Climate

Climate is the year round weather in an area Climactic variables First and last frost dates ~May30-Sept12 Average winter and summer temperatures Precipitation and when it occurs Snow depth Wind and storm patterns Lake effect Hours of sun vs. cloud cover

Jet Streams

Macroclimate describes the climate over a large area such as the north central US Largely determined by latitude Temperature Department of Agriculture Zone Map Growing zones described by winter temps and growing season Heat Zone Map

Hardiness Zones

Zone changes in 16 years

Excessively high temps can cause the plant to. stop growing Excessively high temps can cause the plant to stop growing. This varies between species but generally occurs between 85 and 96F. 539cal/gm to turn water to water vapor. Leaves have evaporative cooling (evapotranspiration) In Duluth, we have Lake Superior!

Microclimate describes the climate in your yard or garden Slope Buildings

HOW TO PREVENT COLD DAMAGE Hardening off: (spring) get greenhouse grown plants used to the outdoor temps gradually. 80Cal/gm are given up to change 1 gm water to ice , so you can use water as frost protection covering Season extenders (fall), plant covers , mulches, leaves, leaf bags, straw etc Put plants in the ground at the right time ( soil temp) cool season vs. warm season plants

Frost action Frost heave Apply 4 inches of weedless mulch around perennials and trees

On to SOILS