Where To Put A Greenhouse

Where Should You Put a Greenhouse?

Probably the most important decision you will make in the process of designing, building and installing a greenhouse is choosing exactly where the final greenhouse structure will go. Pick the wrong spot and you’ll struggle with everything from temperature regulation to plant health to day to day functionality. Pick the right spot, and your greenhouse garden will be able to thrive.

The elements ultimately dictate the best spot for your greenhouse more than any other factor, because sun and wind impact plant health the most. You probably already know that plants use sunlight as the primary energy source for photosynthesis, the process by which they convert light energy into food (glucose) - and adequate sunlight is vital for healthy growth, strong stems, and proper flower and fruit development. The amount of light a plant needs varies depending on the species. Some plants thrive in full sun, while others prefer partial shade. The total daily duration of sunlight also plays a role, with longer daylight hours generally promoting increased growth and productivity. But we want to be able to grow the widest variety of plants possible, so we need to learn the sun’s habits in your sky.

How to Track Your Sunlight

The sun's position in the sky changes throughout the day and seasons, and the intensity of sunlight varies depending on the time of day. Midday sun provides the strongest light, while morning and afternoon sun are less intense. Plants may have different needs for high-intensity vs. lower light periods. Throughout the day, surrounding structures and trees may cast shadows on your planting area. Knowing how these shadows move is essential to ensure your plants receive adequate sunlight during critical growth periods. Plus, the length of daylight hours changes significantly throughout the year.

There are several tools available to help you track sunlight patterns for your specific location. Websites and mobile apps allow you to enter your address and see the path of the sun across the sky at different times of the day and throughout the year. This helps visualize shading patterns and sunlight duration. Sunlight maps provide information about average daily sunlight hours in different regions. They can be helpful for understanding broad sunlight patterns in your area.

Ideal Sunlight Conditions for a Greenhouse

Plants have varying sunlight needs depending on the species. Full sun plants require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and production. Examples include tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, most herbs, and many flowering plants. Partial shade plants prefer 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some protection from the afternoon sun. Examples include lettuce, spinach, kale, some herbs, and certain shade-tolerant flowers. Full shade plants thrive in areas with little to no direct sunlight. Examples include hostas, ferns, begonias, and impatiens.

Beyond these categories, some plants have even more specific sunlight preferences. Day length-sensitive plants require a specific number of daylight hours to flower or fruit. For example, some vegetables need long days to trigger flowering, while others are day-neutral and will flower regardless of day length.

What about wind?

Strong winds can physically damage delicate leaves and stems, stunt growth, and even uproot young plants. Excessive wind can also increase water loss through transpiration, stressing the plant. However, gentle air movement is beneficial for plants. It helps to strengthen stems, discourages fungal diseases (which thrive in still air), and aids in pollination. You should try to identify the prevailing wind directions in your backyard before deciding where to put a greenhouse. Prevailing winds are the winds that blow most frequently from a particular direction in your location. Knowing this helps you in several ways - Ideally, the long axis of your greenhouse should run perpendicular to the prevailing winds (but sun direction should take precedent). This allows wind to flow smoothly past the sides, minimizing stress on the structure, and through open doors and windows you can also position vents and fans to take advantage of prevailing winds for natural ventilation, drawing out hot air during warm seasons.

Strategically placed windbreaks can help to deflect strong winds away from the greenhouse structure while still allowing for air circulation through vents on the opposite side. Natural ventilation is most effective on breezy days. For consistent climate control, consider using a combination of natural ventilation and supplemental fans or ventilation systems, especially during calm periods or hot weather.

Making Your Greenhouse Accessible

Easy access to your plants allows for regular monitoring of their health, timely watering and fertilization, and prompt identification and treatment of any pest or disease problems. When you can easily reach your plants, you're less likely to cause accidental damage while tending to them. This minimizes stress on the plants, allowing them to focus their energy on growth and production. A well-placed greenhouse not only provides the perfect environment for your plants but also ensures ease of use and enjoyment.

Importance of Easy Access to Water for Irrigation

Greenhouse plants often require frequent watering, especially during hot weather or when growing water-loving plants. Having a close water source minimizes the time and effort spent on watering, allowing you to focus on other aspects of plant care. Easy access to water encourages consistent watering practices, reducing the risk of underwatering or overwatering your plants. Underwatering can stress plants and stunt growth, while overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems.

