Looking for answers and advice for growing in Zone 4

In September, we will be moving to a new home in the Upper Valley of New Hampshire, Zone 4b.  All of the research I've done since moving to New England 3 years ago has been centered around planting in Zone 5, so I'm having to revise my garden and edible landscaping plans.  I've scoured the internet for Zone 4 info and have some rough ideas of what I'd like to do, but I'd also like input from the hardy folks who garden in Zone 4 (or colder), to learn from your experience and advice.  Here's what I'd like to know:

- What growing methods do you employ? (SFG, containers, hugelkultur, BTE, etc.)


- Do you use a greenhouse and/or hot and cold frames for growing year-round?


- Do you use a root cellar or garage to store produce over winter?



- What edible fruit, self-pollinating trees or shrubs do you grow and how do you winterize them?

- Many websites include Rainier and Bing cherries in Zone 4 lists, but sweet cherries are traditionally grown in Zones 5+.  Do you successfully grow Rainier or other sweet cherries? And, if you grow successfully grow sour cherries, what cultivars do you recommend?

- In your experience, what pollinator attracting flowers or herbs actually grow as perennials, without winterizing or other special care?

- I want to establish dedicated (separate) raised beds for strawberries and asparagus. What advice might you have for me and what cultivars do you recommend for the harsh climate?

- There's lots of wildlife in the area, but it's bears I worry about. For a long time I've wanted to grow my own grains and rice, but never had the space to try.  Now I'm almost afraid to.  And what about corn?  I really, really want to grow corn!  Do I have cause to be concerned??? Do a few precautionary measures make this a moot point - or should I give up on homegrown grains altogether?

My ultimate goal is to incorporate a majority of organically grown, edible plants into the permanent landscape of the property, providing 4-season interest, with year-round habitat and food for birds and pollinators. If you have thoughts or advice on companion plants or groupings, I'd love to hear them...

Thanks in advance for your replies!

GB

TD lives in Ottawa which is close to your Zone. When he gets back from a vacation, maybe he can help with some of these answers. Also, other gardeners in Maine and northern parts of the NE states can help. I know TD over-winters strawberries under straw in a designated 4' x 4' bed, covered with a chicken wire cage.

Knowing you, I am sure you have always seed this, looks like a matter of timing and choosing the right varieties!

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-4/vegetable-gardening-in-zone-4-2.htm

I try to grow northern, shorter maturing varieties of stuff like peppers and melons, squash.

Look up Eliot Coleman and Four Season Farm.  He is in Maine and farms in zone 4.  He is the person who pointed out that he is on the same latitude as the south of France.  That is kind of a mind blowing thought, and opens up possibilities.  He has writen a couple books on gardening in zone 4.

Friends of mine in Maine have a small organic farm.  They raise wheat (Warthog variety, it is really tasty) and corn (Abenaki flint corn makes wonderful cornmeal) in rotation with their vegetable crops.  

I see a greenhouse in your future, maybe unheated like mine, but they are a great season softener.

Eliot Coleman, excellent suggestion, Turan!  I have his book, Four Season Harvest.  But my library has several of his books.  Really great resource.