
The correct location of the greenhouse on the site is the key to high yields, easy care of plants and a long service life of the structure. The wrong choice of location can lead to overheating, poor ventilation, lack of sunlight and difficulties in operation. Let's look at the key factors that will help you choose the right place for greenhouses.
Main criteria for choosing a location
When choosing a site for a greenhouse, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Illumination is the maximum amount of sunlight during the day.
- Installation direction – correct orientation to the cardinal points.
- Wind protection – natural and artificial barriers.
- Relief and drainage – avoiding water stagnation and leveling the surface.
- Access to water and electricity – simplifies maintenance and automation of processes.
- Distance from buildings and trees – minimizing shading and protecting the structure from the root systems of large plants.
Expert advice: Before installing a greenhouse, conduct a soil analysis and check the groundwater level. If the water is close to the surface (less than 1 m), additional drainage may be required.
Light: Why is sunlight important?
Light is the main factor influencing plant growth in a greenhouse. Insufficient light slows down photosynthesis, leading to seedlings stretching and reduced yields.
How to choose a place with maximum lighting:
- Install the greenhouse in an open area, without shading from a house, fence or trees.
- Avoid the northern side of the site, where the light is minimal.
- It is important that the sun enters the greenhouse from morning until evening.
- In winter, it is important to take into account the angle of the sun so that the structure is not shaded by neighboring objects.
Expert advice: The optimal location is the southern or southeastern part of the plot, where the greenhouse will receive more morning and daylight. Use solar maps or special mobile applications to determine the places with maximum insolation.
Orientation of the greenhouse to the cardinal points
There are two ways to place a greenhouse:
- From north to south – suitable for regions with a mild climate. Uniform lighting throughout the day, especially relevant for long greenhouses.
- From west to east – preferable for northern regions, where it is important to make maximum use of the morning and afternoon sun to quickly warm up the structure.
Technical aspects of orientation:
- In regions with short daylight hours, a greenhouse oriented west to east will allow plants to receive more morning sun, which will speed up their growth.
- In warm regions, placing the plant from north to south will provide even lighting without overheating.
- For year-round cultivation, it is important to consider not only the cardinal directions, but also the roof pitch: sloping walls or gable structures capture light better in winter.
Expert advice: In the central and northern regions, it is recommended to place the greenhouse with a west-to-east orientation, as this ensures maximum light intake during the day.
Wind protection: where should you not install a greenhouse?
Strong gusts of wind can damage the structure, reduce the temperature inside and increase heat loss. Arched greenhouses made of a light frame are especially vulnerable to wind loads.
How to protect a greenhouse from wind:
- Do not place the greenhouse in drafts or low areas.
- Use fences, hedges or shrubs as windbreaks.
- The distance from the wall of the house or fence to the greenhouse should be at least 3 meters to avoid excessive shadow.
- In case of strong winds, it is recommended to install reinforced frames made of galvanized steel or aluminum profile.
- Use a foundation base, such as a strip foundation, for added stability.
Expert advice: If the area is windy, install the greenhouse at a distance of 10-15 m from a solid fence or plant a hedge, but so that it does not shade the greenhouse.
Site relief and drainage
The greenhouse should be on a flat and dry surface. Moisture accumulates in the lowlands, which leads to root rot and the development of fungal diseases.
How to prepare a place for a greenhouse:
- Choose a high place or make a drainage system (crushed stone, sand, drainage pipes).
- Do not place the greenhouse in places where melt water accumulates in the spring.
- The base of the greenhouse should be slightly raised by 10-15 cm for better water drainage.
- Use a timber or concrete foundation to protect the greenhouse from flooding and rodents.
Expert tip: If the soil is too clayey, add sand and peat for better drainage, and create small drainage ditches around the greenhouse.
Access to water and electricity
For convenient care of plants, the greenhouse should be located near a water source. Automated drip irrigation will significantly simplify the process of soil moistening.
What is important to consider:
- Place the greenhouse 10-15 meters from a water source.
- If heating is planned, consider the possibility of connecting electricity.
- Install a rainwater tank to help save water during dry periods.
- In cold regions, consider a ground heating system (e.g. heating cables).
Expert advice: If there is no way to supply water, you can place a 200-500 liter watering container next to the greenhouse and connect a drip system to it.
How to choose the right place for a greenhouse on your site
The right choice of location for a greenhouse is a guarantee of high yields and ease of use. It is necessary to consider:
- Maximum sunlight.
- Orientation to the cardinal points for better heating.
- Wind protection and well-thought-out ventilation.
- A level surface and good drainage.
- Proximity to water and electricity for ease of use.
If you want to install a greenhouse that will work effectively in any conditions, pay attention to greenhouses from NovaTeplitsa. They have a durable structure, are resistant to weather conditions and allow you to get the maximum harvest. Choose the best model on our website and create ideal conditions for growing plants!