Creating microclimates for your plants can be . . . 

. . . a bit of a challenge, but you can regulate the elements in such a way that your plants are protected and feel like they are growing in ideal growing conditions. This article will explain the basics on creating microclimates for your plants.

Creating Microclimates For Your Plants

© Aldwin Pet

If you live somewhere like in Colorado, you'll understand what it's like to have a slim selection of plants that grow naturally. It can be quite a challenge to facilitate the growth of a large variety of plants, especially when the very world you live in seems to be rooting against you.

Some people solve this problem by loading up their plants with every type of chemical and fertilizer known to man.  Although this method works, to me it seems unnatural to rely on man-made materials to keep my plants alive.  Also, if I'm growing fruits or vegetables, I don't feel very comfortable eating fruits or vegetables that are entirely composed of chemicals.

To grow many types of plants, I create a microclimate for each type of plant.  I regulate the sunlight, shade, moisture, and wind factors for each separate plant.  It sounds like a challenge, and it is.  But one can regulate these factors in such a way that the plant feels just like it is in the ideal growing conditions by using wind barriers, shading umbrellas, extra water, or different types or amounts of compost.

If your goal is creating microclimates for your plants, you'll need to make a detailed plan first.  Start by finding a large shade-providing bush or tree that grows fast and naturally in your area.  Look at some undeveloped plots of land and see what tree or tall plant can be found, one that most likely has gown on its own without any planting or care. Usually the growing of one plant can bring about the growing of another more desirable plant.

If you have a fence in your backyard, you already have a good amount of shade to work with.  You can start the microclimate process by using just the shade of the fence in combination with a screen or large bush to shade your new plant for the other half of the day that the fence doesn't take care of.  The fence is also useful for shading a very fragile plant against wind.

Once you have established the shade, be it natural or unnatural, you have created a slightly less harsh miniature environment.  Remember this is a gradual process, and it involves finding a new plant to put in the shade of the other one.  Now your choices are a little more open.  You don't have to go with a rugged plant like the one you did before; you can now choose a plant that survives in cooler weather.

If the plant you are trying to grow next requires more air moisture than your area provides, install a fountain or small pond which is constantly going through the process of evaporation.

You may think you don't want to waste pond or fountain water, but it's all going toward the betterment of your garden.  It's just like using the watering process; the only difference is that it is indirect watering.  In addition, fountains are usually quite aesthetically attractive and a great addition to your garden.

To reach your goal, research every plant that you would like to have in your garden.

Find out everything you can about the zone in which it flourishes, and ask yourself how you can emulate that zone within your own backyard.  Almost always you can take control of the environment and recreate whatever you wish.  All it takes is planning and strategy.

More at tedsworld.org/gardening

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About the Author
Aldwin Pet is owner of http://tedsworld.org and http://golfidea.org

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