Where is the best place to put a small greenhouse?

A small greenhouse may take up less space, but its impact on your growing capabilities can be huge—if placed correctly. Whether you're a backyard grower or a commercial operation using smaller-scale greenhouses for propagation or specialty crops, choosing the optimal location is essential for plant health and efficient operation.

Let’s explore the essential factors to consider when deciding where to place a small greenhouse, based on scientific principles, user habits, and greenhouse industry best practices.

1. Maximize Sunlight Exposure

Sunlight is the most critical factor for greenhouse performance. For small greenhouses, this becomes even more crucial because there’s limited internal space to compensate for inconsistent lighting.

Ideal orientation:

• North Hemisphere: Face the greenhouse south or southeast.

• South Hemisphere: Face the greenhouse north or northeast.

• Aim for at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight, especially in winter.

Avoid shade from:

• Nearby buildings

• Trees (they also drop leaves and attract pests)

• Fences or walls

Tip: Use a sun calculator app or watch the site over the day to track how sunlight moves through the space.

2. Protect from Harsh Winds

Small greenhouses are more vulnerable to strong wind damage. Placing them in a naturally sheltered area or installing windbreaks (hedges, fences) can prevent structural stress and help maintain internal temperatures.

What to do:

• Use existing structures as a wind buffer, but not at the expense of sunlight.

• Consider placing a greenhouse behind a south-facing wall for both shelter and thermal gain.

• Install anchoring systems if the greenhouse is on an open or elevated site.

3. Drainage and Soil Conditions

Poor drainage around your greenhouse can lead to:

• Foundation instability

• Mold and algae growth

• Increased humidity inside

Choose slightly elevated terrain or install a gravel or concrete base with proper drainage.

If your greenhouse will be placed directly on soil, test for drainage by digging a small hole, filling it with water, and seeing how quickly it drains (within 1–2 hours is ideal).

4. Accessibility and Utilities

Make sure your greenhouse is easy to access year-round, not just in warm weather.

Checklist:

• Close to a water source (hose, irrigation system)

• Near an electrical outlet (if using grow lights, fans, heaters)

• Pathways that are non-slippery and easy to navigate with a wheelbarrow or tools

• Away from areas that flood or collect snow in winter

Pro tip: Avoid placing your greenhouse too far from your house or working area—you’ll use it more often if it’s convenient.

5. Consider Structural Surfaces

Some small greenhouses are lean-to models attached to a wall. In such cases:

• Use brick or stone walls for thermal mass (they retain and radiate heat)

• Choose walls with southern exposure

• Make sure the wall is structurally sound and waterproofed

6. Urban & Rooftop Placement

Urban gardeners can use rooftops or balconies for small greenhouses. Here are key considerations:

• Weight load capacity (consult building codes)

• Secure anchoring

• Exposure to full sun but not too much wind

• Easy access to irrigation

Rooftop greenhouses are great for solar gain but may overheat—add ventilation and shading.

7.Seasonal Adjustments & Mobile Greenhouses

For movable greenhouses or hobby tunnels:

• Consider seasonal shifts in sun angle.

• Use wheels or skids to reposition.

• Ideal for crop rotation or following seasonal microclimates in your backyard.

8. Where Not to Place Your Small Greenhouse

Avoid:

• Deep shade from trees or buildings

• Low-lying areas prone to flooding

• Overhanging branches (risk of breakage or pests)

• Concrete patios with no drainage unless well modified

Final Placement Checklist

Need Help Choosing or Placing Your Greenhouse?

Contact us today to learn more about our small greenhouse solutions, including design, site selection, and installation tips. As a global manufacturer, we help growers from the ground up.