Figuring out microclimates
by Nathan
(York, PA)
I have been reviewing USDA Zone info lately -- trying to decide if a particular plant would work in my area. What I discovered is that a zone doesn't seem to cover everything needed to to make such a determination. Things like humidity, wind, & soil type are part of the USDA equation. Even more concerning was the description of microclimates:
"is the climate of a small, specific place within an
area as contrasted with the climate of the entire
area, or the "macroclimate."
So things like slopes, south facing walls, mulch, etc -- can change the *zone* of a particular area. Which leds to my question -- how do you tell what *zone* an area really is? If the macro area I live in is 6A, and the location I am thinking about putting a plant is against a south facing brick wall -- does that now constitute a 7b? I would love your thoughts on this.
Doug says it's called "trial and error" and welcome to the wonderful world of figuring out and learning the precise nature of your own garden. You've got the idea - now all you have to do is sort out the details - like "is that area really a warm microclimate?" :-) Trial and error- normally we'd call it "gardening experience". :-)
The interesting thing is that all gardens are different - soil types can influence hardiness as much as above-ground conditions - so you never know what you have until you really try. And that's part of the game - make informed "judgment calls" on stuff like this.
Good luck - and the final thought that all experienced gardeners will tell you is that gardening "zones" are simply guidelines. It's that individual microclimate that makes or breaks your plants and that comes from knowing your garden.
