Wedge shaped windbreaks help direct strong wind upward.
If you live near the coast, growing plants and gardening can be quite a challenge. Temperatures are usually warmer; but the salt spray, strong wind, and poor soil can be damaging to plants.
Here are some tips on how to grow plants and garden in a coastal climate.
Wind in a Coastal Climate
Sea breezes feel wonderful on the skin, but the constant whipping can easily uproot or break plants and dry out the soil. Here are some tips for minimizing wind damage to plants in coastal climates:
Permeable wood fence
Plant a Windbreak: A windbreak around the perimeter of your yard can help create a calm oasis for a garden. The best windbreaks have an outer layer of lower growing shrubs and grasses, followed by an inner layer or taller shrubs or small trees. The idea is for the wind to be directed gently upward – like a ramp – and over the garden. Choose plants for the windbreak that are salt and drought-tolerant and not so dense they block all the wind, just reduce it.