A windbreak can be used to conserve soil moisture in your Open Pollinated / Heirloom vegetable garden or to keep the wind from blowing the vine plants around. Use a material that casts low shade while filtering wind is ideal. This simple version uses wood snow fencing, which is inexpensive, easy to install and remove, and may be attractive enough to leave up year-round.
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Year Round Benefits of Snow Fencing
Snow fencing is designed to let a limited amount of wind pass through it, and the openings between the slats also allow filtered sunlight to reach nearby garden plants. You can install a Snow Fence Windbreak for the whole gardening season or just the part of the vegetable growing season that has high-winds, and put it to use again in winter to encourage snow to accumulate in places where you want it to melt in spring.
Choosing Between Wood and Plastic Snow Fencing
Wood snow fencing, which is held together with wire, is the most attractive kind to use in your garden, but you can opt for lightweight, inexpensive plastic snow fencing if you prefer. When it comes down to it, your heirloom vegetable garden doesn’t really care.
Materials and Tools You’ll Need
Tools, Measuring tape, sledgehammer, wire cutters, pliers Enough 6 foot tall T-posts to place a post every 8 feet along the fence Enough 4 foot tall snow fencing for your needs. Plastic cable ties or some wire for tying your snow fence to the posts
- Determine the location for your fence, which should be on the side of your garden that the prevailing winds come from, about 3 feet from the outside of the row. Use a sledgehammer to drive posts into the ground at each end, and at any intermediate corners or bends. Install additional posts at 8-foot intervals.
- Unroll the fencing and use the wire cutters to cut it to the length of your desired fence, allowing a few extra inches if the fence rounds a corner.
- With the base of the fence resting on the ground, attach one end to a post with three plastic cable ties or wire. Pull the fence tight and secure it to each successive post with zip ties or wire.
- Once the fence is attached to the final post, trim the excess with wire cutters and bend back any exposed wires with pliers. When its time to remove the fencing, just snip off the plastic zip ties or wire and roll up the fence for storage. On our vegetable garden, its permanent.
Conclusion
Building a snow fence windbreak for your open-pollinated or heirloom vegetable garden is a simple yet highly effective way to protect your plants from the elements. Whether you’re aiming to conserve soil moisture, prevent wind damage, or simply create a more sheltered environment for your garden, a snow fence can provide a cost-effective, easy-to-install solution.
With the right materials and a few basic tools, you can create a windbreak that serves your garden not just during the growing season, but throughout the winter as well. By using a snow fence, you’re taking a proactive step toward ensuring your garden thrives, even in challenging conditions. Give it a try, and enjoy the benefits of healthier, more resilient plants in your heirloom vegetable garden.
FAQ
What are the benefits of using a snow fence windbreak in my heirloom vegetable garden?
A snow fence windbreak helps protect your garden from strong winds, conserves soil moisture, prevents damage to delicate plants, and can also be used in winter to direct snow accumulation where you want it to melt in spring.
Can I leave the snow fence windbreak up year-round?
Yes, wood snow fencing is often attractive enough to leave up year-round, providing continuous protection during both the growing season and winter. Plastic snow fencing can also be left up but may not be as aesthetically pleasing.
What is the best material to use for a snow fence windbreak?
Wood snow fencing is the most visually appealing and durable option, but plastic snow fencing is a lightweight, inexpensive alternative. Both types allow wind and filtered sunlight to pass through while protecting your plants.
How do I determine where to place the snow fence windbreak in my garden?
The snow fence should be placed on the side of your garden that faces the prevailing winds, typically 3 feet from the outside of your vegetable rows, to offer optimal protection without shading the plants too much.
Is it easy to remove the snow fence windbreak at the end of the season?
Yes, the snow fence can be easily removed by snipping the plastic zip ties or wire that hold it to the posts. Once detached, the fence can be rolled up and stored for future use.
