Seasoned gardeners know that conditions can vary greatly
from one garden to another. Even those within the same city may experience
dramatically different temperatures and growing conditions. This can be
attributed to differing microclimates in the garden. Microclimates vary widely depending upon the location of
the garden, nearby structures or building materials, and even the direction
which the garden faces. Learning how to determine your microclimate will help
to better understand how to meet the needs of garden plants.
How to Determine Your Microclimate
The biggest key to finding microclimates in the garden is to
be a keen observer. Throughout the entire year, growers will need to pay
special attention to temperature. Noticing ranges in temperature can be quite
helpful in identifying microclimates.
Temperature is greatly impacted by the amount of sun which the garden receives. Finding the orientation of the
yard will assist growers in determining what areas of the yard will receive the
most direct sunlight. The impact of sunlight can be further amplified by the
presence of concrete walkways, roads, and even your own home.
Many aspects of the yard can also assist in the cooling of
the growing space. Mature trees, shrubs, or other structures that create dense
shade can all impact the way plants grow. Though these small microclimates are
cooler in the summer, they may also be more prone to frost and cold in the
winter. This can potentially impact the ease in which perennial plants will be
able to successfully overwinter.
Identifying microclimates in the garden extends beyond the
presence of structures within the yard. Elevation also plays a major role in
the garden climate. Those who garden at higher elevations will often notice
colder temperatures than those with garden at lower elevations. Gardeners who
live in valleys may also notice these cooler temperatures, as the cold air can
often settle in these places. Familiarizing yourself with the topography of
your region will help to better understand what to expect when planning the
garden.
Like temperature, soil characteristics and the rainfall patterns can greatly impact the garden
microclimate. These aspects will all be impacted by topographical and regional
differences within the growing zone. Collecting data regarding rainfall and
soil quality within your own garden can help growers to gain greater
understanding of the needs of their plants.
Seasoned gardeners know that conditions can vary greatly
from one garden to another. Even those within the same city may experience
dramatically different temperatures and growing conditions. This can be
attributed to differing microclimates in the garden. Microclimates vary widely depending upon the location of
the garden, nearby structures or building materials, and even the direction
which the garden faces. Learning how to determine your microclimate will help
to better understand how to meet the needs of garden plants.
How to Determine Your Microclimate
The biggest key to finding microclimates in the garden is to
be a keen observer. Throughout the entire year, growers will need to pay
special attention to temperature. Noticing ranges in temperature can be quite
helpful in identifying microclimates.
Temperature is greatly impacted by the amount of sun which the garden receives. Finding the orientation of the
yard will assist growers in determining what areas of the yard will receive the
most direct sunlight. The impact of sunlight can be further amplified by the
presence of concrete walkways, roads, and even your own home.
Many aspects of the yard can also assist in the cooling of
the growing space. Mature trees, shrubs, or other structures that create dense
shade can all impact the way plants grow. Though these small microclimates are
cooler in the summer, they may also be more prone to frost and cold in the
winter. This can potentially impact the ease in which perennial plants will be
able to successfully overwinter.
Identifying microclimates in the garden extends beyond the
presence of structures within the yard. Elevation also plays a major role in
the garden climate. Those who garden at higher elevations will often notice
colder temperatures than those with garden at lower elevations. Gardeners who
live in valleys may also notice these cooler temperatures, as the cold air can
often settle in these places. Familiarizing yourself with the topography of
your region will help to better understand what to expect when planning the
garden.
Like temperature, soil characteristics and the rainfall patterns can greatly impact the garden
microclimate. These aspects will all be impacted by topographical and regional
differences within the growing zone. Collecting data regarding rainfall and
soil quality within your own garden can help growers to gain greater
understanding of the needs of their plants.