Need greenhouse help, please

[JTPT]

Hello, my husband and I are getting ready to move from Miami, Fl. to Colorado. We will be bringing our children -about 450+ orchids and our dog - with us. :-) Most of our orchids are hanging under a pergola outside (approx. 500 sq ft) that wraps the side and back area of our home. The pergola is long and narrow.

My husband is convinced he needs a 14 ft x 30 ft greenhouse, but I think that's a lot more than we need! We've spoken with a couple of greenhouse companies already, BUT I'M HOPING SOMEONE CAN HELP US DETERMINE WHAT SIZE WE NEED. Also, any greenhouse company recommendations is VERY APPRECIATED, along with suggestions on greenhouse necessities and amenities.

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! Wishing all a peaceful holiday season!

[Roberta]

First, Welcome!

My advice with regard to greenhouse (or any other growing area) is, figure out what you think you need, and double it. Plants grow (taking up more space as they do), and of course there are new acquisitions. Everybody experiences "running out of room", usually sooner than later.

Unless you grow only mini- and micro- orchids (I suspect not) that 14 x 30 GH will fill up fast.

[Dimples]

I agree with R, get the biggest greenhouse you can afford and don’t skimp on the heating system.

[Roberta]

And have a backup plan for heating in case of power failure or other disaster (like a portable propane heater that doesn't need a fan to work). When temperatures are far below freezing, there is little or no margin for error. You can get away with 6 hours of no electricity in Florida, in Colorado in winter if your heater needs it, not so much. Here's a handy calculator for estimating how much heater you need. Greenhouse Heater Size Calculator from ACF Greenhouses

[ArronOB]

If I were making your move I would think first about what size greenhouse suits your property and gives you good space around it. Then I would cut my collection down till I had a small, well curated collection that thrives in that space.

I suspect you will loose a lot in the move anyway.