How many hours per day does a greenhouse/plants really need?

[Guest]

We’re starting our greenhouse build next week. we’re in the deep south, zone 8b. I have my spot  picked out, but I’m trying to determine how to use shade from a large tree for the afternoon hours. how many hours per day does a greenhouse/plants really need?

i want to take advantage of good morning sun, but our summer afternoons are brutal at times. if I put the greenhouse in a place that gets 6 hours of sun, is that all I need? I want to use it all year.

mostly for seed starting and overwintering citrus, maybe even a birdies raised bed in there for winter lettice, etc. thanks for any suggestions!

[Kai]

I’m in same situation, Columbia, SC, I want to extend season on some tropical plants and protect over winter. I grow moringa which can grow to 15 feet tall in a season.

I was thinking a full solid roof then the East and South sides full glass 6-9ft tall. Entrance would be on west side, North wall closed but would be thermal wall (brick or water) I then have an apple and a mulberry trees to block some of south and east sun in summer. Roof would have a decent overhang to block summer sun. Could add a solar shade if trees aren’t enough. Would need lots of vents for summer heat.

Or I was thinking of a temporary fold up or removable panels greenhouse with permanent brick foundation. Then wouldn't have to worry about things getting cooked in summer. It would be like a giant cold frame.

 

[David]

We are in zone 6 our greenhouse is getting up to triple digits and it is only 60 degrees, we install a 70% shade cloth that is on from Feb to November and have great success.