Facing Greenhouse: What It Means and How to Use It in UK Gardens
When you hear facing greenhouse, the direction a greenhouse points to in relation to the sun and surrounding landscape. Also known as greenhouse orientation, it determines how much light and heat your plants get every day. In the UK, where sunlight is precious and winters are long, getting this right makes the difference between a thriving crop and a cold, empty space.
A south-facing greenhouse, a structure positioned to receive maximum sunlight from the southern sky is the gold standard here. It catches the sun from dawn to dusk, especially in winter when the sun stays low. That’s why most UK gardeners swear by it. North-facing? Avoid it. You’ll get shade most of the year. East-facing gives you morning sun — great for seedlings and delicate plants. West-facing gets hot afternoon light, perfect for tomatoes and peppers that love warmth. The key isn’t just where you put it, but how the sun moves across your garden throughout the seasons.
It’s not just about direction. The greenhouse placement, where you situate the structure in relation to trees, fences, and buildings matters too. Even a south-facing unit won’t help if a big tree or wall blocks the sun after 10 a.m. Clear, open space is best. And don’t forget wind. A greenhouse facing the prevailing west wind will lose heat fast. A windbreak — a fence, hedge, or even a row of shrubs — can make a big difference without blocking light.
People often think a greenhouse is just a glass box. But it’s really a tool for controlling nature. A well-faced one turns a cold UK winter into a growing season. It lets you start seedlings early, grow herbs all year, and even ripen tomatoes without a heater. The posts below show real examples: how to pick the best flowers for unheated greenhouses, how to use greenhouse space for fruit bushes, and how to avoid common mistakes with soil and watering in these controlled environments. Whether you’re new to greenhouses or just trying to fix a problem, you’ll find practical, no-fluff advice here — from gardeners who’ve been there, done that, and got the frostbite to prove it.