My Setup for Winter - Orchid Board

shadytrake · #1 (**permalink**) 10-18-2009, 09:37 PM

Well winter is rearing its head early this year

so I had to make some adjustments earlier than I anticipated.

Here are pictures and specs of my setup.

9x11 shadehouse converted to a makeshift greenhouse.
Sides and roof are 6 mil Visqueen and the eaves are stuffed with foam.

1 set of T5 lights and 2 sets of T12 lights plugged to a 3 prong extra heavy duty (12 guage) extension cord which is run to my house to an unused dedicated circuit.

2 Warm Steam Vaporizers which alternate with the heater to another heavy duty extension cord run to the garage circuit.

1 Utility Heater with 2 heat settings and a thermostat from Lowes ($20) which works great so far.

We got down to 39 last night and the heater kept the GH a balmy 61.

We will probably have to put up another layer of Visqueen on the inside walls, but we're going to wait until temps are regularly in the 30s at night.

My chids are so spoiled.

Swamper · #2 (**permalink**) 10-18-2009, 09:43 PM

Wow Melissa, that looks great and cozy too. It's gotten really cold here today too. I had to trade in my wife beater for a long sleeve shirt today. Brrrrrrr.

calvin_orchidL · #3 (**permalink**) 10-19-2009, 12:50 AM

That looks like a little slice of heaven! WOW - those orchids sure have it good! My only concern would be light, but I'm guessing you'll have some natural light too so everything should be just fine. Amazing job

Ranchnanny · #4 (**permalink**) 10-19-2009, 01:07 AM

I envy you having them in the GH wish I could do that. Aren't you afraid of a power outage??? The cost of heating the greenhouse all winter changed my mind.
Your orchids look so healthy and happy.
Good Luck
Sheridan

shadytrake · #5 (**permalink**) 10-19-2009, 10:37 PM

Hey Sheridan. Yes we do get the occasional power outage. We are debating about whether to get a generator or a propane heater as a backup.

shadytrake · #6 (**permalink**) 11-01-2009, 01:25 PM

Well I did some rearranging and updating.

I added 2 T8 shoplights for the lower level of the GH and we donated the HUGE tropicals to the local Botanic Garden (had to make room for the chids).

The Botanic Gardens were so excited that they convinced hubby to volunteer to help them remount some orchids in February and they gave him a really nice Coelogyne ovalis in spike.

With the added T8s, I moved my compots to be right under them. Everyone seems to be happy and getting enough light.

trdyl · #7 (**permalink**) 11-01-2009, 02:41 PM

That looks great.

DebsC · #8 (**permalink**) 11-06-2009, 11:58 PM

Nice setup!! Enjoy the winter.

Sandy4453 · #9 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadytrake

My chids are so spoiled.

Great setup. Enjoy!!!