I will apologize for the length of the post ahead of time, and also say thanks for all of the information dispensed over the years.

Next year I have the opportunity to move into a rental situation for next to nothing. Property is around 45 acres, with about 2 acres of lawn, 10 acres of tree farm, and the rest as hay fields currently being worked by a neighbour. I am in the process of planning my garden on this property and wondering what the best approach should be.

Here is a Google map image of the property, with the various components mapped out. The Barn and Drive Shed are at the top of a ridge, with the land gently sloping down to the south, and to the north.

{{gwi:119172}}

Notes:

1. Hoophouse - not sure if I can use it or move it.

2. Hay fields - they have just been tilled (late October) but unsure if they have been seeded.

Garden Size - will be around 50'x40', using 4' wide beds slightly raised (I am going with a Steve Solomon approach to things this year...I think LOL).

Possible Garden Locations -

A. Existing Lawn - Not sure about the type of grass, but it is standard, groomed lawn. Fairly level ground, very slightly sloping downward to the north. Sun exposure is good to excellent. Advantages are close to drive shed and closer to the house. Disadvantage is the grass.

B. Tilled Hayfield - I'm sure I could secure the top strip of the hayfield. South slope, but this is the top of the ridge and it is fairly flat. Sun exposure is all day. Advantages are sun exposure and close to drive shed. Disadvantage is distance from the house, and the existing hayfield?

C. Tilled Hayfield - Large area of former lawn (?), of varrying slope to the north-east. There is a usable area, but slope may be a bit of a problem (erosion/drainage). Sun exposure is Good to Excellent. Advantage is close to house and it fits into the look of the front yard (important for the wife). Disadvantage is the north slope and the slope itself, and the existing hayfield?

D. Tilled Hayfield - Large area, gently sloping down to the north. Advantage is, if I can use the hoophouse, it is nice and close. Also, I can draw water from the pond for irrigation. Disadvantage is the distance from the house, and northern slope.

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So, if anyone has any suggestions, I would be open to them for sure. Things to keep in mind:

- Difficulty of establishing the initial garden, whether it be on the grass, or on the tilled hayfield. Like I said, I'm not sure if it's been seeded (are hayfields normally tilled and seeded in the fall?). Also, I'm not a big fan of rototilling, so I am looking to do most of the work the good ole fashioned way.

- Slope with problems with soil temperatures and also with erosion.

Thanks in advance for all of your help and insights.

Michael