Definition: A microclimate is the climate of a small, specific place within an area as contrasted with the climate of the entire area, or the "macroclimate." The climate of the entire area is indicated by where a region lies in the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone (simply "zone" for short).
Beginning gardeners and landscapers should plant according to USDA Plant Hardiness Zone maps. But growing plants not suited to your region's climate is sometimes possible, if one knows how to exploit microclimates.
For instance, sunny nooks in your yard that are sheltered from harsh winds and frosts contain microclimates. Such microclimates are excellent for experimenting with plants otherwise considered too tender for your region. Let's say you're in zone 5, and the plant you'd like to grow is supposedly hardy only to zone 6. Try growing it in the microclimate of a sunny, sheltered nook. Success isn't guaranteed, but you will have increased the likelihood of the plant's survival considerably.
Beginning gardeners and landscapers should plant according to USDA Plant Hardiness Zone maps. But growing plants not suited to your region's climate is sometimes possible, if one knows how to exploit microclimates.
For instance, sunny nooks in your yard that are sheltered from harsh winds and frosts contain microclimates. Such microclimates are excellent for experimenting with plants otherwise considered too tender for your region. Let's say you're in zone 5, and the plant you'd like to grow is supposedly hardy only to zone 6. Try growing it in the microclimate of a sunny, sheltered nook. Success isn't guaranteed, but you will have increased the likelihood of the plant's survival considerably.
