Mini microclimate

Microclimate is a word you hear a lot in the permaculture world. I understand the basic concept, but I don't think I realized I could intentionally create a microclimate. It kind of blows my mind, and makes me want to try a bunch of different ways to create Little individual areas. ( When time allows)
We have had a very mild fall. Between that and being busy and behind I have not removed all of my tomato plants. We are finally getting some cold weather. All but one of my marigolds have died. The marigold next to one of my massive tomato plants is alive and blooming. I doubt it will survive much longer, but it's cool to see if still blooming. It brought home the microclimate concept.

It's amazing what a little shelter will do. Tomatoes probably not the best shelter plant for a colder snap, as theye tend to be pretty tender too. I find any protection from the wind will have a big effect for me - I measured 2 degrees Celsius temperature difference between the top of my raised beds and the shelter between them. Not much perhaps, but the difference between life and death in a mild frost perhaps.

Mini hugel in Tree field