Green house questions?

[Dollythehun]

I wish I had been scared into doing more research. I took other growers in other climates word for what I needed. Research, research, research, is my point.

[estación seca]

You also have to have backup systems and alarms for when heaters or coolers fail at the worst possible time. Or when the electricity is out for days to weeks after an ice storm. You can read about ice storms here on Orchid Board, too.

[snowflake311]

Thank you for all the info and warning. I would want a greenhouse for more than just orchids. I know it to believe I grow more than orchids these days. I would LOVE to grow fresh Strawberries and other foods along with the orchids.

I will keep doing my research. Where I live I am scared to grow anything outside. Our winter this year lasted into late May! I am in the Lake Tahoe the High sierras at 6,225 feet. I might need to move to support this plant hobby.

We get so much sun here but the winters and temps are unpredictable. I only have 2 months of safe outdoor growing time where I do not need to look at weather. Solar energy could work well. There is a lot to think about.

I could see getting a green house and having to move all my plants inside during winter. I have a spare room I could just fill that for less money I bet.

again Thanks everyone.

[Dollythehun]

More research. There are a lot of solar components now, if cost is not an object ( they generally are not cheap) that might be a good way for you to heat and cool. Pollination?

[dounoharm]

I have found that bringing in regular bedding plants brings trouble to your orchids....I don't think there is any way to really grow orchids organically....some say there is, but me, it never works....

most thin leaved plants attract WHITEFLIES! oh they are nasties! not to mention mealies and scale!

I do spray insecticides monthly...I do not want to eat that! my garden is pretty well organic, so I am not afraid to eat on the run....

my orchids need RO water, and chemicals/fert specifically for that....

I dragged my veggie plants in and out most of the spring, as it stayed so cold at nite....but I tried to keep them well away from my orchids. its do-able, but difficult....

I keep a few large leaved ferns and some amazon lilies in the bottom of the gh for humidity....but really, you have to be careful or you will lose everything!

[Dollythehun]

Wise advice. "Pet plants" have been the source of many problems.