How to Map Your Garden's Microenvironment

Get a feel for the real conditions in your garden - measure temperatures, sun duration and rainfall to make a basic map of your microclimate. You'll find out if the reported nightly temperatures and rainfall amounts really apply to your garden.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Insect Monitors
• Garden Thermometers
• Measuring Tapes
• Rain Gauges
• Soil Thermometers
• Pencils
• Graph Papers
• Highlighter Pens
• Wind Gauges

1. Draw a diagram of your garden from ground level. Use graph paper to make it simple. Sketch in your house and outbuildings, then trees, shrubs and garden beds. Note the way the sun travels across your property.
2. Look for places to take measurements - at least one in each quadrant (north, south, east and west sides) of the garden. Find the spots you suspect are warmer, cooler and wetter than the rest.
3. Start by watching the sun and charting it on your drawing. Leave parts white that get sun all day, then use pencil to shade areas - light gray for light shade and darker for dense shade.
4. Put air thermometers and rain gauges in your four selected sites and a soil thermometer in your best garden bed. Add insect monitors and a wind gauge if you want to monitor those elements of your microclimate.
5. Read air thermometers twice a day, the soil thermometer every two days, insect monitors once a week and rain gauges after irrigation or rainfall. Be sure to empty the rain gauges after each reading.
6. Record all measurements on a simple chart for at least two weeks, then look for patterns in your observations. Become aware of hot and cold spots, wet areas, insects and wind in your garden.
7. Chart your microclimate. Use highlighting markers to color over your sketch - blue for cool and yellow for warm spots, green for wet areas and pink for infestations of bugs or prevailing winds.
8. Use the microclimate map to help choose which plants will thrive in what part of your garden. Repeat the measurements seasonally for more useful information.

Tips & Warnings

• Serious about measuring temperatures? Get a maximum/minimum thermometer.
• Chart your microclimate on a sheet of clear plastic and lay it over the garden's master plan - review sites for their potential before planting.
• Expect - and put to use - warmer microclimates around pools, cement walks and driveways.

Who Can Help:

• Find Awning Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.
• Find Deck & Porch Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.
• Find Contractors Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.