Choosing a site and positioning a greenhouse can affect the success of your greenhouse crops. You’ll need to plan where your greenhouse is placed very carefully or you will face problems that could have been easily avoided with a well thought-out placement before construction begins.

Choosing a Site for your Greenhouse

Choosing the site for your greenhouse can seem like a complicated process. You need to consider the slope of the land, drainage capabilities, location of utilities, amount of sun exposure, and the visual appearance of your property.

You want to select a fairly level plot of ground with decent drainage. Be sure to select a spot away from trees and other large vegetation that may affect your greenhouse foundation and drainage, and block sunlight. Nearby tree roots can push up into your greenhouse flooring and damage your foundation, so be sure to consider the location of roots for larger trees on your property.
 
Positioning Your Greenhouse for Success

Ideally, you’ll want to ensure that your greenhouse receives plenty of unrestricted sunshine. This requires choosing a site that is free from the obstruction of other structures, trees, large shrubs, and hills.
 
If you live in the colder Northern regions, you’ll want to position your greenhouse on the southern part of your property to ensure maximum sunlight exposure, even in colder months. If you live in a Southern region, you can position your greenhouse to provide additional shade if you prefer to grow crops that thrive in partial sunlight rather than full sunlight. Otherwise, a southern exposure is best.
 
If you are constructing a greenhouse as part of an existing structure, you may be severely limited in placement options. In this case, drainage and exposure to sunlight are the most important factors. You don’t want to position your greenhouse addition in a way that causes water to drain into your home’s foundation. Nor do you want to position your greenhouse so that it only gets limited sunlight or is blocked by large trees or your home itself.
 
Another factor you’ll need to consider when positioning your greenhouse is the location of your utilities. You’ll need access to water hookups, and may need electrical outlets as well if you plan to run a fan, lighting, cooling or heating system.

A poorly placed greenhouse can quickly become a thorn in any gardener’s side. Choosing a site and positioning your greenhouse well can help you produce more impressive crops and enjoy your greenhouse gardening hobby for years to come. Consider the lay of the land, drainage potential, location of your utilities, and sunlight exposure for the best results.

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