How did the geography of new england affect how people made a living? limited farmland and a short growing season encouraged colonists in new england to turn to fishing and shipbuilding. limited waterways and poor access to the ocean encouraged colonists in new england to turn to fur trapping and trading. abundant farmland and a long growing season encouraged colonists in new england to grow cash crops. abundant farmland and a short growing season encouraged colonists in new england to grow wheat and other grains.