Garden: Your school location considerations
The sun's path at different latitudesThis graph shows the elevation and azimuth of the sun at different months of the year at different latitudes. This information should be taken into consideration when designing a greenhouse. The angle of the glazing, the direction the greenhouse faces, the glazing materials and the length of time you wish to operate your greenhouse are all affected by the way light moves through your school yard. Chart from the The University of Oregon Solar Radiation Monitoring Laboratory
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Insolation, energy from the sunInsolation (Incoming Solar Radiation) is the amount of solar radiation on any surface. The amount of insolation received at the surface of the Earth is controlled by the angle of the sun, the state of the atmosphere, altitude, and geographic location. The graph to the right shows average solar insolation at different latitudes. The Whitehorse graph, in red, shows energy above 300 watts per square meter occuring between mid-April and early September. Lags in the earth cooling create a growing season that lasts beyond September 1. The image to the right is taken from:
http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/6i.html |
Weather averages for Canadian locationsThis graph shows the average weather conditions for Whitehorse, Yukon. Growing plants in this cool environment means that we need to recognize and incorporate these factors in our planning. The National Climate Data and Information Archive provides in-depth analysis at many sites across Canada.
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Specific location considerationsThe ideal location for your garden in a temperate climate is one that provides a full sweep of the sun's rays, good frost drainage, and proximity to a large body of water that has a temperature moderating effect. Depending on the design, the orientation of the greenhouse should allow for early morning warming, some midday shading and late afternoon sun. The picture to the right shows two different designs and the appropriate orientation for each design. There are benefits and costs to each design in terms of solar gain and heat loss.
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Conditions for optimal plant growthPlant growth in your school garden will depend on a number of factors. You may want to select hardy edible plants that can produce food for your school lunches. The following four factors need to be weighed in operating your garden.
•Appropriate plant selection for climatic and soil conditions •Appropriate water and watering •Appropriate heat regulation •Appropriate soil and nutrition Your greenhouse should be designed to provide for these conditions. Check out: www.yukongreenhouse.weebly.com |
Links to weather and climatic conditions across Canada
The Canadian weather web site provides a range of information you will want to consider in developing your school garden. This site provides historical weather data for many Canadian centres. Check it out. This is a great way to introduce topics of weather and climate in the context of what is happening at the moment.
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/canada_e.html
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/canada_e.html