Activities

Microclimate Search

A greenhouse typically has many mini-environments, or microclimates. This is due to a variety of factors, including the following:

• Hot air rises and cool air drops.
• Air next to glazing is cold in winter and hot in summer.
• Sunlight enters the greenhouse at different angles through the year.
• Shade cuts down on light intensity.

Invite students to keep records to compare soil and air temperatures throughout the greenhouse. (A maximum/minimum thermometer can be a great teaching tool.) Where is the air warmest in the greenhouse? Coolest? Have them construct a map or chart to illustrate their observations and locate different microclimates within the greenhouse. Then use these environments to your advantage by researching plant needs and grouping plants according to where their needs are best met. (The best environment for a plant is usually determined by its native environment on the planet.)

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