Krönika från norr

Gardening in Northern Sweden: Adapting to a Cool Summer

The chronicle from Norrbotten, July 2004, written by Elsa Rensfeldt Larsson, paints a vivid picture of the challenges and surprises of gardening in the far north of Sweden (zones 5 and 6). After two unforgettable, almost tropical summers, the summer of 2004 began with stubbornly cool weather—leaving even experienced gardeners wishing for the warmth of previous years.

Light—Abundant Evenings, Slow Growth

One undeniable advantage in the north is the extremely long days. Even in the late hours, as Elsa observes, the sun still gleams high above the houses and bathes crops in precious light. This abundance of daylight can give northern gardens a chance to catch up with those in milder southern regions—when temperatures allow. Yet, as the chronicle shows, light alone is sometimes not enough: warmth is an essential ingredient for vigorous plant growth.

Zinnias and Microclimates: Lessons from a Reluctant Summer

The struggle to coax heat-loving zinnias—like

into growth is a prime example of northern conditions. In regions where summer can be unreliable, zinnias may barely grow an inch, stubbornly refusing to reach their usual stature. Elsa reflects, “Kanske har de fattat fel och tror att de är marktäckare!” (Maybe they’ve misunderstood and think they’re ground covers).

Yet, even in such a cool season, microclimates make a decisive difference. Elsa’s neighbor, growing a similar zinnia in a large pot just a few meters away, achieves success where Elsa’s struggle—demonstrating the power of containers and raised beds to provide that little extra warmth desperately needed in the north.

Surprises Among the Hardy and Half-Hardy

While annuals like zinnias faltered in open beds, other, usually temperamental plants delivered pleasant surprises. The elderly, bonsai-sized mountain ash and the elder tree, long-term but seldom-blooming guests, responded to the accumulation of previous warm summers and the unusual weather patterns. To Elsa’s delight, the usually reticent elder,

burst into bloom with record enthusiasm, and the oxel (mountain ash) finally displayed its cherished white flower fans. This upends the assumption that only warmth brings abundance: plants often bloom in response to the reserves and conditions accumulated in earlier years.

Adapting Your Growing Techniques

Practical Takeaways for Northern Gardeners

Elsa’s observations reinforce hard-earned lessons for northern gardeners:

• Containers & Raised Beds: These structures warm up quickly and protect roots from cold, making them ideal for heat-demanding crops.
• Patience with Annuals: Even tough annuals need time; when cold lingers, consider starting seeds indoors or waiting until all risk of frost has passed, as northern springs can remain unpredictable.
• Appreciate the Long Light: Despite challenges, the intense summer light can give northern-grown vegetables and flowers richer colors and sometimes superior taste.

Celebrating the Season—Whatever Comes

Despite the slow progression and cool air—“Nu drar jag på mig min gamla fleecetröja och går ut och låtsas högsommar!”—there is still much to savor. The spinach is in the freezer, the blue anemones shine, and, with a little creativity and resilience, northern gardens continue to thrive in their own unpredictable way.

For more insights and to follow Elsa’s gardening journey through other seasons, read Krönika från norr - februari 2004.

Embracing the Unique Northern Garden

By working with, rather than against, the unique conditions of the northern garden, joy and surprise are always just around the corner—even in the coolest of summers.