Getting organised as a beginner

[Liodoro]

Hello. I have just joined the Orchid Board and am just coming to grips with it.

I am also rapidly extending my orchid collection as I think I might have a slightly addictive personality!!

Is there any app that you can recommend that is basically a Year Planner that can be viewed on the computer screen in which to mark flowering times, rest times, special care etc.? I do have Google Calendar which is great and has a clear Month to a view, but I would love the same thing for the year.

Hope this is ok to post. With 24 orchids now and more to come, I need to find a strategy for planning.

[SADE2020]

Hahahahah you are describing a lot of us. : slightly addictive personality

I try an app but didn't work for me. I have a google sheet with all my notes and basic plan pic: I made my calendar there, when I am dealing with the planta I take notes on google keep on the phone (like quick notes), and then update the sheet on the computer when I have time.

But I am sure there is an app out there maybe anyone could advise you.

[Liodoro]

Thank you! I just looked at Google sheet and was rather boggled. I think perhaps I need to buy a poster and do it the old fashioned way. I am making notes and posting photos of each plant on my Keep Notes app but I'll find it hard to keep track.

[Shadeflower]

I have spotted an "orchid album lite" app on the app store, Not tried it but it's free.
Might be what you want.

oh wait the lite version only allows you to store 3 orchids lol.

That's no good.

[Liodoro]

Does anyone manage to stick to only 3??

I am trying very hard with a Google Sheet. I can't find a way of saving it. I am more used to Microsoft Office. I'll get there!

Many thanks,

Helen

[realoldbeachbum]

Welcome to the OB, Lio! If you find a good app, please let us know. I currently track my orchids on an Excel spreadsheet but it isn't as flexible as I would like. A database would be better.

I am fairly new to orchids (3 yrs) and am totally addicted -- now with 148.

You have found the right place for great orchid advice. These folks have grown orchids for years and are EXPERTS. You will appreciate their guidance very much.

Happy Growing!

[estación seca]

Be sure you don't go so overboard it becomes a chore. Gardening is supposed to be fun unless somebody is paying you to do it.

[Liodoro]

Oh my! There is no hope for me then! I am up to 31 in just three months!

Thank you for your advice re. Excel. As I have a Chromebook, I am going to persevere with Google sheets.

Yes, I can see that this Board is going to be a marvellous resource. The danger is that I want to read almost everything and won't be able to retain it all in my brain!

Out of interest, how is your collection formed? Do you concentrate on a particular species or type? Do you have a greenhouse or are they in your home. Perhaps you live somewhere tropical anyway and then I suppose it is much more straightforward keeping them outdoors. In 'sunny' Scotland there are challenges.

Many thanks for your kind words.

Helen

[realoldbeachbum]

Originally Posted by Liodoro

Out of interest, how is your collection formed? Do you concentrate on a particular species or type? Do you have a greenhouse or are they in your home. Perhaps you live somewhere tropical anyway and then I suppose it is much more straightforward keeping them outdoors. In 'sunny' Scotland there are challenges.

My collection started when someone gifted me a grocery store Phal and it rebloomed. It stayed in bloom continuously for 4 months. I WAS HOOKED AT THAT POINT!

My area is not great for outdoor growing and I do not have a greenhouse. I grow in a walk-out basement with big East windows, and on wire shelving units under grow lights. (For short periods of time I put them outdoors in the Summer.)

There are no Orchid shops/shows in my area so I buy from on-line vendors for the post part, or occasionally while on vacation in South Florida & California.

Scotland -- oh Scotland. That is where my ancestors migrated from (Mull).

Happy Growing.

[Liodoro]

Marvellous. How interesting. Yes, supermarket saves are wonderful! I used to live in London decades ago and indulged in some RHS show purchases. I remember my Twinkle vividly. But these are long gone. I hope with age comes more patience. It's great fun!