Be mindful of microclimates when planting

If the Antelope Valley is Zone 8, according to the USDA, and zone 11 by sunset, we have what I call micro-zones around the valley.

The hillsides surrounding the valley floor are usually slightly warmer in winter. The valley floor is warmer during the day and colder at night than the hillsides.

This is due to the flow of air and air temperatures. Cold air is heavier than warm air. This means at night the colder air flows like water down the hillside and settles into low spots on the valley floor, and the warm air rises above the cold air. So within Zone 8 you will find small regions where temperatures are two or three degrees warmer or cooler that other areas.

Even around your home, there are microclimates that may allow a special plant to grow just in that area. The south side of homes are usually warmer and plants that are borderline growing here due to cold temperatures may be able to survive on the south side of your home. However, if your south side is three feet from the wall and your neighbor’s house is three feet on the other side, it is not going to receive any sunlight during the winter.

Dryer vents can also be a good location for tender plants, which benefits from the heat produced by the dryer and the escape of warmer air from your garage.

A common problem is many gardening books talk about planting shade loving plants on the north side of your home. However, those books discuss more northern latitudes. We are far enough south that many north walls are frozen all winter and have very little shade in the summer.

Be sure to check the overhangs of your home and how far the shade extends during the summer. I have had a lot of questions about where to plant shade loving plants. Many people plan to plant shade-loving plants under their shade trees, but most shade trees provide shade only in the summer, and some shade loving plants cannot take the winter sun. The best planting area maybe on the east side of your home due to the wind protection, morning sun and protection from the hot summer sun in the afternoon.

One of the best things that you can do before starting to landscape your home is to investigate the different microclimates found around your property. When it comes to planning a landscape, we have regional zones (Sunset zone 11, USDA zone 8). We also have large micro-zones in the regional zone such as the valley slopes in Quartz Hill and Palmdale and the flat valley floor.

These large microclimates can even include rural and urban zones. The more homes the more heat in winter, the more paved roads the warmer the winter temperatures.

Many times, I say a plant will not grow in the Antelope Valley, and someone or several people will call or write and say they are growing that plant. They found the perfect microclimate in their landscape in order to grow that plant.

Microclimates are an important part of landscaping and you should always check the various microclimates around your property before you plant.