This year’s patio Gardening Setup

I love gardening. I’ve had a passion for keeping plants and tending to a garden on my patio or in a backyard for the last few years, and it only increased during the first year of the pandemic when I had not much to do, but tend to what I could. I’ve been a big fan of planting in the over-the-railing garden boxes and planting herbs and flowers and then moved to larger planters and grew my own bunny tails, carrots, peas and cucumbers. I had a garden bed for a year in a community garden, but it was very hard to tend to when the weather got hot (I lived a 10 min walk away) and I had to water it every day in addition to working full time, having a social life and camping all the time I could. Last year, I spent the summer in a house with a yard and I grew larger things including squash and pumpkins alongside a bed of herbs, but then contended with all the pests that came with being in a yard instead. I thankfully had a great sprinkler system which helped with the hot days.

This year, I have a large rooftop patio and before hip surgery I built two large planter beds and planned out my garden as best I could. I have 6 over-the-railing planters, and then two large boxes on the ground that will make way for peas, cucumbers, herbs, lilacs and I’ll plant bulbs in the fall for next spring.

I live in a hardiness zone 3b, which isn’t the greatest for growing, and you need to be more specific when planning to make sure things are successful. I also have smaller spaces, and I want to maximize what I get out of the space to have lots of flowers and things to grow. If you're living in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b, which is characterized by cold temperatures and short growing seasons, you can still enjoy gardening by choosing plants that are well-suited for your climate. Here are some tips on how to set up a garden in Zone 3b:

Know Your Zone

Understanding your climate zone is essential for successful gardening. Zone 3b is characterized by an average minimum winter temperature range of -35 to -30 degrees Fahrenheit (-37 to -34 degrees Celsius). This means you'll need to choose plants that are cold-hardy and can tolerate extreme temperatures if you plan on them coming back year after year. Otherwise plan for plants that can withstand low temps at the start of the growing season, and know that you have a shorter season of warm weather.

Select Cold-Hardy Plants

Look for plants that are labelled as suitable for Zone 3b or lower. Some popular options for cold-hardy plants include perennials like daylilies, hostas, and coneflowers. You can also grow hardy vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and cabbage. Consider native plants that are adapted to your local climate, as they are more likely to thrive in your garden. I've tried for a couple of years to grow watermelon and we just don’t have that type of growing season or weather. Make peace with what you can grow and do it well.

Plan Your Garden Layout

Consider the layout and design of your garden. Take into account factors like sunlight exposure, wind patterns, and drainage. Choose a location that receives adequate sunlight, as many cold-hardy plants need ample sunlight to grow and thrive. Avoid low-lying areas that may collect water or frost, which can damage plants during the winter months. My raised beds on the patio are hopefully enough to keep them shielded from the wind and allow them to get ample sunshine.

Prepare the Soil

Ensure your soil is well-prepared for planting. Zone 3b soils can be acidic, so consider testing your soil and amending it accordingly. Add organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility, structure, and drainage. Incorporate any necessary amendments based on your soil test results to create optimal growing conditions for your plants. Before you go adding anything, just make sure you know your soil, it isn’t worth killing your plants because you read somewhere that you need to add acidity when you really don’t.

Consider Season Extension Techniques

Given the short growing season in Zone 3b, you may need to utilize season extension techniques to extend your growing season. Techniques like using cold frames, cloths, or hoop houses can protect your plants from frost and extend the growing season, allowing you to grow a wider variety of plants. If you have the room, hoop houses are beautiful, and great for humidity as well as protecting the plants. If you don’t, you can create little hoops over your bed for a similar effect.

Image Courtesy of Mother Earth News

Practice Proper Planting and Care

Follow best practices for planting and caring for your plants. Plant at the appropriate time for your Zone 3b region, usually after the last frost in spring and before the first frost in fall. Water your plants adequately, avoiding over-watering or under-watering. Depending on your plant, you can Google what that looks like, and keep an eye out for symptoms. Mulch around your plants to help retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep an eye out for any pest or disease issues and address them promptly.

Be Flexible and Experiment

Gardening in Zone 3b can be challenging but don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. Some plants may thrive, while others may struggle. Be willing to learn from your experiences and make adjustments as needed. Gardening is a continuous learning process, and you'll get better with practice. Every year I’ve been gardening, I’ve learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t, and applied that for the year ahead!

Setting up a garden in Zone 3b may require some extra planning and effort, but with the right plant selection, soil preparation, and care, you can enjoy a beautiful and productive garden. Happy gardening! I’ll be sure to provide updates throughout the summer.

- Love E