Lake Effect Gardens
Living close to a large body of water has many advantages. The weather has less dramatic extremes than some other areas, summer water sports are possible and microclimates for lake effect gardens are created.
In the Great Lakes region, particularly on the eastern side of the lakes, the weather is influenced by the lake for most of the year. In the winter the cold northern winds pick up liquid from the lakes and dump it on the nearest city in the form of snow by the foot. However, if the lake freezes in winter, such as when Lake Erie freezes, the effect of the water is temporarily cut off and frigid temperatures can occur. This is commonly after sufficient snow fall to protect the plants. However, these large bodies of water also have an effect the summer temperatures. They take weeks, if not months to reach a decent swimming temperature and that in turn has a dramatic effect on the local temperature in your garden.
The fast temperature increase though from highs in the 50's in May, to a consistent 80°+ in June takes many gardeners by surprise. Spring vegetables are still in the ground, and the danger of frost has only just passed. In effect spring appears to last a mere two or three weeks! On the other end of the year though, the lakes take time to cool down and that can work to your advantage by delaying early frosts.
The key to growing successfully in this area is to watch what others grow and create a calendar for growing. Spring vegetables and fast growing salad crops are ideal for the short spring. Hot weather vegetables or herbs such as basils, that are grown for leaves rather than fruit are also possible. If you want to grow hot peppers or melons though, you will need to have them started well before the garden is ready for them.
The key of course to Lake Effect gardens, as with other garden types, is to look at what others are growing and to consult your local Extension Educator who will be more than happy to guide new Lake Effect gardeners.
