The bane of any budding backyard farmer is the unpredictability of the weather. Whilst the sun and rain can be beneficial for crops, excessive or forceful winds can often disrupt the growth of vegetables and stifle their full potential.
With climates becoming more and more unpredictable across the globe, it’s become more important than ever for backyard farmers to invest in resilient protection for their fruit trees, veggie patches, and other plants and shrubbery.
Here are the most effective strategies for shielding your veggie patch from potentially damaging winds that we’ve been able to track down.
Garden fencing and screens
When it comes to fencing your veggies, there is quite a wide range of options available on the market today. From lattices to bamboo screens to durable PVC fence panels as a modern alternative to traditional timber picket fencing, using reliable fencing and screening materials can not only help to shelter your sprouts from the wind but also support local birds and insects. How so? Because secure, windproof green spaces provide local fauna with respite from gale-force winds when they need it. The first step to assessing your veggie garden’s needs is taking note of how much wind typically blows through your location by using an online forecaster. This will help you to figure out the proper height and positioning for your wind guards for maximum protection. If you only have a small patch but are hoping to expand, looking at a temporary or movable screen may be a favourable option as this more flexible solution allows you to protect what you have now without compromising the potential for expansion or scalability.
Natural windbreaks
In much the same way as installing a fence as a physical barrier, planting a natural windbreak is another great way to add some dimension to your backyard veggie patch. Picking a dense hedge or shrub that grows fast and is able to withstand rather harsh conditions will be the best way to provide some natural wind protection for your vegetables. Whilst there are many options, our favourite would be a Callistemon, also known as a bottlebrush. Native to Australia, this iconic shrub is known to be able to withstand a range of harsh environmental conditions, including wild winds, and even frost. Being a native Australian plant, Callistemon is also naturally drought tolerant, ensuring that you can keep them alive with minimal watering.
And thanks to their vibrant conic flowers, Callistemon shrubs and trees also provide an incentive for birds to flock by your veggie patch, providing you with an effective natural pest control method against many destructive insects. Just be sure to set up some wildlife-safe bird netting if the birds go for your crops themselves!
In addition to adding a unique flare to your garden, planting a dense hedge for a windbreak can provide protection from the sun. However, the drawback of using this natural method of a windbreaker is that you may be at the will of nature in other ways, namely if your windbreak ends up growing faster than you can trim it back. Suppose pruning and maintenance aren’t kept up with. In that case, your windbreak shrubs may potentially dominate your garden beds too, and potentially even reduce light availability for your crops and other garden plants.
Shade cloths or shade sails
If you’re looking to block harsh winds that may be making their way over hedges, fences, or windbreaks, then a strategically positioned shade cloth or shade sail could be an ideal, low-cost solution for your wind protection needs. Shade cloth barriers can not only block the force of a gale but provide protection from other harsh weather events such as hail.
There are also different density options available when selecting a shade cloth, meaning you can tailor your windbreak to your veggie patch’s needs. A denser shade cloth may bring in more protection from the sun, but a less dense cloth can allow for a more controlled flow of air for those thick green leafy units that can withstand a little breeze. Be sure to weigh up all your options and also consider how your shade cloths or sails affect light availability of plants before making any purchases.
Raised garden beds
If you’re interested in getting a little crafty, building your own microclimate within your veggie patch can also be a unique way to shelter your harvest from the wind. Using a raised bed for your veggie garden can reduce wind exposure and also support soil drainage, keeping your plants well regulated amongst the many shifts in the weather.When planting in a raised garden bed, positioning the bed against a wall or fence will help to shelter your more delicate veggies. Strategic planting will also be beneficial, ensuring the more fragile plants are surrounded by the more durable vegetation that can tolerate more wind. Consider selecting coastal plants that are hardened to harsh growing conditions and can provide a durable but also aesthetic line of protection for the more vulnerable crops.
Blown away with options
As we’ve laid out, there are a range of different ways to protect your veggies from harsh winds and promote their growth and flourishing. Just try not to get too swept up in all the options that we’ve outlined above, as the best wind protection for your garden depends on your location, gardening style and available resources. For example, if you’re renting you might not have the same freedom to cultivate the backyard. With some thoughtful consideration, you should be able to invest in the most suitable wind protection tips for your unique garden space.
And remember – whilst sheltering your veggies from the harsh and unpredictable climatic conditions can promote growth, don’t forget that these plants can also flourish in these natural conditions and may also benefit from weathering some storms. Just be sure to keep a close eye on your harvest and adjust your shelter and wind protection methods accordingly.
