An idea for summering orchids . . .

[blackvine]

I’ve been growing orchids a little over a year and keep hearing that summering them outside is awesome for their health. I have a little 8’ X 10’ room that I grow in and did not take them outside last summer, but am thinking of doing so this year. Problems with that are: bugs, curious feral cats and squirrels, and wind storms. So, I think I’ve figured out a way to deal with most of this, to an extent. Tell me what you think:

1. Get a basic metal utility rack, like the pictured one;
2. Get yards of screening material, dependent on size of rack, as pictured;
3. Cut 5 lengths of screen material and sew together: 4 for the sides, 1 for the top, drawstring at the bottom. End result would be a “fitted cover” for the rack, protecting the plants from critters and bugs (hopefully);
4. Put plants on rack in deep metal mesh trays, as pictured, protecting (somewhat) from wind.

This would allow light to the plants and rain water (or hose water) to drain freely. Does this sound like a plan? I used to sew, but not screening! But I’m sure a good thread could be something like fishing line.

Let me know if you foresee issues with this, fellow OBers!

[Orchid Whisperer]

It would probably work to keep out the cats and squirrels. Not sure it would keep out all bugs, but I rarely have serious bug problems outdoors.

[blackvine]

Thanks, OW! Yeah, I figure some bugs will get through, but maybe not as many.

PS: nice to connect with you on this site!

[Leafmite]

Insects aren't usually the problem during the summer. I typically get lady bugs and other useful bugs on my plants. But protecting the plants from animals is a good idea. I think one of my neos is likely somewhere in a tree, part of an old nest. A few of my plants were a snack for some hungry animal (What animal would eat vanilla and piper nigrum???). I wish I had kept the old guinea pig and rabbit cages. :|

[AnonYMouse]

One word: Velcro!

---------- Post added at 11:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:09 PM ----------

Another word: magnets!

[blackvine]

Originally Posted by AnonYMouse

One word: Velcro!

---------- Post added at 11:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:09 PM ----------

Another word: magnets!

Ahhh!

---------- Post added at 09:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:09 AM ----------

Originally Posted by Leafmite

Insects aren't usually the problem during the summer. I typically get lady bugs and other useful bugs on my plants. But protecting the plants from animals is a good idea. I think one of my neos is likely somewhere in a tree, part of an old nest. A few of my plants were a snack for some hungry animal (What animal would eat vanilla and piper nigrum???). I wish I had kept the old guinea pig and rabbit cages. :|

Leafmite, well I know squirrels will try ANYTHING!

[Leafmite]

I might add a few pots of foul-tasting herbs among my plants this spring. The animals leave my herb/flower/butterfly garden completely alone.

[chilipepper]

I wonder if you got a really fine screen if it would help prevent sun burning on intense sunny days?

[Daethen]

I built a very cheap shadehouse and summer them over in it. They are so happy out there. I don't have any trouble with animals but that may be due to the fact that we have a 95 pound German Shepard that runs the property. Bugs I do not worry about and have had no trouble.

[Vanda lover]

I think it looks like a great idea. Adding the velcro would certainly make it less work than sewing. I have never had much of a problem with bugs outside. In our last place, my husband put shelves on all of the fences and I put the orchids on those. The squirrels were very polite. they ran back and forth over the fences but never bothered my orchids.