How difficult is it to regulate a GH? - Orchid Board

Paul Mc · #5 04-03-2011, 12:11 PM

Thanks guys. After having done some more reading, I am certainly considering buying one that already has the pieces together, as long as it will fit height wise. I've already got the space mapped out for max size.

While I would love to use thick tempered glass for this so you can see the orchids growing inside, I would presume that double panes would be necessary for better temp regulation. I don't like the looks of the anything that "blocks your view."

Rosie, I had not considered having automatic airflow shutters, but that's a great idea. I live in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, and it can get very cold to very hot here in a blink of an eye.

I am planning on including an exhaust fan, thermostat and hygrometer readers/controllers, a heavy duty electric heater, solar roof vent opener(s) (automatic shutters only), an automated mist system (as per Rosie's suggestion), and a sunscreen shade cloth, and probably a regular large fan somewhere set on a timer for semi-continuous air flow.

The position will be against my house in the backyard, with southern exposure. There is only one tree anywhere around and it's canopy will somewhat protect the GH during the noon hours. However, morning and evening it will not, thus the sunscreen shade cloth.

We would also have dedicated electrical lines run to it for operating all electrical stuff, plus a few extra outlets for lighting and whatever else we would want to operate in there. We would also probably have two separate water lines brought out, one for the misting system (though I'm not sure how they work yet so this might not be needed) and another for regular watering/cleaning usage.

BTW BikerDoc, I love your greenhouse! I'm green with envy, lol...

I will look at Costco.

What are shipping costs like for these kits though? Wouldn't it be cheaper to higher a contractor who does greenhouses to make one specific to my specifications? Just a thought.