gardening and solar power in North Bend (Seattle: homes, live in)

[O'Dell]

hello -

I've got two somewhat related questions for those who live in the North Bend, WA, area. (The two topics both relate to local weather patterns.)

First, what are the vegetable gardening issues in North Bend? Obviously the rain is a good thing, but what about the temperature? Do you get early frosts? Freezing temps in summer? Here in the northeast we must be aware of all those issues, but still we're able to can many quarts of tomatoes, as well as broccoli, beans, and others.

This leads me to my more substantive question: what are the solar and/or geothermal options for heating homes in North Bend? Does the relative lack of sun truly preclude viable solar heating--even with multiple panels?

Thanks much.

[Ira500]

We don't get freezing summer temps in summer anywhere in the Seattle area. Within North Bend, there's quite a variety of weather amongst places with North Bend addresses. East of North Bend, the elevation rises substantially, and it's colder....but as far as gardening, cool season crops do extremely well, such as broccoli, collards, lettuces, spinach...the problem for some is the more warm season crops like peppers, tomatoes, etc. There isn't a long enough season of sunshine to ripen some varieties, so you either need to plant an early ripening variety or start them indoors. I start my tomatoes indoors and don't transplant them outdoors until late May-early June. Some people put black plastic down and cut holes in it to plant...Last year the Seattle Tilth group cancelled their annual tomato taste off because there weren't enough ripe tomatoes, although I did okay with my early ripening heirloom.

[kengrubb]

Originally Posted by O'Dell

what are the solar and/or geothermal options for heating homes in North Bend? Does the relative lack of sun truly preclude viable solar heating--even with multiple panels?

Geothermal heating is gaining a lot of interest out here in the PNW. I know it's on my mind for my place.
Local News | High fuel costs have more homeowners eying geothermal heat | Seattle Times Newspaper

Solar hot water, from what I've read, is certainly viable. Also something I'm looking into.

For solar heating, I'm inclined to think active solar space heating would not be viable out here. But I dunno.