Replace walkin greenhouse cover with 40-60 %shade clothe

[Roberta]

Choose your shadecloth percentage based on the conditions in your yard. My yard runs east-west, the center has no trees, in summer it toasts essentially all day. I use 60% pretty much everywhere. If you have some shading from trees or house, etc. in mid-day, then 50% might be better. Also, this time of year, the sun angle will continue to get lower so getting adequate light might be a consideration. Then in the spring you have to be alert to brightening - right around the vernal equinox, the sun may suddenly clear barriers (and orchids hate abrupt changes that don't let them adapt)- I have toasted more leaves in mid to late March than any other time.

Do you need to protect plants from cold? Those would benefit from the plastic (you might be even adding some heat in winter) There's not one set of conditions that works for everything... you might consider an area outside the greenhouse for the more cold-tolerant plants (and just provide some shade cloth as needed) and keep the greenhouse enclosed, at least through the colder months, for the things that need some protection.

[aparnamane]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Choose your shadecloth percentage based on the conditions in your yard. My yard runs east-west, the center has no trees, in summer it toasts essentially all day. I use 60% pretty much everywhere. If you have some shading from trees or house, etc. in mid-day, then 50% might be better. Also, this time of year, the sun angle will continue to get lower so getting adequate light might be a consideration. Then in the spring you have to be alert to brightening - right around the vernal equinox, the sun may suddenly clear barriers (and orchids hate abrupt changes that don't let them adapt)- I have toasted more leaves in mid to late March than any other time.

Do you need to protect plants from cold? Those would benefit from the plastic (you might be even adding some heat in winter) There's not one set of conditions that works for everything... you might consider an area outside the greenhouse for the more cold-tolerant plants (and just provide some shade cloth as needed) and keep the greenhouse enclosed, at least through the colder months, for the things that need some protection.

Hi Roberta,

Thank you so much.

Its very helpful. I would be able to move Oncidium types to my garage to east facing window where my phals are moved last week, as you suggested to move phales inside.

Just quick quetion does Tolumnias and Cats will do ok with only shade clothe or they need protection from cold or they are ok in the current setup for light as well as cold, without shade clothe? Please let me know what your experience is I understand it varies as per different types but will give me general idea.


Thanks.