What Would You Do If This Were You?

My wonderful second child Annie helping me remove this cranky old oak after a storm left it on a perimeter fence line.

Homesteaders of the "new age".  The original homesteaders came often from far away and I often wonder what would they think of this modern day group? Homesteading wasn't a choice for them it was a necessity. And the levels of "homesteading" including the reasons they are chosen are sometimes light years from we modern day homesteaders. We run the gambit of urban even apartment living homesteading to the Kilcher Family Homestead.  And wait despite the "reality" show twist this was an amazing family venture from the 1940's. And all fashions and locations in between the two examples. But I think homesteaders have a few traits in common. Do it the best we can, with the least waste and in the appropriate amount of time. Also we all seem to be looking for a way to make it better more suited to the purpose and most beneficial to the cause as a whole. 

After this introduction here is my dilemma . I am , as so many of us are, living in the present but our minds are a season or two ahead. Because our lifestyle often requires thinking ahead as things aren't as simple as a drive to the big box store down the mountain.

I planted my first solo garden here at the new farm. I had a bit of small raised bed experience and growing in pots through the years. But the garden the real deal for many years was the responsibility of my late husband. I was the cook, canner and animal care. The three C's.  

Existing Site A

This was fenced for the dogs and not a garden. However it makes a perfect area  for a garden except it only gets full sun about 5 hour to 6 hours a day. However I do have a water source at hand and the area is completely fenced in.

If I were to keep this area the plan would be as follows. I would remove the raised beds and stock tanks. I would fence the inner area going from the corner of the dog kennel closest to the front giving a 20 ft width. I would extend the fencing back (to the right side) to the perimeter fencing. With that done I would have a 20’x40’ area. I would then run my rows length wise given me up to 8 rows 2.5 ft wide. Or less if desired. They would be raised up 12-18 inches with 2 ft wide hardware cloth on the ground as we have horrible gophers. The inside fencing would be 48” high and a gate for access. The pups would still maintain the 20x10 kennel area and a yard section to the front of the fence that would be about 15’ wide and 40’ long. Which they can occupy when I am gone from home. Leaving the pups still in the area as predator control. 

Potential Site B

Squint hard and look past the perimeter back fence toward the livestock trailer. The same sized or larger space could be put in as above and fenced as above. The garden would then enjoy more hours of direct sunlight. However doing this would require more fencing since the fencing to the left by the large eucalyptus tree is field fencing with squares large enough to accommodate an elephant.  OK I exaggerate a bit lol.

Plus there is currently no working water source in the area but one could be put in. Remember I live in an area where hoses are our best friends. Also there are no dogs any where near that area and I know from this year having the pups in the area does deter the ground squirrels.

So with all that said is it site A or site B the only advantage is more full sun through the day? I feel confident rearranging the A site I will be able to have enough plants of multiple varieties I can fill my pantry. However that will be true with site B but with more work and more initial cash outlay. Please give reasons and any suggestions in your reply.