Permaculture Microclimates : Week Three

Week Three into my PDC.
Topic: Microclimates

When I first heard the term “microclimates” I imagined a setting of tiny people living in an abandoned tin can. The scene was tropical and the tiny people were barbecuing amongst tiny palm trees wearing tiny sunglasses and tiny visors. Outside of the summery tin can was a vast field of snow surrounded by regular-sized evergreens and normal-looking reindeer (whatever your definition of normal may be.) And, although this is a very surreal image, it’s not far from what a microclimate really is.


Did you miss the other weeks?
1-Ethics, 2-Patterns4-Trees, 4b-Soil 5a-Humid Cool-Cold 5b-Drylands, 6-Earthworks


Permaculture microclimates and their benefits in design

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Microclimate: “the climate of a very small or restricted area, especially when this differs from the climate of the surrounding area.”

What may determine a microclimate?

  • Solar condition
  • Vegetation
  • Water
  • Wind
  • Soils
  • Structures
  • Altitude

Identifying microclimates come from observation. What we are learning about microclimates in a Permaculture aspect is just how beneficial they can be.

  1. Recognizing microclimates can help you read the land which will lead towards better design.
  2. Understanding plants and the microclimates they thrive in is useful in this process.
    ex. some plants who strive
  3. Modifying, using and interacting with microclimates can enhance productivity with the right design strategies!

An example of this might be: If you live in a shady spot but there is one particular area of your house that gets a lot of suns. This part of the house has a stone wall and a decorative stone path close-by. That area will have a much warmer climate than other areas of the property due to the solar heat, and thermal mass of the stone absorbing the heat.

How could this be beneficial? This could be a great place for plants that require a hot and dry climate; like Thyme.

 


TheWheatField

Optimized design for microclimates can result in outcomes such as…

  • Warmer environments for heat-loving plants
  • Cooler environments for plants and animals who prefer shade
  • Longer growing seasons; better-growing conditions
  • Longer outdoor living season for humans
  • Higher yields in plants; better-growing conditions
  • Fewer energy needs for structures; optimizing climates for greater renewable energy access

No matter where you are, you can use strategies to create microclimates and enhance your production and diversity.


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Permaculture microclimates and their benefits in design