My Greenhouse in San Diego

[khozmo]

My wife has given me the gift of a greenhouse. There is a good chance that it is not in the best place but its the only space that I have. Right now its going to be 4x6x7 SE side of the house with clear plastic as the covering. I might have to install some white panels in case the direct sunlight is too strong and burns the plants. I plan to use semi-hydro for all my plants unless they do not do well in that type of media. Right now I only have about 6 phals that have been limping along for the last 5 years mostly due to neglect (have two kids under 5)

The first problem I think I am going to have is regulating the temperature. During the day its anywhere from 70-90 but at night it can drop to the low 60's or high 50's but in winter I fear is going to get very cold all the time.

Do I need to starting thinking about some form of heating system now?

Also the hard water I am concerned is going to have a high build up of calcium on the containers.

Any feedback or idea's would be greatly appreciated. I would rather invest in technology than in plants that keep dying.

[james mickelso]

Where do you live in SD? I am in North County along the coast. You may or may not need heating during the winter. When I needed heating I bought a small electric heater that put out 750 watts or radiant heat. With my overhead fan, that was all that was needed. You can winterize the GH by sealing the door and any vents with duct tape. You probably want to keep most of your orchids on the dry side as they won't be in active growth from Oct to March. As for the summer heat, if you can, water the ground inside the GH in the morning so there is more humidity which will help modify the warmth somewhat. Get one of those fans you can hang or put under the bench and that will also modify the temp somewhat. Lots of strategies for a small GH. Do you belong to either San Diego orchid Society or Palomar Orchid Club? You'll get lots of help from either club. SDOS meets the first teusday of the month in Balboa Park, Case del Prado at 630. Palomar meets the first wed of the month at Lake San Marcos in the Conference Center. Hope to see you at one of our functions.