Which side of a building generally has the coolest growing temperature?

The north side of a building generally has the coolest growing temperature due to its exposure to sunlight. In the Northern Hemisphere, the sun tracks across the southern sky, meaning that the north side of any structure receives significantly less direct sunlight throughout the day. As a result, plants situated on the north side are less subjected to the intense heat that can be experienced on the south side, which receives the most sunlight, or the west side, which can experience extreme heat in the afternoon as the sun sets.

Additionally, the east side gets morning sun, which can warm up early in the day, and the west side receives direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day. In contrast, the south side, while benefiting from the most general sunlight exposure, can lead to warmer conditions overall. Thus, the north side creates a cooler microenvironment conducive to certain plants that prefer less direct sun and cooler temperatures, making it an ideal choice for growth in hotter climates.