Greenhouses are more than just metal and plastic — they’re living systems that depend on sunlight, airflow, and good layout to thrive. And while many growers focus on materials and square footage, greenhouse site planning is one of the most overlooked (and most important) parts of a successful build.
Get this wrong, and you could face higher energy bills, poor crop performance, or even structural issues down the line.
Whether you’re building a retail structure, a high tunnel, or a year-round commercial greenhouse, here’s what to consider before staking out your footprint.
1. Sunlight: Orientation Is Everything
Your greenhouse lives and dies by sunlight. To maximize light exposure — especially during colder months when daylight is limited — orientation is key.
General rule of thumb:
- East–West orientation is best for winter crops and year-round growing
- North–South orientation is often better for summer growing and reducing shadowing in multi-bay greenhouses
If your goal is consistent light throughout the year, go with East–West. Want to reduce overheating in summer months? North–South might serve you better.
We’ve helped dozens of Midwest growers optimize orientation based on latitude, crop type, and season. Let us help you plan yours.
2. Drainage and Elevation: Water Always Wins
You don’t want your greenhouse to become a swamp after every rainfall. Poor drainage is one of the biggest long-term threats to your structure, foundation, and crops.
During your greenhouse site planning, aim for:
- A high, level location that naturally sheds water
- Grading the ground to prevent pooling around the perimeter
- Drain tile or gravel sub-base if needed
If you’re unsure about drainage or need help evaluating a site, our team at Quality Structures can do a site review and help you avoid costly surprises.
3. Wind Protection: Friend and Foe
Greenhouses need air movement, but not constant battle with the wind. Open fields are great for sunlight, but without windbreaks, they can become a liability.
What to consider:
- Avoid placing your structure in wind tunnels (between buildings, for example)
- Install windbreak fencing or use natural tree lines if possible
- Anchor the structure properly (especially with poly film greenhouses)
When we handle commercial greenhouse construction, we always account for wind loads and regional wind patterns — especially in exposed Midwestern areas.
4. Accessibility: For You, Your Equipment, and Your Customers
A greenhouse should be easy to access — for deliveries, watering, crop transport, and if applicable, for customers.
Make sure your plan includes:
- Gravel or concrete access paths for carts and vehicles
- Enough clearance around the perimeter for maintenance
- Proper utility access (water, electricity, and gas if needed)
- Customer parking if it’s a retail structure
Don’t wait until the build is done to realize the water line is 100 feet too short.
5. Think Ahead: Leave Room to Grow
We’ve seen it too many times — a grower builds one house, then needs to expand within a year… but boxed themselves in.
When you’re planning the site:
- Leave space for additional greenhouses
- Align the first structure with future rows or bays in mind
- Make your utility lines expandable
- Design with efficiency, not just beauty
Good greenhouse site planning saves time and thousands of dollars when it’s time to scale.
Start with the Right Partner
At Quality Structures, we help growers across the Midwest design, build, and optimize greenhouses from the ground up — literally.
Whether you need a full site consultation or just want feedback on your layout before construction begins, we’re here to help. We’ve worked on everything from single high tunnels to full-scale retail garden centers, and we bring that experience to every project.
If you’re ready to build smart, contact us today and let’s get your greenhouse started the right way.
