Growing Zones
Five zones, three microclimates, 234 square feet. Each zone has distinct temperature, humidity, and light characteristics driven by wall orientation, proximity to the house, tree shade, and equipment placement.
Zone Map
| Zone | Status | Character | Peak Temp | Best Crops |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South | ✅ Active | The furnace — hottest at noon | 100°F+ | Peppers, tomatoes, heat-lovers |
| East | ✅ Active | The cool corridor — hydro system | ~91°F | Lettuce, herbs, strawberries |
| West | ✅ Active | The longest wall — versatile | Mid-range | Basil, cucumbers, mixed herbs, starts |
| North | ✅ Equipment | Shared with house — thermal buffer | 93°F (2 PM) | No planting — equipment only |
| Center | ❌ OFFLINE | Fog machine location, mixing zone | — | Drip disconnected |
The Three Microclimates
At any given moment, there can be a 9°F difference between the hottest and coolest zones in 234 square feet. This stratification is an asset — it lets us match crops to their preferred conditions.
South (Hot + Dry): Peak solar gain on the narrowest wall. Exhaust fans here. Concrete slab retains heat overnight. VPD runs highest. Reserved for heat-lovers.
East (Cool + Humid): Tree shade blocks morning solar. Patio door provides cross-ventilation. Hydroponic evaporation adds local humidity. The most comfortable zone for plants.
West (Moderate + Versatile): Longest wall, best grow light coverage, afternoon sun exposure. Neither the hottest nor coolest — handles the widest range of crops.
Airflow Path
NORTH — Intake vent (24"×24") + house door (passive)
↓
EAST — Patio door (summer: secondary intake)
↓
CENTER — Fog machine blows N→S + center misters
↓
SOUTH — 2× exhaust fans (4,900 CFM combined)
Full air exchange every 27 seconds when both fans are running.
Zone Sensor Coverage
| Zone | Probe | Address | Additional Sensors |
|---|---|---|---|
| South | Tzone RS485 SHT3X | Modbus 4 | Soil (SEN0601: moisture, temp, EC) |
| East | Tzone RS485 SHT3X | Modbus 5 | YINMIK hydro (pH, EC, TDS, ORP, water temp), Soil (SEN0600: moisture, temp) |
| West | Tzone RS485 SHT3X | Modbus 3 | Soil (SEN0600: moisture, temp) |
| North | Tzone RS485 SHT3X | Modbus 2 | CO₂ (analog), Lux (LDR) |
| Center | None (calculated avg) | — | — |
| Outdoor | Tempest + intake (OFFLINE) | — | 20 weather metrics |
→ See Climate at 5,000 Feet for the full thermal analysis. → See Physical Structure for dimensions and wall specs.