The ideal irrigation system for your greenhouse depends on its size, water source proximity, and the type of plants you grow. If your greenhouse is close to an outdoor faucet, you can directly connect a hose for watering. This is a simple and cost-effective solution for small greenhouses.

Installing a rainwater harvesting system can provide a sustainable source of water for your greenhouse, especially if you have a nearby roof or gutters. This is an eco-friendly option that reduces reliance on municipal water supplies.

For larger greenhouses or those located farther from a water source, a drip irrigation system can be a water-saving and efficient solution. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the base of each plant, minimizing waste and maximizing water uptake by the roots.

Ease of Transporting Supplies

Greenhouse gardening often involves moving supplies like potting mix, fertilizer, tools, and harvested produce. A convenient location minimizes the distance you need to travel with these items, saving time and effort. Consider how you will transport larger items like bags of potting mix or wheelbarrows full of plants. Having a clear path and easy access to the greenhouse entrance is important. Wide doorways and walkways will make it easier to maneuver these items.

Does soil quality matter in a greenhouse?

If you plan on planting directly into the ground inside your greenhouse, good quality soil is essential for optimal plant growth. The soil should be fertile, well-draining, and have the appropriate pH level for your chosen plants. If the existing soil quality is poor, you may be able to amend it by adding organic matter like compost or aged manure. However, extensive amendments can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. In some cases, it might be easier to bring in fresh, high-quality topsoil.

Poor drainage can lead to waterlogging, where the soil becomes saturated and suffocates plant roots. This can cause root rot and hinder plant growth. A well-draining location is crucial for healthy plants. Ideally, the greenhouse should be placed on level ground to ensure proper water flow and drainage. Uneven ground can create pockets of waterlogging in low-lying areas.

If the existing soil is unsuitable or amending it seems impractical, you can opt for container gardening within your greenhouse. This allows you to use high-quality potting mix specifically chosen for your plants' needs.

Before finalizing your greenhouse location, it's wise to conduct a soil test. This will reveal the existing soil quality, pH level, and nutrient content. The test results can guide you in deciding whether amending the soil, bringing in topsoil, or opting for container gardening is the best approach. If the chosen location has good soil quality but poor drainage, consider grading the land to improve water flow away from the greenhouse. Installing drainage ditches or a French drain system can also be helpful.

How Does Climate Impact Greenhouse Location?

Understanding your local climate will help you create a greenhouse environment that thrives year-round. Research the average high and low temperatures in your area throughout the year. This will help you determine the heating and cooling needs for your greenhouse. Consider the potential for extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. This will help you choose appropriate ventilation strategies and select greenhouse materials that can withstand these extremes.

Even within a specific climate zone, there will be variations throughout the year. The angle of the sun changes throughout the year. In some cases, strategically positioning your greenhouse can take advantage of seasonal sunlight variations. For example, a south-facing greenhouse might be ideal for maximizing winter sunlight in colder climates. For hot summer months, consider implementing temporary shade solutions like shade sails or retractable awnings. This can help regulate temperature and prevent scorching of plants.

Zoning rules and your greenhouse

Before finalizing your greenhouse location, it's crucial to understand any zoning regulations and permitting requirements that might apply in your area. Different zoning districts may have regulations regarding the size, location, and type of structures allowed. These regulations can impact where you can place your greenhouse on your property. For example, there might be restrictions on how close the greenhouse can be to property lines or setbacks from the street.

Greenhouse classification: Depending on the size and intended use of your greenhouse, it might be classified as an accessory structure or a commercial operation. This classification can influence the applicable regulations.

Most localities require permits for building permanent structures, including greenhouses. The specific permit requirements can vary depending on the size and complexity of your greenhouse. The best way to determine the specific zoning regulations and permitting requirements in your area is to contact your local building department or zoning office. They can provide you with detailed information and any necessary forms or applications. Many municipalities have their zoning codes and permit information available online, but if you're unsure about the regulations or the permitting process, consider consulting with a contractor or architect familiar with local building codes. They can help you navigate the process and ensure your greenhouse project complies with all applicable regulations.

