What direction should a lean-to Greenhouse face? - Hartley Botanic (2024)

FAQs

What direction should a lean-to Greenhouse face? - Hartley Botanic? ›

A south-facing position is ideal if you have a lean-to Greenhouse against a wall. However, independent, free-standing Greenhouses are best placed east to west, in order to avoid the lattice blind effect on conventional apex Greenhouse structures and gain maximum sunlight during the winter and spring.

Mostly south-facing is the goal, but in cases where that is not possible, a southwest or southeast facing greenhouse is doable. Southeast is preferable to southwest because it will get the morning sun, which helps heat up the greenhouse after it's cooled down overnight.

If you want to grow plants in your greenhouse all year round, including during the winter, make sure the ridge of the roof runs east-west to maximise light during the darkest months.

It doesn't matter which orientation you choose unless you're getting all the necessary sunlight for your plants. Most customers choose to orient their greenhouse in a south-north direction. If you live in an area with extreme winds, if possible, position the greenhouse shielded from the wind.

A lean-to Greenhouse should be placed along a south-facing wall, whether that is along the wall of a garden or a property's external wall. This is so lean to Greenhouse can receive the maximum amount of sunlight to ensure your plants grow and are kept protected from the elements.

If you are in a northern climate (hardiness zone 6 and lower) and want to grow in the cold winter months, plan on orienting your greenhouse East to West to maximize sunlight in the winter months. Otherwise, hoop houses or high tunnel orientation should run North to South to get good light and the best ventilation.

East-west orientation is the best suited for year round greenhouse applications at all latitudes as this orientation receives greater total radiation in winter and less in summer except near the equator.

Basically any south-facing wall of adequate height and width can accommodate your lean to greenhouse. South-facing is ideal, as it ensures your plants receive the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day.

Think “west is the best”. This is not to say that other orientations will not work. In fact, an eastern exposure will work just fine for most plants. A northern exposure may be too shady for any tropical varieties and is the only orientation that should be avoided if possible.

Greenhouses with a single aisle down the center are typically 8, 10 or 12 feet wide. 10 ft. widths offer the most efficient utilization of bench space because you can put 3 ft. wide benches on both sides and have a 3-4 ft, wide aisle with room for plant to overgrow the benches.

Should a greenhouse be air tight? ›

Without proper ventilation, greenhouses and their plants become prone to a myriad of problems. This is because ventilation serves four major purposes within the greenhouse. First of all, it helps to regulate temperature. It also ensures that your plants get plenty of fresh air that they can use to photosynthesize.

Take your latitude and add 20 degrees to achieve an angle that is roughly perpendicular to the angle of the sun during the winter season. Then subtract 45 degrees from this number. This gives you the minimum angle that will transmit the majority of light without significant reflection loss.

Ideally, greenhouses should be sited where they can receive uninterrupted sun throughout the day. Provide screening or shelter from cold northerly or easterly winds, which can keep temperatures low in spring and slow the growth of seedlings and young plants.

Site your greenhouse east to west

If you want to grow crops all year round, it's best to line up the ridge of the structure to run east-west, as this will maximise light during the winter. It will also help it to heat up more quickly after cold nights.

The advantage of the lean-to greenhouse is that it usually is close to available electricity, water, and heat. The lean-to has the following disadvantages: Limited space. Limited light.

The north side is the last resort and the least optimal site for a greenhouse. Try to situate the greenhouse lengthwise from north to south rather than east to west. This position provides the structure with more light and less shade.

Basically any south-facing wall of adequate height and width can accommodate your lean to greenhouse. South-facing is ideal, as it ensures your plants receive the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day.

The Pros of a Poly Lean-to:

Inexpensive extra space for crop or storage. Provides wind resistance. Easy to relocate after adding more greenhouses to a side. Can help maximize land usage by using a custom sized lean-to.