One of my clients asked me about the feasibility of having a vegetable garden, with maybe a few flowers, on Madeline Island.
I could write a book on the subject. Maybe I should.
The good news is, La Pointe Township is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5. That means you'll have a longer growing season than nearby Hayward, Wisconsin. The reason for the isolated Zone 5 classification is the moderating influence of being surrounded by Lake Superior. Once the water warms up in spring and summer, it holds thermal energy and the prevailing winds from the west and south cause a delay in the date of first frost each autumn.
We're seeing a late start to spring this year in La Pointe. We had a particularly cold winter, and there was a thick blanket of ice along the south shore. It will take longer for Lake Superior and Chequamegon Bay to warm up in 2008.
Climate isn't the only issue to discuss when considering a garden on Madeline Island. Our soil on Madeline Island is mostly clay, with some areas of rock outcropping. Topsoil, if any, is sparse. If you attempt to garden in your yard, remember that decaying vegetation such as pine needles and decayed oak leaves may slightly acidify the soil over time, creating the need to raise soil pH. It's worth taking the time to test your soil pH before you plant your garden.
Clay soils are also a challenge for gardeners. There are tons of sites on the Web that deal with improving clay soils.
Composting is a great idea, but be aware that cool temperatures may interfere with the efficiency of your compost pile.
Now, let's move to the subject of pests. Deer will raid an unprotected garden and will strip it of vegetation or trample most of your crop in minutes. I've seen backyard gardens on the Island surrounded with tall electric fences, but remember that deer are capable of jumping quite high. The United States Department of Agriculture reports that an average whitetail deer may jump as high as twelve feet. If they're motivated (and hungry) they'll get at your garden. And on Madeline Island, deer are nearly as plentiful as seagulls!
Bears may also do damage to a garden. They will strip raspberries, blueberries and any other edible berry off vines and canes in the blink of an eye.
Solution? Consider a greenhouse garden, with a free-standing greenhouse (or one attached to a structure) that is sturdy enough and durable enough to keep out animal visitors. Another alternative would be a patio garden on a balcony or deck well above ground level.
What to grow
With the high cost of produce and particularly the cost of taking the ferry to the mainland for a trip to the Bayfield or Washburn IGA, or Peterson's Grocery in Red Cliff, wouldn't it be nice to be able to pick a handful of cherry tomatoes or chives or lettuce for a salad? Consider planting along the lines of the "square foot gardening" concept. Start with tomatoes (cherry or staked), lettuce, radishes, chives and peppers. A bit more challenging may be string beans, peas, carrots and onions.
Planting hardy varieties is a good idea, but La Pointe's Zone 5 advantage means you can get a bit more adventurous about which vegetables and flowers you experiment with.
Best of luck with your Madeline Island garden!
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Eric Kodner is a luxury property specialist and real estate educator with a unique perspective on the Madeline Island real estate market. Madeline Island Realty is a member of the LuxuryRealEstate.com luxury properties network.
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