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Protecting plants with microclimates

Wayne Hobbs
Posted 12/20/17

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – With our first frost behind us, you can see that some of our more tender plants are showing the damage with their black, curled leaves. However, have you ever noticed that in …

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Protecting plants with microclimates


Posted

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – With our first frost behind us, you can see that some of our more tender plants are showing the damage with their black, curled leaves. However, have you ever noticed that in parts of your yard there are plants that should be damaged but never are damaged during frost? I saw this last year and this year as well as my firespike and hibiscus keep blooming away through the winter and it is all due to their microclimate.

What is a Microclimate?

A microclimate is an area where conditions vary from the average of your landscape, meaning it may stay warmer or colder. This can be a useful thing to notice as you can get away with growing some more tender plants outside through the winter without much protection if your microclimate allows. Some neat examples of this concept can be seen around the University of North Florida campus where some common south Florida plants are planted under the protection of buildings. Some beautiful bismarck palms come to my mind that would wilt away in the cold in most of our region.

Where are Microclimates?

Around your home, you may find some likely microclimates around areas that protect plants from wind in the form of trees or buildings. Northwest winds are usually the coldest, so many people find the south side of their home warmer throughout the winter.

Buildings and paving also tend to absorb heat during the day and radiate during the night, leading to some more tolerable temperatures. This is also true with lakes and ponds. You will also see less cold damage on higher elevations in the landscape as cold settles into low areas. Adding mulch to your landscape beds and watering the morning before an expected hard freeze can also help protect plants.

You may also have microclimates that are wetter or dryer than other parts of your landscape, allowing you to choose plants best suited to that moisture level.

If you would like to find the microclimates around your home, you can use an infrared thermometer to measure night time temperatures and note where they tend to stay higher. You can also look for patterns in plant damage and other areas that fit the description of a protected area for landscape plants.

If you have any more questions about horticulture, any other landscape topics, or need plant or pest materials identified, contact the University of Florida/IFAS Extension Office online at http://www.clay.ifas.ufl.edu, follow us on Facebook, or call by phone at (904)284-6355.

We will also be holding a class on choosing plants for your landscape entitled “Right Plant/Right Place” on Jan. 22 from 6-8 p.m. Cost is $10 and you must register online at www.clayextension.eventbrite.com to attend.