@SeattleUrbanFarmCo. Shows Clients How to Grow Vegetables Successfully in a Maritime Climate. (INTERVIEW)

Posted on Jun 23 2016 - 7:22am by UOG

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Urban Organic Gardener Interviewing @SeattleUrbanFarmCo.

The Seattle Urban Farm Company has a rich and passionate philosophy which is “we thrive on pioneering new ideas and empowering city dwellers to reap the rewards of local food production. We believe that sustainable urban agriculture can promote healthy diets, environmental stewardship, stronger communities and improved quality of life. We hope that developing economically sound, city-based farming ventures will increase public awareness of agricultural issues and foster a greater appreciation of farmers everywhere.” 

What Grow Zone do you live in?

Seattle is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8b

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Tell us more about your blog/business and how you got started there.

Seattle Urban Farm Company started in 2007. The idea was to provide a service that would help beginning vegetable growers find success. We help clients design, build and maintain their gardens, creating beautiful and productive spaces year-round. Our blog and social media outlets have sprung from the idea that, homegrown food production is a great tool for community-building both online and off.

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What crops do you find grow extremely well in your maritime climate?

Most traditional vegetable crops grow well in our climate. In particular, brassica crops like kale, cabbage and broccoli love the mild temperatures. Additionally, because we have relatively cool weather even during summer nights, salad greens like lettuce and arugula can be grown through most of the season. Heat loving crops like tomatoes and basil can be challenging, but most growers find ways to adapt their growing practices to make even these plants successful. The Pacific Northwest is also a great climate for perennial fruits like blueberries, strawberries and raspberries.

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Have any tips for those that might want to start gardening year-round?

No matter what Zone you live in, winter crops are much more successful with some type of coverage. Coverage can come from glass, greenhouse plastic or floating row cover, depending on your scale, crops and budget. Covers like this can make a surprising difference in growing conditions, changing the soil and air temperature in a planting bed by entire USDA zones. Additionally, crop planning is very important for success in year-round growing. Most overwintering crops actually need to be planted mid-summer in order to mature enough to survive the winter. Here in Seattle, we plant our overwintering kale and broccoli in July! So plan ahead and make sure to save space for the planting of fall and winter crops in the middle of your primary growing season.
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