microclimate
Pocket of weather
A microclimate is the climate of a small, localized area that differs from the surrounding region.
A sheltered garden corner may stay warmer than the open yard; a shaded north-facing slope stays cooler than adjacent sunny ground.
Urban areas often form heat islands—microclimates warmer than surrounding countryside.
Gardeners and farmers pay close attention to microclimates when deciding what to plant where.
Measured heat intensity
- humidityMoisture in atmosphere
- moistureSmall amounts of liquid
- frostThin ice coating
- shadeDarkness from blocked light
sunlight · wind · exposure · warmth · cooling · drying · evaporation · dewpoint
Geography's influence on taste
- pocketFabric compartment in clothing
- zoneBounded area designation
- nicheRecessed wall space
- enclaveSurrounded distinct territory
microhabitat · sheltered · exposed · elevation · slope · aspect · topography · canopy
Organism's natural environment
- nicheRecessed wall space
- biodiversityRange of life forms
- endemicNative to one area
- speciesFinest taxonomic rank
adaptation · refugia · understory · streamside · riparian · moss · lichen · invertebrates
Climate-controlled plant enclosure
- coldframeBottomless glazed growing box
- clocheFitted dome-shaped hat
- mulchingCovering soil protectively
- espalierPlant trained flat
windbreak · irrigation · hardiness · overwintering · polytunnel · microgreens · permaculture
temperature
Measured heat intensity
shade · sunlight · wind · exposure · warmth · cooling · drying · evaporation · dewpoint
terroir
Geography's influence on taste
enclave · microhabitat · sheltered · exposed · elevation · slope · aspect · topography · canopy · windbreak
habitat
Organism's natural environment
- nicheRecessed wall space
- biodiversityRange of life forms
- endemicNative to one area
species · adaptation · refugia · understory · streamside · riparian · moss · lichen · invertebrates · pollinator
greenhouse
Climate-controlled plant enclosure
- coldframeBottomless glazed growing box
- clocheFitted dome-shaped hat
- mulchingCovering soil protectively
espalier · windbreak · irrigation · hardiness · overwintering · polytunnel · microgreens · permaculture
- agrometeorologygrowing season, evapotranspiration, frost protection, frost risk, planting dates
- coffee farmingcoffee cherries, shade trees, terraces, coffee pickers, nurseries
- Ecogeographybiome, ecoregion, ecosystem, habitat, biogeography
- Growing Conditionssunlight, moisture, drainage, soil, shade
- Island ClimatePacific islands, Mediterranean islands, subtropical
- Micromicrobe, microbes, microchip, microchips, microwave