Future Proof Your Greenhouse

Greenhouses are long-term investments, and your needs and gardening aspirations may evolve over time. It’s important to future-proof your greenhouse by thinking ahead and planning for growth. Choose a location that allows for potential expansion of the greenhouse structure in the future. Consider how much additional space you might need to accommodate more plants, add work areas, or incorporate storage solutions. Think about whether you might want to add features like a potting bench, cold frame, or misting system in the future. Leaving some extra space around the perimeter will allow for these potential additions. That’s why it’s important to choose a location that provides easy access to all sides of the greenhouse. This will be helpful if you need to make modifications to the structure, electrical wiring, or ventilation system in the future. If you anticipate needing additional electrical outlets, water spigots, or heating elements in the future, consider burying conduit lines during initial construction. This will minimize disruptions when adding these features later.

Looking for a high quality pre-made greenhouse in Massachusetts? Hometown Structures offers the finest craftsmanship with custom designs in a wide variety of sizes perfect for the home gardener to give your plants the perfect climate to thrive in a protected environment, keep pests away from your plants, grow plants and food that don’t otherwise exist in your area/climate and extend your season with options including 8mm twin wall polycarbonate for optimal insulation, venting and windows. Every custom shed greenhouse comes with 50-Year LP Siding and 30-Year Collapse From Snow Warranty.

Tap here to visit their website to learn more and book a design consultation today.

How Do Greenhouses Work?

What is the Purpose of a Greenhouse?

A greenhouse is a structure primarily made of transparent materials, such as glass or plastic, designed to cultivate plants by harnessing sunlight and creating a controlled and protected growing environment. The purpose of a greenhouse is to extend the growing season for plants, protect them from adverse weather conditions like frost, excessive heat, or strong winds, and provide an optimal environment for growth by regulating temperature, humidity, and light levels. They allow you to grow plants that may not otherwise grow well in your climate. Greenhouses are used for various purposes, including growing flowers, vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants, as well as for research and experimentation in agriculture and botany. They are essential for commercial farming, allowing growers to produce crops year-round in regions with harsh climates or limited growing seasons.

Different types of greenhouses

Traditional/Even-Span Greenhouses are the most common type, characterized by a gable roof and straight sidewalls. They offer good space utilization and are suitable for a wide range of crops. However, ventilation options are more limited and they are susceptible to snow accumulation on the roof.

Quonset greenhouses have a semicircular shape, providing good wind resistance and snow shedding capabilities. They are often used in areas with harsh weather conditions. The main complaints with this style of greenhouse are less usable growing space compared to traditional designs and limited headroom near the sides.

Lean-To are attached to an existing structure, such as a house or a building, on one side. They are space-efficient and cost-effective, making them ideal for small gardens or limited spaces. Sunlight exposure may be limited depending on orientation and they may require modifications to the existing structure for proper attachment.

Dome-shaped structures offer excellent strength and stability, along with efficient use of space. They are popular for their aesthetic appeal and suitability for geodesic designs. However, their construction is more complex and there is limited headroom near the edges.

A-Frame structures have a triangular shape resembling the letter "A." They provide good ventilation and snow shedding capabilities, making them suitable for areas with heavy snowfall. They may have less usable growing space due to sloped sides and limited headroom near the edges.

Sawtooth greenhouses have a series of ridges and valleys along the roof, allowing for optimal light penetration and ventilation. They are commonly used in commercial operations. Construction is more complex and more materials are needed compared to traditional designs.

Greenhouses made primarily of glass provide maximum light transmission for optimal plant growth. They are often used for ornamental plants and high-value crops. They can be expensive and have less insulating properties

Plastic greenhouses utilize polyethylene or polycarbonate materials for covering. They are lightweight, cost-effective, and offer good insulation properties. The lifespan is more limited as they are susceptible to damage from UV rays and extreme weather conditions, and the materials are not sustainable.

How does a greenhouse work?

A greenhouse replicates and enhances the greenhouse effect through a process that involves trapping solar radiation within its enclosed space. Sunlight enters the greenhouse through transparent materials like glass or plastic. These materials allow short-wave solar radiation (mostly visible light) to pass through with relative ease. Once inside the greenhouse, the surfaces of the plants, soil, and other objects absorb the incoming solar radiation. This absorbed energy is then re-radiated as longer-wavelength infrared radiation (heat).

The greenhouse gases present within the greenhouse, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapor (H2O), and methane (CH4), absorb a portion of this infrared radiation. These gases have molecules that can vibrate in resonance with the infrared radiation, trapping heat within the greenhouse.

As the greenhouse gases absorb infrared radiation, they re-emit a portion of it in all directions, including back towards the surfaces of the plants and structures inside the greenhouse. This process effectively traps heat energy within the enclosed space, creating a warmer environment than the surrounding air outside.

