We live in a “High Desert” climate with intense sun, cold nights, high winds, low water, and alkaline soil. We also have areas within our yard that provide a more inviting climate for plants to grow. Small variations that provide warmer conditions, wind protection, or colder conditions. Did you know that the lava mesa to the north of Grants provides warmth and a break from north-west winds?
The most obvious microclimate on our property is the sides of walls and buildings. The sunny areas that face south and west warm up faster in spring and become hot in summer. Combine this with a courtyard to protect plants from the elements, then you can try plants that normally won’t grow in our climate. When you look at the north side of your buildings, walls, and evergreen trees you see the soil warming up much slower. Trees don’t leaf out until after late frosts. This is a great place for fruit trees. Your property could also slope north or south and this accentuates the heat or cold effect.
Wind tunnel effects can form between buildings causing dehydration of plants and stunted growth. Utilize existing walls, structures, or hedges to block or re-channel the prevailing winds. Plants need water in winter if there is no snow coverage to prevent drought damage.
There are conditions that are not as obvious that cause microclimates. Think of the protection given by clouds reflecting the heat back to the ground. Trees do the same thing by branches and leaf covering over the soil. Soil also affects frosts. Heavy, clay soil acts similar to pavement holding heat close to the ground and moderating temperatures. Light, sandy soil has many air pockets and holds the heat below the ground so the surface is more prone to frost.
Use microclimates in your vegetable garden. I have planted squash, cucumbers, and tomatoes in an exposed windy site and didn’t see any growth until the spring winds died down in June. Eggplant and zucchini grow best south of a building warmed by the extra heat. Rhubarb grows best with shade. Plant it against the north side of a fence. You can plant tall crops such as corn so that they partially shade other crops. Lettuce, spinach, sweet peas and other short vegetables all benefit from the shade.
The Grants area is in the cold hardiness Zone 5. Albuquerque is in Zone 7 so if you buy plants in Albuquerque, they may not be able to survive in our cold. Look on the label for the zone and be aware they may die over the winter. Have fun with your gardening. Try things you like. If they don’t grow and you really like the plant, try it again in a different part of your property with a different microclimate, or try it again in a different year.
Edith Iwan is a Cibola-McKinley County Master Gardener who lives and works in Thoreau. As a Master Gardener she assists the County Cooperative Extension Service in providing accurate, research-based gardening information to county residents. If you have any gardening questions, please call the NMSU Cibola County Extension at 505-287-9266 or NMSU McKinley County Extension at 505-863-3432.