Greenhouse Growing Guide

Gardeners can use greenhouses year-round.

Greenhouses give you the opportunity to garden year-round or extend the summer growing season. Others use greenhouses to start seeds they can transplant outdoors after the last spring frost. Knowing how you plan to use your greenhouse is the first step in choosing the one that best meets your needs.

Site

The location of your greenhouse is critical since your plants need at least 3 to 4 hours of sunlight each morning. The best location for your greenhouse is on the south or southeast side of a building where plants get sun all day long. A location on the east side of a building that provides the minimum amount of morning sun also works.

Considerations

Some gardeners use greenhouses year-round. If you use the greenhouse in the summer, make sure the site offers shade from the hot afternoon sun. In warmer climates, you'll need to provide a cooling system to keep the temperature steady during the summer.

Structures

Large greenhouses help protect the plants against temperature extremes. Choose from lean-to or even-span structures that attach to your house or another building. You can also build a free-standing structure that gives you room to add on in the future.

References

• West Virginia University Extension Service: Planning and Building a Greenhouse
• Mother Earth News: Expert Advice for Greenhouse Growing

Resources

• Mother Earth News: Solar Greenhouse