The enclosed space of the greenhouse allows for better regulation of temperature compared to the external environment. During the day, solar radiation heats up the greenhouse, and at night, the trapped heat keeps temperatures from dropping too low. Ventilation systems and other mechanisms can be used to manage temperature and humidity levels to create optimal growing conditions for plants.

What are greenhouses made of?

Greenhouses can be constructed from various materials, each with its own set of pros and cons. The choice of materials for a greenhouse depends on factors such as budget, climate, desired lifespan, aesthetic preferences, and intended use. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, and growers should carefully consider these factors when planning and constructing their greenhouse. Glass provides maximum light transmission for optimal plant growth. It is durable and long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing. Glass can be expensive to purchase and install., and fragile and prone to breakage. Glass also has limited insulation properties compared to other materials. Polycarbonate Panels offer good light transmission while diffusing sunlight to reduce glare. They are lightweight and impact-resistant with excellent insulation properties, retaining heat better than glass. It is not as clear as glass, which may reduce light quality slightly. Polycarbonate can yellow or become brittle over time with exposure to UV radiation and the initial cost may be higher than some other materials.

Acrylic Panels offer good light transmission with high clarity and they are lightweight and impact-resistant with better insulation properties than glass. However they can be susceptible to scratching and become brittle over time with exposure to UV radiation. Fiberglass Panels are lightweight and durable with good light transmission and diffused light properties. Plus they are resistant to corrosion and weathering. Fiberglass can yellow or become brittle over time with exposure to UV radiation and has a lower light transmission compared to glass or some plastics.

Metal Frames like aluminum or steel are strong and durable, resistant to rust and corrosion and lightweight and easy to assemble. However metal is a conductive material, which can lead to heat loss in colder climates and the initial cost may be higher than wooden frames. They also require insulation to prevent condensation and heat loss. Wood Frames offer a natural look and aesthetic appeal with good insulation properties and can be customized and easily modified. However, they are prone to rot, insect damage, and warping if not properly treated and require regular maintenance (painting, sealing) to prolong lifespan. The initial cost may be higher than metal frames.

What are the benefits of greenhouse gardening?

Greenhouses provide a controlled environment that extends the growing season by protecting plants from frost, cold temperatures, and adverse weather conditions. This allows for year-round cultivation of crops that may not thrive outdoors during certain times of the year, which makes them essential in short, cold growing climates like we have here in Massachusetts as they allow us to get a head start on long season crops and keep them protected later in the season. Greenhouses allow growers to create and maintain optimal growing conditions by regulating temperature, humidity, light levels, and ventilation. This controlled environment promotes healthy plant growth, reduces stress on plants, and minimizes the risk of pests and diseases.

With the ability to control environmental factors, greenhouse gardening often leads to higher crop yields and better quality produce compared to outdoor cultivation. Growers can optimize growing conditions to maximize productivity and harvests. Greenhouses provide a physical barrier that helps protect plants from pests, insects, and diseases. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fungicides, leading to healthier plants and safer produce.

Greenhouses can be designed with efficient irrigation systems that minimize water usage by delivering water directly to the plants' roots. Additionally, the enclosed environment reduces water loss through evaporation, leading to more efficient water use compared to outdoor gardening.

Greenhouses come in various sizes and designs, allowing growers to maximize space utilization and grow a wide range of crops in a relatively small area. Vertical gardening techniques can also be employed to further optimize space and increase production. Greenhouses offer flexibility in crop selection and cultivation methods, allowing growers to experiment with different plant varieties, growing techniques, and crop rotations. This versatility enables growers to adapt to changing market demands and consumer preferences.

Greenhouse gardening can be more environmentally sustainable than traditional outdoor farming practices. By minimizing the need for chemical inputs, reducing water usage, and optimizing resource utilization, greenhouse growers can reduce their environmental footprint and contribute to conservation efforts.

Looking for a high quality pre-made greenhouse in Massachusetts?

Hometown Structures offers the finest craftsmanship with custom designs in a wide variety of sizes perfect for the home gardener to give your plants the perfect climate to thrive in a protected environment, keep pests away from your plants, grow plants and food that don’t otherwise exist in your area/climate and extend your season with options including 8mm twin wall polycarbonate for optimal insulation, venting and windows. Every custom shed greenhouse comes with 50-Year LP Siding and 30-Year Collapse From Snow Warranty.

Tap here to visit their website to learn more and book a design consultation today.