Which orientation is recommended for optimizing light distribution in a greenhouse?

• A. North-South orientation with the longest side facing north and south
• B. East-West orientation with the longest side facing east and west
• C. Diagonal orientation from northeast to southwest
• D. Circular layout around a central courtyard

Answer: (B)

Light distribution in a greenhouse is greatly affected by its orientation relative to the sun’s path, which determines how evenly daylight reaches across the growing area throughout the day. Aligning the long axis east–west allows the sun’s movement from east to west to illuminate the long sides for a larger portion of the day, promoting more uniform light on both sides and across the full length of the house. In the morning light hits the eastern side and, as the day progresses, the western side captures sunlight, reducing persistent shading and providing steadier light levels along the benches. This setup also tends to balance heat inputs on both sides rather than concentrating them on one end.

A north–south orientation would expose the longer interior length to changing light angles in a way that can create more uneven lighting and deeper shading in parts of the greenhouse. Diagonal or circular layouts don’t offer the same straightforward, repeatable light capture along the length of the growing area and are not practical for standard bench layouts.