Microclimates could refer to regional differences in the USDA cold-hardiness zone you live in, or it could mean a low, cold spot in your back yard.
Rocks and stone absorb heat during the day and release it slowly into the atmosphere at night. The area around the stone becomes a microclimate. Roadbeds, parking lots and other areas like them also absorb heat and produce microclimates.
Areas between mountains ranges or on the edges of bodies of water also create microclimates.
Cold air, being heavier than water, can seep into low places. Those are microclimates. Shaded places, being cooler than sunny spots also produce microclimates.
Areas exposed to hot or cold winds can produce microclimates.
The east slopes of hills or the east sides of homes, receiving less sun than the west side, can help retain snow for weeks and even months after it has melted away in other areas, This is a microclimate.
Desert gardeners can take advantage (and create their own) microclimates by not only choosing where their garden will be, and how their plants will be situated, but also by the materials they use to create their gardens.
Since stone and rock absorb solar heat well, and since raised beds are a good way to raise plants in the desert, making the raised beds out of stone will create a small microclimate. Planting tender perennials and annuals on the south side of the house, away from cold and desiccating winds, takes advantage of another microclimate created by the southern-facing wall of the house.
Using windbreaks of trees or hedges also creates microclimates.
Microclimates can also be created by using greenhouses, hot beds, cold frames, plant tunnels, plastic coverings or anything else that can change the climate near plants.
