Which direction for garden?

[Birdman]

My garden rows go north/south now but could easily be changed to east/west next year. Anyone have any thoughts on what direction is best for the crops? Any pros or cons for which direction, or does it even matter? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[sassafraspete]

I think site specifics and type of crops mean more than direction....like are there big trees around close that will shade, how far apart you space things , etc.

We used to grow xmas trees. You always knew that the north side of the tree would be the weakest growth and be less full. The south side would be bushy and full. So a tall, vertical crop will usually have a strong side and weak side....eg southern facing strong...northern weak.

Does this make a difference on tomatoes or corn....doubt it...unless you are somehow robbing them of sun.

sassafraspete

 

[Birdman]

Thanks sassafraspete, I do have a fence/tree line on the east side that gets real close to the NE corner of the garden and does shade that part more than the rest. I was just thinking that since I usually have more room between the rows than I have between the plants in the rows, that maybe there would be some benefit to a certain direction.

 

[kensfarm]

"maybe there would be some benefit to a certain direction."

You can position field direction to help prevent run-off.. and help capture rain water depending on the slope/layout of the field.

 

[Nasty135]

Birdman, I agree with Pete & Ken ... If your ground has slope to it ,Your more than likely to position your rows to avoid erosion...

I have also heard that the taller growing crops may have an advantage being planted east to west for sun going down the rows rather than across the rows ,causing uneven growth due to sun blockage of plants somewhat if planted north to south.... Just something to think about...

But I'm sure real farmers lay there feilds out in the pattern that makes the planting and harvesting easiest for them,at least thats what makes sense to me /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif