a great time of year to locate those sun traps

this has been a very mild winter here in Michigan..and it has really helped me to see easily where the sun traps and micro climates are on our property..the areas that thaw quickly and then there are even some areas that don't even get snow , such as under the big pine trees, until we get a lot of snow.

Just a reminder to those homesteaders that are trying to find out the best places to plant those more tender crops..look outside and see where the snow thaws the fastest ..or where your perennials are already popping up..cause it is already so warm there.

One thing to remember to watch for though is wind swept areas also..as wind with cold weather will kill the most hardy plants.

I know some are just getting into a new homestead this year..just bought or moved onto the property so remember, this is a wonderful time of year to observe your property in the spring..just sayin

Good advice. Many people only 'survey' their land when the weather is perfect during the growing season.

You should be making observations in each season, as each season affects your growing...especially perennials.

How does one design a sun trap? I have the general idea that you have an area, facing south, surrounded by some wind-blocking plants - is that all there is to it? I want to plant some green tea plants (camellia family) in zone 6B, will need sun traps! I am currently growing the hardiest kind I could find in zone 7B, will propagate lots of them to test out.

there are gobs of ways but there are also ways of doing it like (hope you get this ) this: < 1 ok the < is a shelter behind the 1 1 = a plant.. the shelter can be built like a lean to just something on a prop that will send the wind up and over the plant..if you paint the shelter reflective then it also helps..and if you even put it on the N side of a pond you'll get the pond refleciton off of the lean to and back onto the plant.

there are also euuuuuuu (site won't let me use just the letter) shape gardens or windbreaks that form around what you want to protect..it can be a HUGE windbreak that surrounds acres or small windbreaks that surround just a small planting..

of course the south sides of buildings..hedges..etc are obvious.

mirrors work also but remember birds do not realize that they are mirrors and squish themselves against them..whappo

Brenda,

Great topic to bring up this time of year. Thanks!!!

I found some ideas on what to look for at:
http://autonopedia.org/garden_and_farm/Permaculture/Permaculture_Pamphlet_02.html





suntrap - a terrace or garden or polyculture oriented to take advantage of the sun while protected from cold winds.

Regards,
Monte