The Ultimate Outdoor Orchid House

[keithrs]

Originally Posted by Paul Mc

1.) There needs to be some sort of roof to keep rain water, hail and branches from the tree in the back yard falling into the orchid house during storms. However, I know a lot of people prefer allowing rain to fall on their orchids. What are your thoughts about this? If there is no roof, then my orchids that would be sensitive to crown rot like phal's would not be placed out there.

I do not recommend letting rain fall on your orchids.... You'll ended up with too many problems. You can collect the rain off the roof in trash cans and use that water for watering.

2.) What kind of wood and sealer should be used? It has been suggested using cedar as it is readily available in this area. I'm concerned about toxicity factors though.

Cedar is a great wood to use....

3.) I'm thinking that the shelves would need to be slightly slanted to keep water from standing on them. Do you believe this is a good idea?

Yes sir.... 1x4 1/4" gap or metal mesh

4.) I would like to find a way to keep all of the orchids from moving around during strong winds and storms. Also, I'd like to keep the racoons, squirrels and birds out of them. So, I'm considering some sort of screen door type structure. If they should move around, at least they would not fall off of the shelves. I think they might move around a bit as I'm attempting to build a structure that will accomodate more than I currently own, lol...

I can't think of anything practical other than a good old fashion green house.

5.) Any suggestions on pest control, i.e. slugs and snails? I know aluminum foil keeps them at bay, but how would I incorporate something into the structure to help keep them away? Is that even possible?

Sluggo plus

6.) Mounted and baskets, how do you ensure the wind will not blow them around or off of your hangers? Originally, I was considering round bars of wood like you would see in a closet to hang your clothes on. However, I'm not so sure that would be the best option.

I think gav. Pipe would be better.

7.) A friend at our local OS says he uses an outdoor fan and has misters set to go off to help raise humidity and lower temperature. What are your thoughts on this? I've never used either for my orchids before, and I'm hoping the Orchid House would be open enough to allow wind to travel through it. But I'd rather be safe than sorry. Getting an electrical line run out there would be relatively easy, but a water line would have to be figured out. There will be a garden hose next to the building although the hook up for it is about 10 yards away. It's a 50 yard hose.

I would wait to see if you'll need a fan or misters. I would run electrical and water.

I'm curious what your going to do when it gets cold out?

[Paul Mc]

Thank you Keithrs. All noted. To answer your question, I will bring them all inside when the temps dip beyond what they can handle.

[keithrs]

My ? is.... If your going through the trouble, Why not build a greenhouse? I don't think it will cost you that much more and you can "tune in" your conditions.

[Paul Mc]

The issue is that the space is small and there is. I where else to build a structure like this. Our backyards are extremely tight here in the city of st. Louis. Also, a patio is built all around the area making getting additional electricity out there a nightmare and a huge cost. Believe me, I'd love a greenhouse but after researching it and the costs, it's just cheaper to build this structure. The idea is to better protect them outside and keep them off of the ground.

[Paul Mc]

Well, we're getting our thoughts and ideas together. We're thinking it will be May when the project begins. We're going trough ideas and pics now to determine the final overall form.

[shadytrake]

Hi Paul,

You can use bread trays for benches. Lots of grocery stores throw them out. Here is my project.

Believe me, you will want to screen your area if you want to spend evening time out there. Mosquitoes!

They must be as bad in St Louis as here. Plus your weather is about the same as Memphis in Summer...a little colder in Winter (one zone colder).

My Greenhouse Project

[Paul Mc]

Well, construction has started. A bit later than anticipated, but that's all good. Here's the spot it will be built in, from post to post and about 4 feet deep.

I'll post update pics as we progress. Going over final detailing on Saturday so he'll know what other pieces to buy and cut.

[ACK2]

Paul, I am excited for you and think that this is quite the project!

As you progress with your construction please post pics.

[Paul Mc]

Well, all plants have been moved now. Here's the area.


And here's one of my little diggers/helpers. The other one is camera shy. Notice the dirt on her snout and just above her eyes, lol...

[Paul Mc]

The building gas begun! Yippeeeeeee!

And here are the bare bones!



The roof should be mostly done by this evening.