Shade House Advice - South Florida

[mia1aab]

Hello All. just recently joined the forum. My growing space is, well, all over the place. Most of my orchids are hanging underneath my avocado tree. The rest are scattered around my yard. I have ample space in my backyard to setup a shade house/structure which I definitely need in order to control the sunlight, moisture, and even sometimes cold weather. I've got some ideas about what to do but would like to know if there are any other members that have a shade house and could share their ideas. I have wooden fence all along my house. Was thinking about using lattice. Anyways, any input/advice is appreciated. Thanks.

[BettyE]

Hello, mia1aab, and WELCOME to Orchidboard. I'm in Tex. and grow in a greenhouse, so that I can control the heat/cold. Soooooo, I really can't advise you on your question. But, again, WELCOME. BettyE.

[dounoharm]

hi and welcome!! i too, am a greenhouse grower as i live in north carolina, but there will be lathehouse growers popping in soon to help you out....i wish i could grow in one!!

[nlm2951]

Hi and welcome. I live in so. florida and I have a lathehouse for my orchids I use a plastic on top of the house for protection (rain and cold) mine is 8' h x 16' l x 8'w, I have mist system and ligths only for 2 hours it's made from lattice plastic I want to post some pict., but I have to learn how. Good luck

[got ants]

Hi Mia, and welcome to the forum. I've been building these for others, so maybe I might give you some guidance.

First, you need to know what parameters you need, and how to get there. Those being Light, Water, Air.

I recommend using lattice on the sides, because while it offers shelter, it also allows a lot of air movement.

The top, you need to decide what you are growing, and what media you are growing. The easiest in south Florida is growing on mounts, whether it be cattleyas, phalenopsis, dendrobiums, or oncidiums. With mounts, you can get by with just shade clth on top, and not worry too much about excessive heat in the summer.

I grow mostly catts in pots, so we have corrugated plastic roof with shade cloth and sprinklers. Ideally with a covered roof, you would be better with a roof at least 9' high, if not higher.

While the best structure is all metal, it is not the most sightly to have in one's back yard. I build structures using pressure treated wood.

Here is a link to some of my work....
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...pics-work.html

I need to update this as I'm finished with the second half of the main orchid house..

[Arenalbotanicalgarden]

When I resided in Floridastan I built a shade house out of 2 by 6 PT and covered it all with hi-rib lathe. It survived hurricane Andrew, no problem. In hurricane country I wouldn't have anything else.