Best Position for a Greenhouse UK

Placing your greenhouse in the right spot makes all the difference between thriving plants and disappointing results. As a greenhouse specialist who's spent 15 years helping UK gardeners optimise their growing spaces, I've seen first-hand how position affects everything from temperature regulation to plant health.

Let me share what actually works in our unique British climate. The greenhouse position might seem like a minor detail, but it's one of those things that can make or break your growing success. I made this mistake myself when I first started - my poorly positioned greenhouse meant I was fighting an uphill battle with inadequate light and temperature fluctuations.

Understanding Sunlight Requirements for UK Greenhouses

The single most important factor when positioning a greenhouse in the UK is sunlight. Our northern latitude means we get less light intensity compared to countries further south, making proper positioning even more crucial.

In an ideal world, your greenhouse should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, especially during winter months when light is scarce. South-facing positions typically receive the most sunlight throughout the day in the UK, making them the preferred choice for most greenhouse owners.

One thing many people don't realise is that morning sun is particularly valuable. Early sunlight helps warm the greenhouse quickly after cold nights, giving plants a head start on the day's growth. This is why a slightly south-eastern orientation can be better than due south in some cases.

The quality of light also varies throughout the year. During summer, you might worry about too much direct sunlight causing overheating. But modern greenhouses from Greenhouse Stores offer ventilation options and shading solutions that help manage this issue effectively.

For winter growing, maximising every bit of available light becomes essential. Position your greenhouse away from deciduous trees that might block low winter sun, even if those same trees would provide helpful shade in summer.

From my experience working with hundreds of UK gardeners, those who prioritise light positioning see up to 30% better growth rates compared to those who compromise on this factor. I watched my own winter tomato production double after I repositioned my greenhouse just 3 metres to avoid the shadow from my neighbour's extension.

North-South vs East-West Orientation

The orientation of your greenhouse plays a massive role in how sunlight enters and moves through the structure throughout the day. There's often confusion about whether the ridge of the greenhouse should run north-south or east-west.

For most UK locations, positioning your greenhouse with the ridge running east to west offers the best light penetration. This orientation means the longest sides face south and north, allowing maximum sunlight exposure through the southern face during our light-limited winters.

When I adjusted my own greenhouse from a north-south to an east-west orientation, I noticed several immediate benefits:

• More consistent soil warming
• Reduced cold spots
• Better light distribution across plant benches
• Improved winter growing conditions

East-west orientation works particularly well for traditional rectangular greenhouses. However, if you have a Hexagonal Greenhouse, the multifaceted design naturally captures light from different angles throughout the day.

One mistake I see quite often is ignoring how shadows move across your garden throughout the seasons. The sun's path changes dramatically between summer and winter in the UK. A position that seems perfect in summer might be completely shadowed in winter when the sun sits lower in the sky.

To check this properly, observe your intended greenhouse location at different times of day and different months of the year. Take photos or make notes about shadow patterns. This might seem excessive, but this bit of homework saves years of frustration with poor growing conditions.

A common rule of thumb is that the winter sun at midday should hit the greenhouse without obstruction. If tall structures or evergreen trees block this crucial midday winter sun, consider an alternative position.

The Best Position for a Garden Greenhouse

When it comes to finding the absolute best position for your garden greenhouse in the UK, several factors need to work together. The ideal spot balances sunlight, protection, accessibility, and practical considerations.

From my years of experience, I've found that the perfect greenhouse position typically has these characteristics:

• Receives maximum winter sunlight (when it's most scarce)
• Offers protection from prevailing winds without blocking airflow
• Sits on level, well-drained ground
• Provides easy access for regular maintenance
• Places the greenhouse within reasonable distance of water and power
• Avoids areas where trees will drop leaves and debris
• Includes enough space around the structure for maintenance

Remember that the perfect position varies depending on your specific garden layout and local conditions. What works brilliantly in a sheltered London garden might be completely unsuitable for an exposed site in the Scottish Highlands.

One often overlooked aspect is the greenhouse's relationship to your daily routine. Position it where you'll naturally see and visit it regularly. A greenhouse that's out of sight often ends up neglected, regardless of its technical positioning advantages.

