A Microclimate is an area within a region whose growing climate is different than the larger general zone due to a specific situation’s affect on it. For example, your zone may be known for its heavy frost, so it can be confusing when your plants rarely freeze to death. This can be due to the specific microclimate in which the plant is growing.

Because of microclimates, your zone might not act as your zone should act for many reasons. They can be created by a number of things such as physical structures such as walls, houses. and other buildings. Walls from upright structures such as buildlings made of brick, cement or stucco will hold and radiate heat. They can also provide shelter and block the wind. Extra windy areas, topography, or large bodies of water will change the growing climate, as well. For instance, if you have a large body of water nearby, such as a lake or the ocean, it’ll tend to moderate the air temperatures of the nearby inland areas.

It’s a beautiful thing when you realize that you don’t have to solely rely on Mother Nature for these variables in your growing zone. Indeed, they can be used and manipulated by the gardener – and should be in your gardening bag-of-tricks. You may not be able to control the weather, but you can manipulate your climate.

Common Microclimates

So where do you find different microclimates? Well, if you live on top of a hill or deep in a valley you’re going  to see some interesting differences between what the USDA growing zone map says and that is actually happening in your location because topography plays a major role.

Valleys can have more frost problems than someone living on a hill because warm air is lighter than cold air. Which side of the hill you reside make a difference, too. Growing on the southern side of a slope warms up faster in the spring, but then again if plants begin to bloom really early, they could freeze if a sudden frost hits. Of course, if you’re on the northern side, your garden will take longer to warm up for the season.

Other situations that create microclimates are rainfall, soil types, mulching practices, paved surfaces, fences, walls, raised beds, cold frames, balconies, and rooftops. So if you think that the numbers on the USDA zone map have the last word on your garden – think again. Clever gardeners will manipulate their microclimates to work for them.

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Solid Build—The Ashman Garden Cultivator/Tiller is strong in construction so that it can withstand heavy work in the garden. The blade and the shaft are coupled well for deep digging and uprooting the soil from the depths. It serves the purpose of cultivation very well. Create a blooming crop and watch it blossom and reap the benefits. Sharpened Fine piercing Blade—The blades are razor sharp and are made to pierce into any kind of soil and to serve digging, loosening soil, and weeding. The blades are rust-proof and have chip-resistant coating enhancing durability. Use it to control weeds, bury crop residue in the soil, and for preparing a proper seed bed. High-Quality Design—The thoughtful design incorporated to shape the blades in L shape helps dig deep into the soil and rip it from beneath for cultivation. This helps a lot when weeding. Dig well and plant well. The handle is made to fit in the hand well and can be held tightly to apply push and pull forces effectively. Practical Utility—The garden cultivator is made with “practical utility” as the core of its purpose. It serves all the necessary purposes when gardening. Helps mix soil, which will loosen it up, providing more nutrients for the crops.

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Berry & Bird Rabbiting Spade, Trenching Shovel

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Ideal Tool for All Gardeners Use: Our heavy duty trenching shovel is designed by a professional gardening tool designer. Lifetime Durability: This heavy duty drain spade is made of high-quality stainless steel, it is very strong and durable, even if it is used for high-strength work, it will not bend. Ergonomic Wood Handle: The handle of this planting spade is made of ash hardwood harvested from FSC-certified forests and has an ergonomically streamlined design, making it very suitable for everyone's hands. Multi-Use: This digging shovel is generally used for digging trenches, digging holes, transplanting, edging, moving compost, cutting thick turf and furrowing. The sharp blade allows you to cut, scoop, dig, lift and dice in hard soil.

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50 cell plastic seedling deep trays, each size is 3.54" deep, big holes, side 1.89" x 1.89", hold larger volume of the soil which can be better for trees, longer rhizomas or similar tall growing plants. Fits for standard 10" 20" trays. 10pcs per pack trays, thicker and more durable, 1mm thick trays for long term use, sturdy to carry and transport. Indoor or greenhouse propagation or nursery is good.

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