When planning your greenhouse placement, it's essential to consider sunlight, orientation, and accessibility to create an ideal environment for year-round gardening success.
- Position your greenhouse to ensure it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily during winter.
- Align the longest side of the greenhouse to face south to maximize sunlight throughout the day.
- For greenhouses used primarily in summer or for delicate plants, place them in partial shade to minimize overheating and protect plants from harsh sunlight.
- To extend the growing season in a cool-temperature greenhouse, maximize sun exposure by orienting the greenhouse east to west, which promotes heat retention.
- A flat, level surface is ideal for installation, but sloped yards can be managed with digging and backfilling. Significant slopes may require retaining walls or stepped foundations to create a level base.
- Choose a location with close access to utilities and easy entry for heavy materials like soil bags, fertilizer, and equipment to simplify maintenance and enhance usability.
- Remember that during winter, the sun is lower in the sky, rises, and sets at a narrower angle. A west-facing greenhouse may receive ample summer but less direct light in winter. To compensate, consider using high-intensity lighting for short winter days.
- Use a compass to fine-tune the greenhouse's alignment. Minor adjustments, like a 15° rotation, can significantly impact sunlight distribution. For example, a slight rotation toward the southeast increases west-side light while reducing east-side light exposure.
- Morning sunlight from the east is crucial for quickly warming the greenhouse and jumpstarting photosynthesis. Afternoon sunlight from the west helps extend the day and maintain higher temperatures, even during colder months.
- Use shade cloths for several months each year to protect greenhouses from excessive sunlight. Locations under deciduous trees can also be beneficial, as these trees provide summer shade and allow winter light through.
- On sunny days, even with snow on the ground and freezing temperatures, greenhouses can achieve internal temperatures of 25-30°C, showcasing the effectiveness of strategic sunlight management. Overcast days also contribute to heat gain, similar to how sunburns occur on cloudy summer days.