Microclimates affect how we garden in the Bay Area. Ocean influences and topographic variations create a range of weather conditions that can fluctuate within your city, neighborhood, or even in your own backyard. Getting familiar with your microclimate will help determine the plants you can grow. Our knowledgeable staff will share their significant expertise gardening in Bay Area microclimates. Tune in to learn successful tips for your area.
with Taylor Pochron
Intro: A little about me and where I live.
Talk on Climate Zones for SF
- The San Francisco peninsula is a unique geological location shaped by its many coastlines, hills, parks, and urban features.
- Sunset Climate Zone: #17
- Winters are mild, wet and almost frostless
- Summers are cool with frequent fog
- USDA Plant Hardiness zone: 10b
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- An area defined by its average annual minimum temperature
- SF is ~35-40 degrees Fahrenheit
What is a Microclimate?
- A relatively small area where the climate is different from its surroundings.
- SF is broken into sections defined by wind and sun exposure.
- A neighborhood can have a microclimate
- A gardens can even be split into microclimates
- It’s all relative, and a tool to describe an environment.
Analyzing your planting space
- Sun exposure
- Wind pressure
- Physical barriers
- Water availability
- Soil space & quality
- Elevation and Inclines
Some of My Favorite Plant Recommendations for Easy SF Care:
*Genus species ‘variety’ (Common Name)*
- Coleonema pulchrum (Pink Breath of Heaven)
- Salvia leucantha (Mexican Bush Sage)
- Ceanothus ‘Dark Star’
- Rosemarinum officianalis (Rosemary)
- Limonium latifolium (Sea Lavender)
- Dodonaea viscosa ‘Purpurea’ (Hopseed Bush)
- Agonis flexuosa ‘After Dark’
- Passiflora jamesonii ‘Coral Seas’ (Passion Flower Vine)
- Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star Jasmine)
- Calandrinia grandiflora (Rock Purslane)
- Oscularia deltoides (Pink Iceplant)
- Aeoniums, Agaves & Aloes