A View from Sierra County: Sustainable Sunday: High Altitude Gardening. I love the high country! I spent 13 years of my life living full-time above the snow line in the Sierras, and never tire of the mountains. I do have to admit that this year's record-breaking snows in our region are daunting, and make daily life a lot more complicated. Such weather also reduces life down to essentials. Many believe that it is impossible to deal with the short growing season, intense sun, and other challenges of living at higher elevations. Here in the Sierras, those elevations range from 4,000 to 10,000 feet above sea levell, and the frost-free season can be less than 90 days.
It takes careful thought about what to grow and careful planning. First, I want to share a video clip, taken by one of DES's (that's Dear Eldest Son's) friends, of the extensive balcony gardens he created in Kings Beach (North Lake Tahoe - 6200 ft. elevation) last summer. Drip irrigation is a boon too, not only conserving water but also making it easy to get the right amount to each plant. Permaculture Media Blog. Punk Rock Permaculture E-zine.
HS 432 HS 590. Permaculture–Regenerative Design Institute–Northern California–Permaculture Certification, Leadership & Nature Awareness.