Each area that we live in has a unique microclimate that can impact our gardens. When you are new to gardening it can be overwhelming trying to figure out when to plant. The first place to look is to the USDA Hardiness Zone. Unfortunately, this isn’t always an accurate depiction of your home.
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Hardiness Zones
We are experiencing this right now in our new home. We live in Northern Nevada and according to the USDA zones we are 7A. This means that we can receive temperatures as low as 0 to 5° F. This information is based on the average annual minimum temperature in winter. This is only a starting point though. The really important thing to know is your average frost dates.
Geographic Microclimates
Within our area they suggest that our average frost date is April 15th. There are several different valleys in our area though and each valley has it’s own microclimate. We are fortunate enough to have a weather station and have quickly learned that our valley is 10° colder than what our local weather station reports.
There are several things that can cause a microclimate including natural things like mountains, hills and trees. In larger cities tall buildings and large areas of concrete can create a microclimate that is warmer than the surrounding areas.
Take a little time to pay attention to the weather in your neighborhood. If you have a weather station use that to determine if your yard is different than the local weather forecast. Meet your neighbors, talking to people that have lived in the area can help you gain more information about your microclimate.
Mini Microclimates
We can also create microclimates in our yard depending on how we landscape. The things that most impact a microclimate are the amount of sun and moisture an area can retain.
The four most common gardening challenges are:
- Dry soil with lots of sun
- Dry soil with shade
- Moist soil with lots of sun
- Moist soil with shade
Many areas on the west coast deal with the first two. The desert is full of areas that have dry soil and lots of sun. Finding drought tolerant plants and paying close attention to how you plant them you can successfully grow a wide variety of options. Flowers such as bachelor button, cosmos, different varieties of penstemon and sunflowers can all do well in a desert area.
If you are in a climate like Florida where you get frequent rainfall consider putting in a rain garden. There are several plants like wild columbines and butterfly weed that can provide vibrant color and support a lot of pollinators and they can handle the frequent rains.
Succeeding in your Microclimate
The first year of gardening or exploring a new area will always be the hardest. If you are planning to garden get to know local gardeners. They will be your best source of information. Also, make sure you are spending time in your space. If you use a planner/journal this is a great place to keep notes about things. Note down the temperatures, where the sun is hitting your location at different times of year and how does the location get moisture. A little bit of planning before you plant and your garden will give you years of enjoyment.
