Identify your microclimates
Q. What are microclimates, and how do you identify them in your home garden?
A. My definition of success as a gardener is finding the ideal conditions for plants to thrive with minimal assistance. The definition of a microclimate is the climate of a small or restricted area, especially when it differs from the climate of the surrounding area. By combining your understanding of these two important aspects of gardening, you will be able to reap your rewards on a consistent basis.
This information is important to every gardener, because "In the real world, we garden in microclimates, not hardiness zones," said Charlie Mazza, senior extension associate at Cornell University.
Are you interested in trying to grow some unusual plants, adding tropical elements to your summer garden or improving your vegetable yield? Or, are you just hoping to find the ideal plant for a corner of your house? By identifying the microclimates surrounding your home and matching them with a plant's preferred growing conditions, you will be able to achieve just that.
The most important aspects to keep in mind as you discover the perfect plant for your location are: patterns of sunlight, protection or exposure to the elements, and water absorption and retention.
In the home garden, your house or other buildings create microclimates by absorbing heat during the day and radiating it back at night. Prevailing northwest winds create warmer, sheltered spots on the south and east sides of the buildings. North-side exposure will be shady and drier. West-side exposure intensifies heat due to increased sun exposure and wind.
Paved surfaces also impact growing conditions. They absorb heat as well as dry out soil faster. Areas where water flows off the roof or out of downspout can lead to damper soils. Do you have a balcony or rooftop where you grow plants? Above ground level, tender plants may escape the early freeze that would kill them at ground level, however, higher wind exposure has a drying effect. Fences, walls and large rocks can protect plants from wind and radiate heat. This creates ideal spots for tender plants or early spring planting.
In practice, how will this information impact your plant selections? The USDA hardiness zone for Northern Illinois is 5. Now that you have identified microclimates around your property, you might choose zone 6 plants for a very sheltered location or opt for zone 4 plants for an extremely exposed position. Place a wetland plant close to downspouts, or place dry sun-loving plants on the west side of your property. Awareness of plant placement greatly enhances your chance of success. Happy gardening!
- By Laura Hoover
• Provided by Master gardeners through the Master Gardener Answer Desk, Friendship Park Conservatory, Des Plaines. Call (847) 298-3502 or email northcookmg@gmail.com.