One of the first considerations you will face when assembling your greenhouse is where to locate it. For some of us, we don't have much of a choice where to put our greenhouses. For example, you may be constrained by your access to water, electricity or fuel. Sometimes, it's the case that you have to put the greenhouse wherever you have room!
However, ideally your greenhouse will be situated in a site that will have its long wall facing within 20 degrees of due South. This will maximize the amount of sunlight your greenhouse will receive year round and help to keep it warm in the winter.
Shade trees in the area around your greenhouse usually aren't a problem if there is still a good amount of exposure to the sun. In fact, they can even be helpful to keep temperatures lower in warmer months. Of course, you will want to be sure that your greenhouse is far enough away from trees so that a windblown branch won't risk damaging your greenhouse.
Speaking of wind, most greenhouses are designed to withstand strong gusts of wind when they are properly anchored. However, if possible, shielding your greenhouse from strong winds with a windbreak such as shrubbery or fences can help keep wintertime heating costs down.
If you're worried about getting too much exposure to the sun, or if you just want to keep temperatures down in your greenhouse consider using a shade clothto make sure your plants have an ideal climate to thrive in.
Another consideration is what sort of surface you'll want to put the greenhouse on. The simple answer is that almost any level surface with good drainage will do. Typically, greenhouses are situated on soil, but they can also be mounted to concrete slabs or foundations, and even wooden decks. We hope this helps to give you a better idea of where the best place to locate your greenhouse is. Please read our other articles for more information about greenhouses and greenhouse gardening. If you have any questions that weren't answered in this article, please e-mail us at email@example.com and we'll do our best to help you out!
This article was published on Thursday 19 July, 2007.