Site selection

Question 1

Soil Depth?

Answer 1

At least 30cm

Question 2

Ideal pH?

Answer 2

Between 6.5 to 7.0

Many vegetables will tolerate a wider range.

Question 3

Soil type?

Answer 3

Fertile, well drained loam.

Fertility is important as veg. growing takes nutrients from the soil; incorporate organic matter.

Question 4

Choosing a site.

Answer 4

Open, sheltered site.
Avoid frost pockets - tender veg. cannot be planted out until danger of frost has passed.
Avoid sloping sites; if necessary plant across slope or form terraces.
Sheltered from wind
Avoid overhanging trees
Reasonable access for wheelbarrows , machinery, manure etc.
Close to water supply

Question 5

Problems with a windy site?

Answer 5

Plants are easily damaged by wind; tall plants are particularly susceptible.
Plant supports can be damaged
Temperature will be reduced by wind; temp. reduction slows growth rates and germination is delayed.
Pollinators are less active in windy environments.

Question 6

Aspect?

Answer 6

Most vegetables thrive best on a sunny site ie. South, sout-east or south-west facing.

All vegetables grown from seed will germinate better in warm soil.

Question 7

Best type of wind break?

Answer 7

Permeable, ideally 50% permeability, this reduces the strength of the wind and does not cause turbulence on the leaward side.

Question 8

Advantages of living windbreaks?

Answer 8

Automatically provides some permeability

Can encourage beneficial organisms

Question 9

Disadvantages of living windbreaks?

Answer 9

Take time to establish
Require maintenance
May take water and nutrients from other plants
Can harbour pests

Question 10

Plants suitable for living windbreaks

Answer 10

Fagus sylvatica
Carpinus betulus
Crataegus monogyna
Pinus Nigeria

Question 11

Advantages of non-living wind breaks

Answer 11

Can be erected in a relatively short period of time 
Take up little space
Low maintenance
Don't harbour pests and diseases 
Don't use water and nutrients from soil.

Question 12

Types of non living permeable windbreaks?

Answer 12

Plastic mesh
Webbing
Fencing
Trellis
Hurdles

Question 13

Disadvantages of non-living windbreaks?

Answer 13

If not permeable they can cause turbulence on the leaward side and this can damage plants.
Not natural and can look unattractive
Do not encourage pollinators.