The success of a greenhouse project depends on the amount of sunlight that it gets. Generally, a greenhouse should get at least enough to allow the plants to grow properly.
Ideally, a greenhouse should get at least 6 hours of sun a day in the winter. It’s important to avoid shadows from buildings and trees, as most plants prefer full sun.
Full sun is ideal for most greenhouse plants, especially during the winter season. To avoid getting shadows from trees and buildings, you should place your greenhouse in a location that’s well-ventilated. Partial shade can also be used in certain climates, such as those with high altitudes.
A greenhouse’s light requirements vary depending on the season and the plants’ growing conditions. Generally, it needs about 6 to 8 hours of sunlight to maintain its proper growth and development.
Types of Sunlight for Plants
Generally, plants require at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. This depends on several factors. Generally, most greenhouse plants require more than 6 hours of sunlight each day.
Some plants, such as greenhouse plants, are sun-thirsty and may require more sunlight than others. Certain leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale, can tolerate less than ideal sunlight.
Vegetables like radishes, carrots, and potatoes thrive in the medium sun. They require around 3 to 4 hours of continuous sunlight a day.
| Sunlight Amount | Plants |
| Shade-tolerant | Leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, kale, and other leafy greens. |
| Medium Sun | Root vegetables such as potatoes, radishes, carrots, and others. |
| Full Sun | 1. Tomatoes, pumpkins, squashes, melons, peppers, and other vine vegetables are among the most common. 2. Chilies, berries, and a variety of other fruits and vegetables |
Risk of Excessive Sunlight for Plants
Too much sunlight can harm a variety of plants and trees. During the mid-summer months, the high temperature can cause them to overheat.
Tomatoes and other sun-loving plants can die if they’re exposed to too much sunlight. Also, the high amount of sunlight that they receive will damage the root systems of these plants.
Too much sunlight and too little sunlight are both harmful to the plants. In addition, keeping the plants in the shade can help prevent them from overheating.
Over exposure to the Sun can turn the leaves of the plant brown. This can also cause them to turn yellow.
Related: What Is The Best Height For A Greenhouse?
When to Use Artificial Lighting
When it comes to growing indoor greenhouse plants, artificial lighting is often not enough to provide the proper amount of sunlight to allow them to thrive. Also, if your greenhouse is located in a northern latitude, artificial lighting is required.
During the winter and early spring, artificial light is also beneficial. It can help provide the plants with the proper amount of light throughout the year.
Although artificial lights are commonly used for indoor greenhouse setups, they can also cause issues due to their design. In addition, some of them can generate too much heat, which can harm the plants.
Effective Shading
During the afternoon sun, which is usually the height of summer, a glass-covered greenhouse structure can damage the plants. Instead of harming them, plant deciduous trees on the other side of the greenhouse to reduce the light’s penetration.
Best Greenhouse Location for Sunlight & Heat
The right place for your greenhouse depends on the type of plant that you have and the season. Generally, plants require more sunlight during the winter season and less during the summer.
- The north-south axis is the best place for your greenhouse.
- Place your greenhouse on the axis of east-west.
If your area has a cold climate, then it would be best to place your greenhouse on the east-west axis. This will give your plants more exposure to the sun during the winter season and less during the summer.
How to Position Your Greenhouse
Positioning your greenhouse is an important step in its lifecycle. Generally, it should be placed in the direction that you want it to be placed.
Ideally, your greenhouse should be placed in a sunny location with little shade and wind. Having a sunny greenhouse will help keep the plants happy and healthy, as shade can reduce their natural heat.
It’s also important to remember that different climate conditions will require slightly different setups.
