The best orientation for a greenhouse in the UK - The orientation of your greenhouse becomes more important as the size increases.
For a standard 6ft x 8ft greenhouse, being almost square means that the orientation is not such a worry. However, if you have a long greenhouse, such as an 8ft x 16ft, then the orientation does start to be a factor.
If you are planning a large greenhouse ideally it should be facing east-west (the ridge line of the greenhouse lies east to west) with the door at the western end as this means the greenhouse will be fully exposed to the sun from the south, especially important in the winter months as it will capture more light. This makes the orientation best suited if you intend to use your greenhouse mainly for over-wintering tender plants.
North-south facing greenhouses with doors at the south end will benefit in the summer months from sunshine on both sides, but not the full force of hot midday sun along the length of the greenhouse.
This makes this orientation best when you intend to grow greenhouse crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers etc.
Lean-to greenhouses that are south facing could capture too much sunshine and overheat, whilst a north facing lean-to may not get sufficient sunshine.
Ideally avoid having the greenhouse door on the north facing side as this would let in too much cold air.
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