New fence is raising daytime garden temperatures significantly (growing, tree, solar) - Trees, Grass, Lawn, Flowers, Irrigation, Landscaping... - City-Data Forum

mkarch · 05-21-2014, 12:10 AM

Background: I added new raised beds in the sunny part of our yard, and installed a privacy fence behind the garden area. The fence is 6' tall with a board and batten design with no air flow through or under it so it's acting as a wind break. Over the past few days we've had daytime temperatures in the high 60's-low 70's but the garden area is 10-20 degrees warmer. Today it hit high 80's in the shade under plants in the garden even though ambient air temps never broke 72. The difference in heat in the garden area was noticeable enough that I decided to monitor the temperature, and it was much higher than anywhere else in the yard. We're in Seattle very close to the Sound on a north slope so it's a temperate climate, which is why I'm surprised at how much heat we're getting.

This is the second year we've raised vegetables here, so I have little history to compare to. My first thought is this is good because we're in a relatively cold micro-climate on the the hill. However it's going to amplify day-night temperature swings and I have no idea what to expect as a result.

Here's the garden area from 2 weeks ago before it was fully planted. Temps were measured under the pea vines to the right (now much larger)

phonelady61 · 05-21-2014, 02:58 AM

I think you might have to do a wait and see type of thing . I think it would be great for growing tomatoes but who knows , I think it might just be a good thing . Like I said maybe a wait and see thing .

jackmichigan · 05-21-2014, 04:10 AM

Your ground covering (is that gravel?) may be acting as a solar collector...and the fence may be creating an even smaller micro-climate by lessening air mixing. Not sure how the temperatures will affect your plants, but you'll probably need to water more.

mkarch · 05-21-2014, 08:14 AM

Yes, the ground cover is gravel (crushed rock) and it's definitely helping retain heat. We moved some of the tomatoes down to this area, while others are still up in the cooler area (out of picture way off to the right). The drip system is going in this weekend and it'll be set for nightly watering. I guess I'll keep monitoring it.

happehart · 05-21-2014, 08:17 AM

I had the same issue at my previous house and was watering my plants more. I was watching them all the time and had to move a few things around to accommodate for the "extra" heat.

Bulldogdad · 05-21-2014, 09:10 AM

Summer heat loving plants will thrive there and this area will help your winter veggies as well.

A drip system on a timer would be a plus.

Just plan accordingly.

mkarch · 05-21-2014, 10:00 AM

Here's another shot of the area. The beds up in back above the gravel area are cooler.

thedwightguy · 05-21-2014, 10:24 AM

You'll have lots of heat even in Seattle, so I'd plant only heat loving crops like peppers of any kind,
cukes, and maybe mini-watermelon. No root crops as they'll cook later this year.

We kept garden records in Langley, BC in a shaded area for thirty years.

Dakster · 05-22-2014, 01:07 PM

I bet the ones in the back are cooler because of the tree and house (assuming that is what that structure is) shading. What compass direction are we looking in post #7?

mkarch · 05-22-2014, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dakster

I bet the ones in the back are cooler because of the tree and house (assuming that is what that structure is) shading. What compass direction are we looking in post #7?

Facing East - so the tree and house only provide significant shade until 10 am. After that the back area has direct afternoon sun, some of which doesn't hit the back fence because of the tree.