Creating micro-climates

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 27, 2006 3:50 pm

Hello,

Long time reader, first time poster.

I am new to cold hardy palm cultivation. I also admit I am in serious zone denial living here in zone 5. Anyway, I am building a new home in Central, PA next year and plan on planting some of my cold hardy palms outside. I have the opportunity to create micro-climates within the home area and would like to get some ideas on how I can create the best micro possible. The site has a 15' high bank with southern exposure on the slope. There is a slight curve to the bank that gives it protection from cold wnw or nw winds also. There are also a few larger shade trees in close proximation to the house. I also will have hot water radiant heat installed in the house and was wondering if running a n under ground piping system through the planting beds would have any benefit.

My current palm collection consists of needle, sabal minor, sabal riverside, sabal x texensis, trachy fourtunei from washington state, trachy wagnerianus, and washingtonia filifera. All of these are 2-3 years away from seeing the real world.

thank you in advance for your time,
Cali

DesertZone · Post by **DesertZone** » Tue Jun 27, 2006 4:01 pm

Welcome

Sounds like a nice thought out micro-climate. I think it will work

Wes North Van · Post by **Wes North Van** » Tue Jun 27, 2006 10:34 pm

You are on the right track. I would do all of the above and plant the palms as close to the house as possible. On the coldest nights protect the centre spear also.

Cali-wanna-b · Post by **Cali-wanna-b** » Wed Jun 28, 2006 4:00 pm

Thanks for the welcome and responses! KEEP THEM COMING!!!

Okanagan desert-palms · Post by **Okanagan desert-palms** » Wed Jun 28, 2006 6:38 pm

Welcome Cali me thinks you are on to something with the piping system very good idea and maybe alot cheaper than electric heat for the ground.
John

Cali-wanna-b · Post by **Cali-wanna-b** » Wed Jun 28, 2006 8:02 pm

Okanagan

I work construction for a living and have seen simular systems installed in concrete sidewalks to melt snow and ice. From what I am told 120F degree water, 4" under concrete creates a 50F plus or minus surface temperature. If anyone has any info to add to hot water under ground heating please feel free to respond. This winter I will be doing a little leg work and take some readings at various distances from the pipes.

Post by **Jay-Admin** » Thu Jun 29, 2006 11:34 am

Welcome to the forum Cali.

Sounds like a great idea. Let us know how it works out for you.

Regards,
Jay

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