Examining Microclimate in the Garden
I have 2 gardens and both are growing very differently as their microclimates are very different. Check out how two gardens can be so different on the link below. What would you do?
This squash is growing in a garden totally exposed to open spaces and wind. One month since planting, it sits there.
Community garden lettuce is erratic in growth. This was planted in April. Germination very odd this year.
Violas have not bolted at end of June. A sign of a cooler garden temperature.
Temperatures are the same in each garden.
The squash plant at home sure looks much healthier.
This garden has its own microclimate with house, greenhouse and shrubs around it.
Zucchini in warmer garden at home.
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This kind of problem is not surprising given the amount of rain we've had this year. A soil test would certainly be a good idea, I would think. Even if all the soil came from the same "batch" there is no guarantee that the nutrients, etc were equally distributed. I certainly agree location is critical. I too have noticed various differences in microclimate in my garden beds and have tried to adjust accordingly. What is different about the front beds? Sun, drainage, type of plant? As for your squash and pumpkins when did you plant them? Some of those have a fairly long growing period before producing fruit, pumpkins especially. I would also suggest you try interplanting with some cover crops, in bare areas left by spent plants, it will not only help keep down weeds, but help to enrich your soil.
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@Catherine Smith My pumpkins and squash have finally taken off and it looks like I will have more than I need. They are about a month behind the front gardens as my gardens are more exposed to the winds. Luckily I will have a harvest.
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