The orientation of no-dig garden beds, whether north to south or east to west, can impact how sunlight reaches your plants throughout the day. Here’s a breakdown of the considerations for each orientation:
North-South Orientation:
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Pros:
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Even Sunlight Distribution: With north-south running beds, both sides of the bed receive roughly equal amounts of sunlight throughout the day. This is because the sun moves from east to west, and thus, plants on both sides are exposed to the sun at different times equally.
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Less Shading: Taller plants or structures in one bed are less likely to shade out plants in other beds since the sun moves across the beds rather than along them.
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Cons:
- Potential for Shading at Certain Times: If you have very tall plants, there might be some shading in the early morning or late afternoon, but this is usually minimal compared to east-west orientations.
East-West Orientation:
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Pros:
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Consistent Morning Light: Plants on the south side of an east-west bed will get more consistent sunlight, especially during the morning hours, which can be beneficial for plants that thrive with early sunlight.
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Protection from Wind: In some climates, this orientation might offer better wind protection if rows of plants or structures naturally shield each other.
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Cons:
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Uneven Sunlight: The north side of these beds generally receives less sunlight because the southern side blocks some of the sun’s path. This can lead to uneven growth or require careful plant selection based on light preferences.
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Shading: Taller plants or structures can create more pronounced shading on the northern side, potentially affecting plant growth.
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Recommendation:
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Generally, north-south oriented beds are recommended because they provide more consistent sunlight distribution across the bed, reducing the risk of shading issues. This is particularly important in no-dig gardening where you might not want to disturb the soil structure by moving plants around to compensate for light discrepancies.
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However, your specific location’s climate, the types of plants you’re growing, and the landscape around your garden can alter these general rules:
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In areas with very strong afternoon sun, an east-west orientation might help protect delicate plants from the harshest light by placing them on the north side.
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If wind is a significant factor, aligning beds to help break wind might be more beneficial.
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Consider also:
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The height of plants or structures in your garden.
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The seasonal variation in sun angle, which can change how much light different parts of your garden receive throughout the year.
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Ultimately, the best orientation might be a compromise based on your specific garden’s conditions, plant types, and local climate. You might even experiment with different orientations in different parts of your garden to see what works best. space for general chat.… Basically anything that fits in and around our world.