Shelving recommendations for indoor grower

[sheiman]

Apologies if this isn't the right section for this question. I currently grow my orchids indoors (in Brooklyn) on a wooden Ikea Ivar shelf that is basically garbage at this point, so I'd like to get some new shelving.

Any recommendations for affordable shelves that work well for growing orchids? What sort of material is good - metal, plastic, wood, etc? I don't need lights (yet...I just moved to a new apartment, so we'll see).

Thanks in advance for any help!

[wintergirl]

I use metal shelves (Seville Classic) that you can move up or down. I even put grow lights hanging from beneath the shelves where I need them. I had little sheets of heavy plastic (bought and cut at Lowes) to fit each shelf. You don't have to have the plastic but I like it. You can chose to use wheels or not. I have wheels as my plants are in front of a sliding door and I move them to use it. I put my phals with their long spikes on the top shelf. I also bought a "baker's shelf" on Craigslist for $20 that I use, but that one can't roll around.

I bought my Seville Classic shelves on Amazon. They have all different sizes. Here is the one I got. If you get it, have someone help you hold it together when putting it together, it is easier that way.

Amazon.com - Seville Classics 5-Shelf, 14-Inch by 30-Inch by 60-Inch Shelving System -

I first ordered my shelves from Walmart online, but they sent me a "little tykes" picnic bench instead. I was not happy to take that back to the store. The one from Amazon came, no problems.

[sheiman]

Thanks, Colette! LOL re: the little tykes picnic bench. :P I was thinking about maybe shelves like these. They seem like a good bet.

[wintergirl]

The plastic on the shelves makes everything more stable, nothing tips over even as I move it around. Plus water doesn't drip down on anything. I plan on getting another one if my collection gets any bigger. On my screen they are $64 with free shipping through Amazon, good price for a sturdy unit.

[sheiman]

Yeah, that's not bad at all. I can't decide if I want plastic or not. I could always try without and then add it later.

[wintergirl]

Right, you can add it later. What I used is called plexi-glass. It's not cheap but it's really sturdy.

[jmmehler]

I have evolved a fairly intricate indoor system. Even after figuring out the most cost efficient manner of setting it up, it still does cost some money. For me, the best shelving has been the 18” x 36” x 72” (width, length, height) stainless steel shelving. The best price I’ve found is at Costco 6 shelf units, with casters, for $99. I only use 3 shelves, bottom, top, and middle. I buy my 4’ 4 lamp, high output, T5 fluorescent lamps from growershouse.com, when they go on sale.

I rigged a set of pulley and 1/4” para-cord below the upper and middle shelves, so that I could adjust the height of the light fixtures. I also found some stainless steel hooks, specifically designed for stainless steel shelving, which allows me to hook the extra shelves, between units, without the need for additional posts.

Finally, I bought some 12” very porous tiles and cut them to fit the shelves, and notched them to fit the hooks for the lights, and additional shelves.

[sheiman]

Originally Posted by wintergirl

Right, you can add it later. What I used is called plexi-glass. It's not cheap but it's really sturdy.

Thanks!!

[wintergirl]

Nice set up. It is the same shelving type that I am using. Right now cheaper on Amazon, $64 vs $99 with free shipping. But then you used 1/2 of each unit so it is a bargain.

Here is an early picture of my unit, now totally filled with orchids.

[Leafmite]

I bought what Wintergirl has and then bought cheap plastic table clothes to cover the metal and the cardboard from the lights to put on top of that. I also have plastic shelves I use for growing outside.
I attached the lights to the shelf above with S-hooks to save space. If I grow under lights this year, I will have to increase humidity.