To paraphrase a Chinese proverb about planting trees, the best time to start contemplating the future of your farm was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.

Admit it: Your agricultural fantasy doesn’t involve turnips or even tomatoes. Good thing, then, that vineyard-worthy grapes thrive as far north as Zone 3.

This DIY apparatus – more or less a cold frame on steroids – relies on sunshine and manure to jump-start spring growth.

Once troublesome for growers, these tasty brambles have been tamed as new, improved varieties hit the market.