Site Preparation Choosing a Greenhouse Site If possible locate the greenhouse where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight during the winter months. A good site also is sheltered from high winds, is close to water and electricity, and is easily accessible from your home and garden. Avoid a site which is shaded by buildings or trees during the winter. The best orientation is to position the greenhouse with the length running east and west. The angle of the roof is engineered for catching the maximum amount of the suns rays in the winter with the least amount of loss by reflection. If you end up using shadecloth during warm days in spring and summer, you will only need to shade one side of the house, instead of both sides. Building the Foundation 1. The foundation must be level and square. We recommend using 4"x6" treated landscape timbers which are 8' long. The 6" side should be turned up to increase the height of the greenhouse. 2. The frame of the greenhouse will fit right over the outside lip if the foundation is built to the extreme outside dimensions. This outside dimension is listed for each model as the Width and Length. 3. It is recommended to use 45 degree brackets in each of the four corners, and nailing plates to join the two side pieces together. Once the foundation is square and level leave it as is until the greenhouse frame is placed on it and then make final adjustments. 4. Once you are satisfied with placement nail the foundation boards together for additional strength. If you wish to further anchor to the ground, use 2' tie rod, two on each side, driven into the ground and secured to foundation with j-nails.
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