If you're looking longterm, then you want to start on the trees as soon as possible. I can't imagine the possibilities that are available to people who live in such lush temperate climates. I suppose the weeds and bugs are a problem, but where I live, the growing season is so short, and the winter-kill rate is enormous (because we get very dramatic thaw/frost cycles.) To me, the places where you and jedi live are like the Gardens of Eden. What I would do to have the selection of plants and trees that can grow for you!
One thing about living in hot, humid climes is that you want to channel wind and air circulation to you, so you don't want to build windbreaks. Anything along your perimeter needs to be porous to create effective breezeways. So, no hedges.
Shade trees and vines which grow against the house are the most effective passive coolant systems you can find, but you don't want to shade your garden. Planting fruit trees next to the house is ideal because most fruit tree roots dislike akalyne pH, so their roots won't go into your cement because of its lime content. I'm not sure what to do about wasps, though. Our big fake nests work, here, but wasps aren't usually a big problem in any case.
In terms of a vegetable garden, if you're looking longterm over your retirement, you want something that is going to take the least amount of effort and provide a high yield. Because your health is a consideration, I would seriously look into 3-foot high boxes surrounded with a chicken wire enclosure, and frames over which netting may be draped. You can lay old windows over the boxes during the frost seasons to protect the seedlings, and the netting will keep most animal pests away.
I'm not sure how to combat insect infestations in your area though. Strong, healthy plants tend to repel insects for some reason, so probably making sure they are well fertilized and watered would help.
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Date: 2011-08-22 03:56 am (UTC)One thing about living in hot, humid climes is that you want to channel wind and air circulation to you, so you don't want to build windbreaks. Anything along your perimeter needs to be porous to create effective breezeways. So, no hedges.
Shade trees and vines which grow against the house are the most effective passive coolant systems you can find, but you don't want to shade your garden. Planting fruit trees next to the house is ideal because most fruit tree roots dislike akalyne pH, so their roots won't go into your cement because of its lime content. I'm not sure what to do about wasps, though. Our big fake nests work, here, but wasps aren't usually a big problem in any case.
In terms of a vegetable garden, if you're looking longterm over your retirement, you want something that is going to take the least amount of effort and provide a high yield. Because your health is a consideration, I would seriously look into 3-foot high boxes surrounded with a chicken wire enclosure, and frames over which netting may be draped. You can lay old windows over the boxes during the frost seasons to protect the seedlings, and the netting will keep most animal pests away.
I'm not sure how to combat insect infestations in your area though. Strong, healthy plants tend to repel insects for some reason, so probably making sure they are well fertilized and watered would help.