Looks good Wulfheir, be sure to check out the Far North (zone 0-3) forum for what plants will grow in your new gardens.

Sharon

Here is a link that might be useful: Far North Gardening

I just finished reading that you should plant flowers and non-edibles against the house as there are a lot of chemicals put into the building equipment to prevent pests. I can't remember where I saw this though. I had all my herbs growing against the side of my house last year at my old place. I would love to know if there is truth to this. I love your plan by the way. I have a blank slate at our "new" place so I should do the same.

I see no problem with the beds per se. Only thing I cannot discern is how deep/tall will the beds be. These are south facing so presumably will receive the right amount of sunlight getting to the area, so that's great for vegetable gardening. As for chemical contamination, you do get chemicals from cement anyway. Soil surrounding houses tend to be a bit more limey especialy if the house is brand new. It thens to leach away after some time. I usually just replace the earth with organics to keep the soil healthy. However I should raise concerns about a raised bed placed against your house walls. That can lead to wetness leaching into your house, pests, etc....Also, take into consideration if snow were to accumulate on the beds - would melting snow be able to creep into the house walls? So if you are planning to do a raised bed, do take the necessary precautions to prevent the bed from touching the bricks or whatever material is used for the walls of your home.

Ianna

It was Gardening for Canadian for Dummies is where they issued a warning. Plus this is directed to termites and that's not really an issue here in Canada. I will now be putting my herbs against my new house too. Good luck with your first garden(s).

Not just termites, they tar the foundations of houses to help keep them from leaking.