UPDATE: (2 Years Later) Orchid House #1

[AaronC]

So I figured I should do an update for everyone. I posted March of 2013 regarding this greenhouse being built by my boyfriend. WELL IT IS PRETTY MUCH DONE! I have orchids growing in it. Just little things here and there still being touched up. Here are some pictures of my set-up.

[orchidsarefun]

Thanks for the update and great job !

[WhiteRabbit]

Nice!

[Leafmite]

The greenhouse has turned out really wonderful! Thanks for sharing an update with us.

[smweaver]

That's pretty cool. What are the dimensions? Have you found it easy to maintain--or is it a headache? If it weren't for the evil Stalinist-era inspired neighborhood association restrictions in my subdivision, I would build one of these in a second.

[AaronC]

Originally Posted by smweaver

That's pretty cool. What are the dimensions? Have you found it easy to maintain--or is it a headache? If it weren't for the evil Stalinist-era inspired neighborhood association restrictions in my subdivision, I would build one of these in a second.

It is 9' wide by 13' long by 13' tall. I have an automatic misting system and automatic fogging system so my watering is minimal. As for the cost of heating on the other hand.... I spend $34 a day in propane alone to keep this thing heated. My night time temperature is set to 15 degrees Celsius. The day time temperature is set to 21-23 degrees Celsius depending on the day of the week. I live on an acerage now but when I was first building it I looked up all the height restrictions and found that it is considered a temporary structure under my cities building acts. So I built the greenhouse to the exact dimensions of legality without a permit. Thanks for the comments to everyone else. I love it so far and encourage everyone to build one!

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[Polarizeme]

Originally Posted by AaronC

As for the cost of heating on the other hand.... I spend $34 a day in propane alone to keep this thing heated.

Two words for you
Bubble
Wrap

It truly works. I bought 2 rolls of it for a 10X12 greenhouse. Just make sure you get the continuous vs the perforated rolls. First, I put clear plastic sheeting on the walls and across the ceiling where the walls and roof line meet. If you lower your ceiling then you aren't losing heat at the peak. Then I put bubble wrap up on the walls and across the top.

Handy tech tip: I pulled the shadecloth off the top at the end of October because the sun isn't so bright. Adding plastic and bubble wrap will cut the sunlight. If you have a shade house, no problem. If you grow higher light, then you may want to add light fixtures. But seriously, if your going to save money on propane, you can swing some lights.

I use a 1500 watt electric heater and can maintain 55 degrees when the temps are below 30. When the temps are mild, I open the doors and pull fresh air in with a fan.
I have some pictures somewhere. I'll have to dig them up and post

[smweaver]

That's quite an expensive propane bill. And it's great that you were able to have it built without going through the trouble of getting a permit. Unfortunately for me, practically everything requires a permit. But the size you described wouldn't be imposing, so this gives me something to think about. Thanks for the detailed information.

[LovePhals]

Wow that is really great looking!! Now lets see some of your happy blooming orchids.

[FairyInTheFlowers]

Looks incredible! Your boyfriend must be quite the handyman! At most my boyfriend tolerates me raving about orchids, but what more do you really need?