In an ideal situation, with plenty of space and no budget restrictions, the size and style of your greenhouse would simply depend on how much growing capacity you need. In reality, however, your choice is usually influenced by the space available in your garden. When selecting a location, aim for an area that receives plenty of sunlight, can be easily levelled to create a solid base, and is convenient to access.
Before making any decisions, take time to assess your garden. This will help you identify the most suitable position for your greenhouse. There are several key factors to consider:
Position and Aspect:
It is often recommended that a greenhouse is positioned with the ridge running east to west, allowing the longest side to face south for maximum sunlight. While this can be beneficial for larger greenhouses, it is less important for smaller, more square models such as 6×4, 6×8 or 8×10. Even if only the roof receives direct sun, this can still generate significant warmth. In fact, many gardeners later add shading to control temperature during warmer months. However, a greenhouse is made of glass – as long as it receives sufficient sunlight, it will make it’s way through the greenhouse no matter which direction it faces. Also bear in mind installing into low level ground, as water run off may cause issues in winter, if your garden gets overly wet/flooded.
Bases:
It is imperative that your greenhouse base is level (not just flat). This will make installation much easier and provide a stable foundation. One of the most popular options is to lay paving slabs, extending at least 6 inches beyond the greenhouse footprint. This not only improves stability but also allows for effective drainage, unlike solid concrete which can lead to standing water. We usually recommend that the bigger the base, the more space to play with – especially if installing water butts – as it means they have somewhere level and sturdy to sit, rather than being on surrounding soil. I also like to have a bit of extra space around the sides of the greenhouse to plant outside, to add a bit of colour to the space. I have roses planted on the outside of one side (nearest the house where I can see them) and I use the other side (which gets direct sun), to plant tall growing produce, such as green beans and mangetout – as these will provide a natural shading to your crops on the inside.
While you can install a greenhouse directly onto soil, it does not provide the same strength or security as a solid base. The time and effort you put into your base will pay you back ten-fold during windy weather.
While traditional greenhouses were often built on brick plinths, most modern models now come with an integral base. This allows them to be securely fixed to either concrete or paving slabs. Many base systems are available, but a well-designed metal base offers both strength and ease of installation, helping to maximise the lifespan of your greenhouse.
For more information regarding bases, see our Blog Let’s Talk Bases!
Protection from Wind:
Even the strongest greenhouses can be vulnerable to strong winds, so it’s important to choose a sheltered location, where possible. Positioning your greenhouse near hedges or fences can help reduce exposure to prevailing winds.
To minimise the risk of storm damage, use hedges or fencing as a windbreak if the area is exposed, ensure the structure is securely anchored to its base, keep doors, vents and louvres closed during high winds and most importantly, make sure your greenhouse is adequately insured, as storm damage is not typically covered by manufacturer guarantees. For exposed areas, where wind may be an issue (such as coastal areas), we recommend the Elite Titan range which is one of (if not the) strongest greenhouse range on the market.
Access:
Ensure your greenhouse is easy and safe to access all year round. During winter months, wet or icy ground can make access difficult, so installing a path is recommended. This not only improves safety but also helps keep the area clean and reduces the amount of mud brought into the greenhouse (and back into the house)!
