I bought the HFGH 6x8 in So Cal

[Ray]

Tomatoes are a no-no, for sure. The plants emit ethylene, which is toxic to most orchids, and will - at the very least - blast the flowers.

I suggest that you build a raised, pressure-treated lumber foundation that elevates the structure a foot or more.

If you completely line the floor with plastic, how will the irrigation water drain?

[IngieBee]

Originally Posted by Ray

Tomatoes are a no-no, for sure. The plants emit ethylene, which is toxic to most orchids, and will - at the very least - blast the flowers.

I suggest that you build a raised, pressure-treated lumber foundation that elevates the structure a foot or more.

If you completely line the floor with plastic, how will the irrigation water drain?

Oh dear, had no idea about the tomato plants emitting ethylene! Thanks for that info!

Also, I was thinking of sealing off the floor to keep bugs out, leaving a hole with hardware cloth and bug screen. I can't seal it off with soil or anything... And I did want to capture humidity. Is that a dumb idea?

Roberta, I was also hoping it would seal out the cold air in winter. It gets into the high 20's here once in a while . I was planning on using concrete Piers, those small ones with the wood on top. Their weight, and that of the wood would be the primary securing mechanisms for resisting the wind. I'd put 4x4s in each corner and build the benches using them as part of their structure.



Thanks you two for all your invaluable input!

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by IngieBee

Also, I was thinking of sealing off the floor to keep bugs out, leaving a hole with hardware cloth and bug screen. I can't seal it off with soil or anything... And I did want to capture humidity. Is that a dumb idea?

Roberta, I was also hoping it would seal out the cold air in winter. It gets into the high 20's here once in a while . I was planning on using concrete Piers, those small ones with the wood on top. Their weight, and that of the wood would be the primary securing mechanisms for resisting the wind. I'd put 4x4s in each corner and build the benches using them as part of their structure.



Thanks you two for all your invaluable input!

Those autumn Santa Ana winds can be very strong, and wreak havoc on anything that is lightweight and not firmly tied down.

Small drainage holes will not let in enough cold air to make a difference. You will have very few bugs through them either... I assume that you will have roof vents, those will let in more than any little drainage holes. If you don't, you'll cook your orchids. For that size greenhouse you should have two roof vents (use the openers that work on heat, that don't take electricity and don't need your attention) In summer, I use a big fogger to keep temperature down... our relatively low humidity makes them quite efficient. It's small enough that a 110v. electric heater (suitable for greenhouses) will be adequate. And a fan or two 24x7 to keep up air circulation is also important. So yes, you need to get electricity to the GH.

---------- Post added at 08:26 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:08 AM ----------

IngieBee, I sent you a PM