In my consultancy work, I've found that most UK gardeners need to make some compromises on positioning. The key is understanding which factors matter most for your specific growing goals and prioritising accordingly.

Freestanding Greenhouse Placement

Freestanding greenhouses offer maximum flexibility in positioning compared to lean-to structures. This independence allows you to optimise for ideal growing conditions without being constrained by existing walls.

When placing a freestanding greenhouse, consider these key factors:

• Choose the sunniest spot in your garden, ideally with unobstructed southern exposure
• Position on level ground or create a level base to prevent structural stress
• Allow at least 1 metre clearance on all sides for maintenance access
• Orient longer sides east-west to maximise southern light exposure
• Consider proximity to water sources and electricity if needed
• Place away from trees that may drop debris or cause excessive shade
• Position where you'll see it daily to encourage regular use and maintenance

The major advantage of freestanding placement is the ability to create the perfect microclimate. Without the thermal influence of attached buildings, you have complete control over the growing environment. This is particularly valuable for specialist growing projects that need precise conditions.

I helped a client in Yorkshire set up a freestanding Aluminium Greenhouse specifically for alpine plants. By positioning it in a specific spot that offered bright light but protection from intense midday summer sun, we created ideal conditions for these sensitive plants that would have been impossible with a lean-to structure.

Freestanding greenhouses also allow for more effective ventilation from all sides, which helps prevent disease problems in humid conditions. When positioning, think about how air will flow around the entire structure.

Lean-to Greenhouse Placement

Lean-To Greenhouses offer unique positioning advantages, especially for gardeners with limited space. These structures attach to an existing wall, which fundamentally changes the positioning considerations.

The ideal wall for a lean-to greenhouse in the UK is a south-facing wall. Brick or stone walls act as thermal mass, absorbing heat during the day and releasing it slowly at night. This creates a more stable growing environment and can extend your growing season by several weeks.

I've helped install dozens of lean-to greenhouses, and the difference between those on south-facing walls versus other orientations is stark. South-facing lean-tos typically maintain temperatures 3-5°C higher than freestanding greenhouses in the same garden.

Some practical advice for positioning lean-to greenhouses:

• Ensure the wall is in good condition before attaching your greenhouse
• Check for nearby roof overhangs that might direct rainwater into the structure
• Consider access to the building for maintenance of both the greenhouse and the wall
• Verify that windows or doors in the wall won't conflict with the greenhouse structure

A particular advantage of wall-mounted greenhouses is wind protection. The building shields the greenhouse from at least one direction of wind, reducing heat loss and structural stress during storms. This makes lean-tos an excellent choice for exposed gardens.

Many gardeners overlook the practical aspects of lean-to positioning. Make sure you can open windows or vents easily, and that the door placement allows comfortable access with gardening tools. The height of staging (benches) should also be considered in relation to any windows in the supporting wall.

If a south-facing wall isn't available, east-facing walls make good alternatives. They catch morning sun which helps plants start growing early in the day. West-facing walls work well for heat-loving plants that benefit from afternoon warmth. North-facing walls are challenging but can still work for shade-tolerant plants.

South Facing Greenhouses

A south-facing orientation is widely considered the gold standard for greenhouse positioning in the UK. Let's explore why this direction works so well and what you need to consider.

Advantages

• Receives maximum sunlight throughout the day, especially crucial during winter months
• Creates optimal conditions for the widest variety of plants
• Warms up quickly in the morning and maintains heat longer
• Enables year-round growing of many crops
• Produces higher yields for sun-loving plants like tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers
• Extends the growing season by several weeks compared to other orientations
• Reduces heating costs during colder months

Disadvantages

• Can overheat during summer months without proper ventilation and shading
• May require more careful temperature management on hot days
• Sometimes creates too much heat for certain plants that prefer cooler conditions
• Can lead to faster water evaporation, requiring more frequent watering
• May cause scorching on sensitive plants during peak summer if not properly shaded

From my consultancy experience, south-facing greenhouses offer the most versatile growing environment. One client in the Midlands was able to harvest tomatoes well into November using nothing but the natural heat retention of her south-facing greenhouse.

