Outdoor shelving v. Shadehouse..Maria's conundrum.

[peeweelovesbooks]

So,

As you can see from the pictures I posted in the Florida growing group, I have no more room for plants.

So, I have reached the critical point where all of you at sometime or another have found yourselves: WTH do I do? DO I stop buying orchids???( INSERT Halloween horror music) NAY!!!

I need more room. I can either save up (HAHAHAHAHAHAHA) for a shadehouse or, buy more shelving.

So, I have been looking around and found these shelves:

STRUCTURAL PLASTICS Dura-Shelf All-Plastic Shelving with Adjustable Shelves

The reason I like these is that
1) they are adjustable
2) they are plastic hence avoiding the problems of rust, fungus,
3) they have vented shelves
4) the cost isn't outrageous
5) they can fit on the slab and I can dismantle them and take them with me should I move.

Why am I hesitating? Well, I'm not sure that the plants are going to be sufficiently protected. So, I thought that I could wrap shadecloth around the back and sides of the shelf. I'm not sure it would work though. So, this is the reason I'm coming for your expert opinion.

Do you all think that idea would work? The structural plastics line also has tiered shelving (which I'm also planning to buy) that is not protected for such sun loving plants such as schomburgkias, that require full sun.

So, I'd love to hear your opinion and advice before I purchase anything.

Thanks peeps!!!

[CTB]

Did you look at my shade house, I have less than $250.00 in it, the back wall I have hung old curtain rods for more hanging room, holds over a hundred hanging plants and haven't put the first bench in yet.
Think about it, I can post more pics if you want.

[Connie Star]

They seem rather expensive for plastic. Also, since they are perforated, won't water from the upper shelves get onto the plants on the lower shelves? I have a $10 tag sale metal shelf unit that I have put drip trays under and also hung lights. It's not outdoors though.

[cb977]

Maria, I have a number of shelving systems like that, from HD or lowes and they're cheaper and they come in white or tan

For the water drippage, I placed thin sheets of plastic (like those foldable cutting boards) on the shelves to stop it from dripping onto what's below

http://www.lowes.com/pl_Free+Standin...rea1-_-31108_2

[BobInBonita]

I'm at the same place in my decision making. I have about 100 plants outdoors. My existing shelving is rusting out, and many of my plants are hanging in a large guava bush/tree that I've pruned to give everything from full sun to near full shade. The guava is sagging badly from the weight of orchid baskets though.

I looked at similar shelving, but have had unhappy experiences with sun and plastic here in FL. It really depends on whether you want a 2-3 year or longer "shelf-life".

I'm currently sketching out a rack and shelf system made from copper plumbing pipes, tees and elbows. The advantage of a large sturdy arrangement (I hope) is that during our few days of winter I can wrap it with a tarp and avoid moving the cars out of the garage while the orchids move in.

Big disadvantages are that it won't be easily adjustable, and the price of copper seems to be jumping.

If I get it built, I'll attach pictures.

[Izzie]

Wait...I'd think that plastic would harbor more pathogens (fungus) than metal would. Can you explain your thinking on that, Maria?

[Gin]

I bought the recessed light panels and wired them under the top shelves in the green house . I need new benches lolol