Greenhouse Growing in Colorado - Orchid Board

NAgreenhouse · #1 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009, 10:52 AM

We live in Colorado and to say the least, it's a challenge growing much of anything out here except pine and Aspen trees, Columbines (they're my favorite). Flowers? Hmmm.... Holly Hock, tulips, daffadills and the like.

This last year my wife and I visited Colombia (her native country). In Colorado we have small yellow daisies growing by the side of the roads. In Colombia, Orchids grow everywhere! I was amazed and impressed.

Now, of course I can't grow orchids outside in Colorado, but I began growing orchids in a greenhouse that I found online and it's great. Let me tell you about it.

It's a twin-walled 10mm polycarbonate greenhouse with dimensions of 8' x 14' x 7' 6". It has double sliding doors in the front, 4 roof vents, a galvanized steel base and came with staging tables along the two long sides and the back wall. A second set of shelves is suspended over the 36" high staging tables. And here's the best part.... I got it for under $2,000 delivered! I was looking everywhere and could only find similar greenhouses for $4,000 to $5,000 which was more than I wanted to spend. The only downside was that I had to wait about 5 weeks for it to arrive as it came from overseas. However, the wait was well worth it.

I have to use a 15,000 BTU natural gas vented heater to keep it warm in the winter, but there's nothing better than going out to my greenhouse in the middle of winter, while watching is snow, and be surrounded by beautiful plants, moist tropical air and the smells of soil, plants and there's even some insects in there that made the greenhouse their home for the winter. I added a humidifier and misting system as well. On sunny winter days I even have to open the roof vents a little as it get's too hot inside.

Now, I'm not an expert in orchids. I grew up in Ohio! But, I'm slowly learning and finally putting my degree in Ag to use.

Just thought I'd share this with you. Growing orchids in Colorado is possible and very enjoyable.

DebsC · #2 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009, 02:21 PM

Very nice!!! And I agree, there's nothing sweeter than spending time in the greenhouse on dreary winter days. A little taste and smell of heaven!

Welcome to the board, btw!!

So, what do mainly grow in your paradise house? I'm certainly no expert in growing orchids, either. But I give it my best shot and enjoy a variety of blooms, mostly cattleya with a few paphs, phals and phrags thrown in.

I hope you enjoy your greenhouse and this board and will post often about your orchids. Pictures, too! I think we all enjoy the pictures!

Have fun!