Microclimate

Tree ferns thrive in a protected dell at Heligan Gardens, in Cornwall, England, latitude 50o 15'N

A microclimate is a local zone wherein the climate differs from the surrounding area. Microclimates exist, for example, in large buildings, in and around cities, and can even exist on individual properties. For example, one may find that grass growing in a corner bounded by a concrete driveway and sidewalk may need more water than the grass growing in the fenced back yard of the same property.

Microclimates can be used to the advantage of gardeners who carefully choose and position their plants. Cities often raise the average temperature by zoning, and a sheltered position can reduce the severity of winter. Roof gardening, however, exposes plants to more extreme temperatures in both summer and winte See also: evapotranspiration, hydrozoning, xeriscaping

Microclimates can also be present in rural areas though, where human activities affect climate. This can be through a number of ways such as deforestation, afforestation, farming practices or dam construction.

Another contributory factor to microclimate is the aspect or slope - south-facing slopes in the northern hemisphere (north-facing slopes in the southern hemisphere) are exposed to more direct sunlight than opposite slopes and are therefore warmer for longer.