Garden by a Greenhouse: Sunny Sides plus Runoff Beds
A garden by a greenhouse sits in a mix of microclimates. UC Marin Master Gardeners note southern exposures are warm plus sunny even in winter, while western exposures run hotter, windier plus drier. Nebraska Extension notes glazed structures collect heat from the sun, which is how cold frames extend the season.
The short answer
A garden by a greenhouse uses warm south plus west sides for sun lovers. UC Marin notes southern exposures stay warm even in winter. Clemson advises against planting under eaves plus sets taller shrubs 5 feet from walls. UMass advises clearing weeds that shelter pests around greenhouse spaces.
What grows well beside a greenhouse?
UC Marin Master Gardeners advise choosing the right plant for each microclimate. Southern sides suit sun lovers, while shade moves with time of day plus season.
| Factor | Target | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubs over 6 feet | Foliage 5 feet from walls | Clemson |
| Eaves | Avoid planting under them | Clemson |
| South side | Warm plus sunny in winter | UC Marin |
| West side | Hotter, windier plus drier | UC Marin |
| Weeds | Clear them early | UMass |
Source: Clemson, UC Marin plus UMass Extension.
Which side of a greenhouse is warmest?
UC Marin notes southern exposures are warm plus sunny even in winter, with longer growing seasons. Western exposures get afternoon sun plus run hotter, windier plus drier. Paved surfaces plus gravel absorb heat by day plus shed it at night.
How far should beds sit from the walls?
Clemson Cooperative Extension advises against planting under the eaves. It sets foliage of shrubs over 6 feet tall at least 5 feet from walls. Leave space to reach the glazing.
How to: step by step
- Chart sun plus shade around the greenhouse.
- Leave a clear strip under the eaves.
- Plant sun lovers on the south side.
- Set tall shrubs well back from the walls.
- Mark where water pools after rain.
- Clear weeds around the greenhouse early.
Troubleshooting
Leaves burned on the west side: hot, dry exposure. Water more often.
Waterlogged soil at the eaves: roof runoff. Move plants out of the strip.
Pests reappear each spring: weeds nearby. Clear them early.
For more on outdoor growing see garden microclimates for cannabis, planning an outdoor cannabis garden layout plus cannabis heat stress. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Extend your growing season with a hotbed or cold frame, Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County
- How to assess your microclimates, UC Marin Master Gardeners
- Cleaning and disinfecting the greenhouse, UMass Amherst Extension Greenhouse and Floriculture
- Foundation plantings, Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC
FAQ
Can a greenhouse wall shade nearby beds?
Yes. UC Marin Master Gardeners note shade from structures matters plus changes with the time of day plus season. The north side of a greenhouse gets the least sun. Watch the beds through a full day before choosing plants plus save the sunny south side for heat lovers.
Where does greenhouse roof runoff go?
UC Marin Master Gardeners advise paying attention to where water pools in a yard. Clemson Cooperative Extension advises against planting under the eaves of a building. Leave the strip under the roof edge open plus plant just outside it so runoff does not drown roots or wash soil away.
Do paved surfaces warm nearby beds?
They can. UC Marin Master Gardeners note paved surfaces, gravel, rock plus decks absorb heat during the day plus release it back at night. A gravel path along a greenhouse adds a little warmth to the bed beside it. Plant cover also holds heat plus moisture in the soil.
Can I use a cold frame beside a greenhouse?
Yes. Nebraska Extension notes a cold frame is passively heated by the sun through a clear lid of plastic, glass or fiberglass. Black painted jugs of water absorb heat by day plus release it at night. Set it on the sunny side so it gets full winter sun.
Why clear weeds near a greenhouse?
UMass Extension advises cleaning greenhouses as early as possible to remove overwintering sites for pests. Weeds plus debris shelter insects plus disease. It advises against stone over weed mat, since stone traps soil plus moisture. Hold the strip right around the greenhouse clear plus mulch beds farther out.
