When developing home greenhouse plans, most people think carefully about the style they’d like, the materials they’re going to use, and the physical requirements of the construction job. Surprisingly, what many overlook is the importance of catching the light. Without enough light, there’s little point in having a greenhouse. This is why correct positioning should be an essential aspect of your greenhouse plans.

If you live in the northern hemisphere and the space in your yard permits it, the ideal location for a greenhouse is on the south or south-east side of your property. Your greenhouse plans should take into account not only that the strongest light comes from the south, but that the most important light is that which comes in the morning, from the east. Morning light is vital to the life cycle of your plants. Adjust your greenhouse plans to make sure that there’s nothing blocking the light on the eastern side.

When you adjust your greenhouse plans to make the best of available light, bear in mind that the sun sits lower in the sky in winter than it does in summer. This means that light which crosses trees or a roof to reach your greenhouse in summer may be cut off in winter, when your plants need it most. If there’s nothing you can do about this, include in your greenhouse plans provision for artificial grow lights to assist with plant growth during the darkest part of the year.

Light should also be a consideration when you’re developing the material side of your greenhouse plans. Bear in mind that a heavy timber frame will itself cut off some light. Think about the particular needs of the plants you wish to grow. Maintenance is also important. Old, scratched plastic panels or exposed, dirty fibreglass will obscure your greenhouse and cut off light, so always make a practical repair schedule an aspect of your greenhouse plans.