Greenhouse Direction: Best Orientation for UK Gardens
When you set up a greenhouse direction, the angle and facing of your greenhouse structure relative to the sun’s path. Also known as greenhouse orientation, it determines how much light and heat your plants get all year round. In the UK, where sunlight is precious and winters are long, getting this right can mean the difference between a thriving crop and a cold, empty space.
Most experts agree that the ideal greenhouse direction for the UK is facing true south. This isn’t magnetic south—it’s the direction where the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. A south-facing greenhouse catches the most sun from morning to evening, especially in winter when the sun sits low. North-facing ones? They’re basically shade traps. East-facing gets good morning light but misses the afternoon warmth. West-facing gets hot in summer but struggles in early spring. The best setup balances light, heat, and protection from cold winds.
Don’t forget sun exposure how directly sunlight hits your greenhouse surfaces over the course of a day. Even a perfectly south-facing structure can be shaded by trees, fences, or nearby buildings. Check your site at different times of day—especially in December—before you build. Also, think about greenhouse placement. Keep it away from large trees that drop leaves or block light, and avoid low spots where cold air pools. A slight slope can help with drainage, but the floor should be level inside.
Some gardeners in the UK use greenhouse positioning the strategic location and alignment of a greenhouse within a garden layout to extend the growing season. By placing your greenhouse near a south-facing wall, you can trap extra heat radiating from the brick or stone. This trick works great for tomatoes, peppers, and even citrus in a small space. It also cuts down on heating costs in winter.
There’s a reason why commercial growers in Kent and Cornwall all face their greenhouses the same way—it’s not tradition, it’s physics. The sun moves from east to west, but its highest arc is always south. So if you’re planting seedlings in February or overwintering herbs, your greenhouse’s direction isn’t just a detail—it’s your main tool for success.
Below, you’ll find real guides from UK gardeners who’ve tested these ideas. From choosing the right spot to dealing with shade and wind, these posts give you the no-nonsense facts you need to build or position a greenhouse that actually works in British weather.