Greenhouse?

[homestead jenna]

Hi - I'm Jenna and this is my first post here.

I'm thinking of adding a lean-to greenhouse to my place. There's a HUGE concrete porch that has an iron railing on the east face of my house. It would be a really perfect place - close to my outdoor garden, chickens and bees.

My question is whether this place will actually get enough sun. I have no idea how much sun a greenhouse should have, much less what the minimum amount is that you can get by on.

I'm envisioning using this for starting seeds for the veggie garden primarily...but it could be a help with indoor heat if I do it right. Maybe a place to put a lawn chair. Possibly house my pullets out there temporarily before putting them in the henhouse. (I don't have plans for many birds). Am I being too optimistic?

Can you tell this is still in the ruminating phase? :rainbow-sun

I'm in zone 6b. I should also say my house is on the east side of a Maryland mountain - I don't get to see a real sunset. :coolsun

 

[DrakeMaiden]

Welcome Jenna!

So long as there aren't a lot of trees, I think the east side of your house is perfect for a greenhouse.

Are you wanting to use the greenhouse to grow some things over winter? I would check to make sure it gets good light right now.

For extending the season of heat-loving crops, a large structure will probably keep heat best during cooler nights. The concrete would aid in heat retention. If you find it isn't quite warm enough, you can also help insulate your starts with row covers and/or mini plastic greenhouses (inside your larger structure).

I'd do it!

Though for passive solar heating during the winter months, south facing would be much more functional.

Good luck.