Photo by Martin Tessler
Maximizing microclimates
Learn how to grow a wider range of plants by mastering your garden’s hot, cold or windy spots
You may be surprised to learn your garden contains many microclimates. These are areas where the climate (sun, wind, moisture) differs from the wider overall climate, for example, the shady strip beside a garage—and they can significantly affect plant growth. Gardeners need to recognize and take advantage of microclimates, or create them, to grow the right plant in the right place. Here are some common elements that create microclimates; maximize them to keep every nook and cranny of your garden luscious.
**Garden Direction**
The way each part of your garden faces creates different microclimates. For example, areas facing north and east are shadier and cooler than those facing south and west, which get the hot afternoon sun.
**Hedges & Fences**
These handy elements can cast shade, but also create sun pockets on the south or west side. More important, hedges and open fences diffuse the wind, protecting plants on the lee (sheltered) side. Solid fences, however, create swirling winds that can damage plants.
**Walls & Structures** Large walls and structures of brick and stone can cast shade, but they are valuable for reflecting and holding heat—for example, fruit trees grown on a south-facing stone wall will bud out earlier than those grown in the open. Such protected microclimates can be used to grow plants that may be marginally hardy in your area.
**Slopes & Berms** Areas with a slope or berm are cool on the north or east side, sunny and dry on the south or west. They’re also well-draining—good for plants that don’t like wet feet. The top of a slope is generally windier than the lower part. However, because cold air sinks, the bottom of a slope can be a frost pocket—a danger to any tender plants. Low areas in the garden can also collect moisture, ideal for plants that do like wet feet.
**Rocks** Whether you have large boulders or an expanse of gravel, rocks hold and reflect heat, and keep the soil underneath cool and moist. Large rocks can also cast some welcome shade for small plants.
**Trees & Shrubs** Trees and shrubs act as valuable windbreaks. Large-leafed trees such as maples cast dense shade and, while the ground is cooler under them, it is also very dry because their extensive root systems suck up so much moisture.
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