Starting to understand a little bit about micro-climate

[Andrew Cumberland]

Micro-climate

Nobody else’s yard is the same as your yard.  Every single block has its own unique micro-climate, depending on individual trees, fences, house materials etc. 

I’m doing the “grow potatoes in a bucket hanging off the fence” experiment.  There’s lots of contrary thoughts and advice.  Are the pots big enough? Black might get too hot as it gets warmer.  They are good points.

I have potatoes in the hanging buckets on the north side of the yard.  I have them in pots on the south side of the yard.  Hell, I even have them in pots on the east side of the yard!  And, not just one pot each side; at least two to five.

The point is that I’ll get an idea of where they grow best, in similar planting vessels.  BUT, even then, I will only be in a position to say, “If I grow the Sebago variety, planted in mid-August, they’ll probably do best on the (x) side of my yard.” 

It might be specific, but I still reckon it will put me well ahead next year.  I’m happy to share the results, but remember it’s in my micro-climate.  It may not work in yours.  Bloody hell! People wonder why it takes us time to work this gardening stuff out. 

[Susan]

It will be an interesting read Andy.  I've yet managed to master growing potato's and as I don't have enough space to waste, I'm not going to try again until I get the farm up and running a bit better when I will put in some up there and see if I can get better success. 

[Che Corrie]

Sounds like an interesting experiment.  Please do share results.  You're not wrong about it taking so long to work out.