of course I will be putting that new Woodblocx raised bed to use – I haven’t yet had the chance to grow anything in it – but other than that I think I will stick with what I’ve got. However I do wish I had a hoophouse (which we would call a Polytunnel).
March 6, 2013
You do have mature garden Mark, and I think have it quite dialed in in terms of production! Yes a poly tunnel. Plan is for one about 6′ tall.
March 17, 2013
David, how lovely to read your enthusiasm about four season gardening. Have you read Niki Jabbour’s Year Round Vegetable Gardener, also a good reference. Eliot Coleman’s book was an inspiration but it took me awhile to get through it. Niki’s is a much easier read.
To answer your questions:
Yes, I grow year round, in Nova Scotia, Canada USDA Zone 6
I have hoops but not large enough to walk into. That would be a dream!!
I have two high raised beds, one with a cold frame cover, the other with hoops. I would like to put lights on the one with hoops so that will be my change for this year. I find for our zone, they kind of work as outside refrigerators in the coldest months of winter (Dec-Feb). They extend my season incredibly. You will be most pleased with yours, I am sure of it.
Hope you are feeling better soon. GB
March 17, 2013
Hi GB, thanks for stopping by. I’ll check out that book, thanks for the tip! Funny to be excited about next winter. We’ve not even gotten to spring yet.