Home Garden Microclimate Checklist Fill out this form once for each distinct microclimate on your property. A microclimate is a small area where environmental conditions—such as sunlight, temperature, wind exposure, or soil moisture—differ from the surrounding area. For example, a shaded spot near a wall, a low-lying area that collects cold air, or a sunny, wind-exposed slope may each function as separate microclimates.

Permaculture Design Context
Permaculture Zone
Zone 1 = closest to house, most intensively managed. Zone 5 = wild / unmanaged edge.
Sector Analysis
Record direction (compass bearing or cardinal) and intensity / notes for each sector affecting this site.
Cold Air Drainage Detail
Source / upslope feature
Outlet / escape point
Potential cold air dams on or near site
Site position relative to drainage path
Slope and Aspect
Aspect (compass bearing)
Slope gradient
Slope length (ft)
Face-specific microclimate notes
Thermal Mass Inventory
Record significant heat-storing elements — house walls, sheds, cisterns, rock, raised beds — and their orientation.
ElementMaterialOrientation / facingEstimated effect
Stacking Functions
What multiple functions does this site serve, or could serve? List each role this zone plays in the broader system.
Microclimatic Descriptions and Observations
Topography
Sunlight Levels
The sun's intensity and angle varies significantly by season at high elevation. Record season-specific observations where possible.
Summer direct sun (hrs/day)
Winter direct sun (hrs/day)
Observed Temperature Range
Record min/max thermometer readings if available, or estimates from observation and comparison to regional baseline.
Last frost (observed / estimated)
First frost (observed / estimated)
Soil Factors
Compaction
Texture
Composition
Soil Amendment History
Date / SeasonAmendmentAmount / RatePurpose / Notes
Water
Drainage Character
Drainage Test (in/hr)
Water Sources
Water Quality
Irrigation System
Other Water Features
Wind Detail
Prevailing direction
Typical speed
Cold frontal direction
Diurnal / thermal pattern
Existing windbreaks
Planned windbreaks
Vegetation
Trees
Shrubs
Turf / groundcover
Other
Structures
Observations
Additional Observations
General Site Notes
Sunset Zone: sunsetwesterngardencollection.com  |  USDA Zone: planthardiness.ars.usda.gov  |  UA Extension: Arizona Climate Zones