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Greenhouses & Garden Structures

Did I make a big mistake siting my HH?

16 years ago

Hi,

I sited my hoophouse so the endwalls are on the east and west side, thinking that it would be good to get full sun on the long south side.

However, I put up the solid west endwall - to block the prevailing wind - built a great drop down window for ventilation. And of course now the wall is blocking some of the sun by about 2:00 p.m.

Grrrrrr.

Will this be OK? I guess I could still take it apart and turn it?

Do any veggies actually like having a little bit of afternoon shade?? Lettuce and spinach, perhaps?

The other option is that I am planning to build a run for my chickens out of another set of hoops, and I could just use this whole wall on the chicken house... And maybe cover the west wall of the garden hoophouse with plastic instead.

Help!!!! I will go get some pictures to add.

Michelle

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Comments (7)

michelle_co
Original Author
16 years ago
photo at ~3:00 pm - shaded zone extends in about 4' at the furthest.

{{gwi:296042}}
oakhill (zone 9A, Calif.)
16 years ago
Most fruiting vegetables- tomato, cuc, pepper, do best in full sun all day. But as you mention, leafy crops do fine with some shade. One advantage to your solid west wall will be the shading/cooling effect when it gets hot, if you are planning to use the structure later in the season. Replacing the wood with plastic, at least for early spring and late fall would be a good idea to get max. light/heat.
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rosepedal
16 years ago
Michelle,

I have planted some flowers that actually like the shade and not too much sun. You will probably be happy having that little bit of shade in your gh. Who knows what you might plant next year or even this year. I said I was planting certain things this year and went overboard. Now I have tons of baby hostas and impatience that thrive in the shade. Just something to think about..... Your gh looks nice... Barb
cactusfreak
16 years ago
As the season progresses the sun will be higher in the sky. So you may not have that much shade later on in the year.
michelle_co
Original Author
16 years ago
After a night of soul-searching, I took it apart and turned the whole thing 90 degrees yesterday. There were a couple of benefits... Snow will now pile up along the solid side. The east side will now have full morning sun to warm up. And I can always put some shade cloth on the west side if some afternoon shade is needed.

Also, a couple of things that hadn't lined up exactly the way I wanted worked better going this direction.

It was a PITA, but I'm glad it's done. :-)

Cheers,
Michelle
jean-gh
16 years ago
Good for you Michelle! Right on Sister!

Peace-
Jean
boxcar_grower
16 years ago
You know what I love most? The pink step stool!

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