For Small Greenhouses, a south-facing position becomes even more critical, as these structures have less thermal mass to retain heat. The extended sunshine hours can make the difference between success and failure for heat-loving crops in compact growing spaces.

North Facing Greenhouses

North-facing greenhouses are often considered the least desirable orientation in the UK, but they can serve specific purposes and suit certain types of plants. Understanding their unique characteristics helps you make the most of this positioning.

Advantages

• Provides gentle, filtered light without intense direct sun
• Creates ideal conditions for shade-loving plants and ferns
• Maintains cooler, more consistent temperatures during hot summers
• Reduces need for summer shading compared to other orientations
• Excellent for propagation and growing seedlings that don't need direct sun
• Works well for growing certain salad crops that bolt in excessive heat
• Can extend the season for cool-weather crops during hot summers

Disadvantages

• Receives minimal direct sunlight, especially in winter
• Significantly colder than south-facing greenhouses
• Often requires supplemental heating for winter growing
• Limited plant variety that will thrive in these conditions
• Shorter growing season without artificial heat
• Higher humidity levels can increase disease risks
• Often struggles to provide adequate light for flowering and fruiting plants

Despite these limitations, I've seen gardeners use north-facing greenhouses very effectively for specific purposes. One client in Sussex converted a north-facing lean-to into a spectacular fern house, creating perfect conditions for these shade-lovers that would suffer in more traditional greenhouse positions.

If you're primarily growing leafy greens, many woodland plants, or using the space for propagation, a north-facing greenhouse can actually offer advantages over hotter orientations. The key is selecting appropriate plants for the light conditions rather than fighting against the natural environment.

East Facing Greenhouses

East-facing greenhouses capture morning sunlight and provide interesting advantages for certain types of growing. This orientation creates a distinctive growing environment with specific benefits and limitations.

Advantages

• Captures beneficial morning sun that helps plants start active growth early in the day
• Avoids the intense midday and afternoon heat of south and west facings
• Warms up quickly after cold nights, reducing stress on tender plants
• Creates ideal conditions for many flowering plants that appreciate morning light
• Provides a good balance for year-round growing of mixed plants
• Often requires less summer ventilation than south or west facing positions
• Good for gardeners who tend their greenhouse primarily in mornings

Disadvantages

• Loses direct sun in the afternoon, leading to temperature drops
• Provides less overall light than south-facing positions, especially in winter
• May cool too quickly in evening hours, requiring better insulation
• Can be chilly for heat-loving plants like tomatoes and peppers
• May need supplemental heating earlier in the evening during colder months
• Less effective for winter growing compared to south-facing options
• Can be susceptible to cold easterly winds in some UK locations

East-facing greenhouses work particularly well for mixed planting schemes. I helped design an east-facing setup for a retired couple who wanted to grow a variety of ornamentals along with some edibles. The morning light and moderated afternoon temperatures created perfect conditions for their diverse collection.

For orchid growing, an east-facing greenhouse often provides ideal light levels - bright enough to encourage flowering but without the risk of scorching that can happen in south or west positions.

West Facing Greenhouses

West-facing greenhouses catch afternoon and evening sunlight, creating a different growing environment compared to other orientations. This positioning has unique characteristics that suit certain gardening styles and plant types.

Advantages

• Captures warm afternoon and evening sun when ambient temperatures are already higher
• Retains heat well into the evening, extending growing hours
• Creates good conditions for heat-loving Mediterranean plants
• Works well for gardeners who tend their greenhouse mainly in afternoons or evenings
• Provides natural warmth when many plants are actively photosynthesising
• Can reduce morning heating requirements during colder months
• Often works well for flowering plants that benefit from afternoon warmth

Disadvantages

• Misses out on beneficial early morning sunlight
• Can overheat quickly in summer afternoons, requiring good ventilation
• Stays cool longer in mornings, potentially slowing plant growth
• May create challenging temperature fluctuations between morning and afternoon
• Can be problematic for plants sensitive to heat stress
• Often requires more careful ventilation management than east-facing positions
• May need additional cooling measures during summer heatwaves

West-facing greenhouses can work brilliantly for specific growing goals. One of my most successful greenhouse projects was a west-facing structure specifically designed for growing cacti and succulents. The afternoon heat created desert-like conditions these plants thrived in.

