If conditions aren\u2019t ideal in your yard, join the club \u2014 the microclimate club. Microclimates are areas in the yard with slightly different climates than the surrounding area.<\/p>
So, how do you create a microclimate? Chances are, you already have several. It\u2019s not difficult and doesn\u2019t require esoteric knowledge. We\u2019ll show you how to make simple changes in your yard\u2019s microclimate to grow more of what you love.<\/p>
A microclimate is a small area outdoors that has slightly different climatic conditions than the surrounding area. If you live within a valley or next to a large body of water, there\u2019s not much you can do to change the larger macroclimate<\/a> of your area. You can control certain things on a plant-by-plant basis, though, to change the microclimate in your yard.<\/p> Here are a few examples of microclimates you may find in your yard:<\/p> You can\u2019t change your USDA hardiness zone<\/a>, but by creating microclimates in your yard, you can <\/em>manage certain elements of nature to provide a more ideal growing climate for your plants.<\/p> Sunlight, along with water and carbon dioxide (CO\u2082), is key to a plant\u2019s food production (aka photosynthesis). Get the sunlight levels correct, and you\u2019re on your way to a healthy plant.<\/p> There is no fix for too little sun unless you grow inside, but too much sun is something you can work around.<\/p> Does your plant wilt under the blazing afternoon summer sun? Plant it (or place its container) in a different area in your yard. <\/p> If the plant needs lots of sunlight, a south-facing or western exposure<\/strong> works best, as long as the afternoon sun isn\u2019t too harsh. If it needs softer light, place it on the east side of the yard<\/strong>. If it needs very little light, consider a north-facing location<\/strong>.<\/p> But you only have one area in which to garden, you say? Provide some afternoon shade, especially if your plant is on the west side of the yard. <\/p> Large rocks, trees, and taller vegetation are welcome shade umbrellas<\/strong> for wilting afternoon plants. Boulders are often strategically placed in succulent gardens to provide a shaded, cooler microclimate to mitigate the harsh afternoon sun. <\/p> Do cold air temperatures shorten your growing season? Extend it with warmer microclimates in your yard. Here\u2019s how:<\/p> In early spring and fall, a warmer microclimate helps extend the growing season. In the heat of summer, some plants might prefer cooler temps.<\/p> Here are a few ways to create shade and a cooler microclimate in your lawn.<\/p> As with the sun, you can\u2019t make it rain more or less, but there are things you can do to manage whatever rainfall comes your way:<\/p> If you live next to a body of water, a tornado-prone area, or next to a mountain range, high winds may impact your landscape. Here are a few ways to manage windflow on your property:<\/p> The soil microclimates, even in a small yard, can be different. For example, the area underneath a deciduous tree may have more organic matter due to the yearly leaf fall while other soil has a thinner layer of this rich compost. Here are a few tips on how to manage different soil microclimates in your yard:<\/p> If you\u2019re too busy creating new microclimates in your landscape, let <\/em>Lawn Love\u2019s lawn care pros<\/em><\/a> take care of the mowing and weed eater work.<\/em><\/p> Sunlight<\/h2>
Solar orientation and afternoon shade<\/h3>
Temperature<\/h2>
How to create a warmer microclimate<\/h3>
How to create a cooler microclimate<\/h3>
Water<\/h2>
Wind<\/h2>
Soil<\/h2>