Rolling lath house/shade house/plant stand

[farley101]

Inspired by a video on Youtube, I spent a few days constructing this structure to house some of my plants this summer.

I designed it to be able to fit into my garage if needed in very inclement weather, but didn't factor in sidewalk size so it may never make it back there until the fall.

Thinking about it now, I could have possibly used decorative lattice instead of the 2" boards to save time and effort for the surround.

Wondering if I need to put something like shade cloth or a plastic sheet under the top as a added layer of protection? It doesn't get a lot of direct sun in this location as is but I'm planning on moving it out further on the patio to be in the sun for longer periods as the plants get accustomed to it.

Still trying to figure out a good way to make sure all the plants are stable. The metal lath I'm using isn't the most sturdy thing in the world. I am considering another layer to strengthen it up. May add some trays for them to sit in somehow. Would also like to be able to water in place without them raining on their neighbors below.

I have time before figuring too much out, still too cold at night to keep everyone outside for now.

Any recommendations appreciated!

Video Inspiration

[DirtyCoconuts]

very nicely done!!!

i used 1x2 for my exterior as well and i am glad i did because it is much stronger than the lattice

i built mine to make a brighter place for plants that could not take full full sun...i don't use a cloth at all but if you are finding sunburns you certainly could drape one over the top only occasionally

[farley101]

Thanks! I wanted a spot for my plants that will be outdoors to be semi protected as I'm not always home to intervene as needed.
I just had my tiny collection outside on a table last year and had issues with the wind knocking them to the ground when I wasn't around. Now the collection is much bigger, I was just going to build a stand of some kind for them. I saw that video and decided to make something similar.
It's very solid, my house will fall over before the shade house will

[Diane56Victor]

Ah, a Rick L video. A great orchid grower, sadly now too ill to continue with his orchid collection.
He had some wonderful orchids on spectacular wood mounts.

[Ray]

Personally, I'd place rigid plastic on each shelf, so water pours off the edges, rather than down on the plants below.

Lowes and Home depot sell acrylic glazing, but fluorescent lamp light diffuser panels can work, too.

[farley101]

Thanks for the suggestion Ray, I'll take a look at what's available and see what will work best. I'm thinking something like that should give me the additional stability that I'm looking for.