For busy professionals who can only garden in evenings, west-facing greenhouses offer the advantage of warmth and light during their available gardening time. Several clients have found this orientation perfectly suits their lifestyle, even if it's not theoretically "optimal" from a pure growing perspective.

Wind Protection Strategies for UK Greenhouse Owners

Wind protection is often overlooked when positioning a greenhouse in the UK, but it can dramatically affect both plant growth and structural integrity. Our British weather brings strong seasonal winds that can challenge even the sturdiest greenhouse.

Understanding the prevailing wind direction in your area is the first step. In most of the UK, southwesterly winds predominate, but local topography can create significant variations. Observe your garden in different weather conditions or consult local weather data.

Natural windbreaks like hedges, shrubs, or walls offer excellent protection without completely blocking airflow. Ideally, these should be positioned to shield from the prevailing winds while still allowing good ventilation on calmer days. I advise my clients to aim for wind filtration rather than complete blocking.

From my experience rehabilitating damaged greenhouses, I can tell you that wind-related issues are among the most common problems. One client in Cornwall saved their greenhouse from persistent wind damage by planting a mixed native hedge 3 metres from the structure. Within two years, the difference in plant health and greenhouse temperature stability was remarkable.

Some practical wind protection strategies include:

• Position your greenhouse with the narrowest end facing prevailing winds
• Install windbreak netting at a distance of 3-4 times the height of your greenhouse
• Use deciduous shrubs as windbreaks to allow more winter sun penetration
• Consider decorative fencing with 50% porosity for effective wind filtering
• Avoid creating wind tunnels between buildings that might direct stronger gusts toward your greenhouse

Proper foundation anchoring becomes even more important in windy locations. Make sure your greenhouse is securely fixed to its base, and the base is firmly anchored to the ground. With Aluminium Greenhouses, this is particularly important due to their lightweight nature.

Remember that some airflow is beneficial for plants, helping to prevent fungal diseases and strengthening stems. The goal isn't to eliminate all wind but to reduce its force to gentle air movement. This balance helps create a healthier growing environment.

Hexagonal Greenhouses: Unique Positioning Benefits

Hexagonal Greenhouses offer distinctive advantages when it comes to positioning in the UK climate. Their multi-sided design captures light from different angles throughout the day, making them somewhat more forgiving in terms of exact orientation.

The unique geometry of hexagonal structures means they catch sunlight from multiple directions simultaneously. This makes them excellent choices for gardens where the ideal south-facing position might not be available. I've helped install several Vitavia Hera models that performed brilliantly in less-than-perfect positions thanks to this multifaceted design.

One interesting benefit I've observed with hexagonal greenhouses is their superior wind resistance when properly anchored. The shape naturally disperses wind pressure more evenly than rectangular structures. This can be particularly valuable in exposed UK gardens.

For optimal positioning of hexagonal greenhouses, consider:

• Central garden locations where light can reach all sides
• Slightly elevated positions to maximise light exposure
• Decorative placement as a garden focal point
• Distance from trees that might deposit debris on the multiple roof panels

The multiple sides also create varied microclimates within the greenhouse itself. When positioning, think about how this can benefit different plants. Some gardeners use this to their advantage, growing shade-preferring plants on the north-facing sections and sun-lovers on the south-facing panels.

Hexagonal greenhouses also tend to have better natural ventilation patterns due to their shape. When positioning these structures, consider how air will flow through and around them. Proper airflow helps prevent disease and creates a healthier growing environment.

One practical tip from my installation experience: hexagonal greenhouses often have multiple doors or access points. Position them so the main door faces your most common approach path, making daily access convenient.

Many gardeners choose hexagonal designs for their ornamental value as well as growing capabilities. If aesthetics are important to you, position your hexagonal greenhouse where it can be appreciated as a garden feature, perhaps at the intersection of paths or as a focal point visible from your home.