I've done it I bought a Greenhouse

[Ranchnanny]

Utah it looks like we are thinking the same I have an old insert from a half barrel that I plan on putting in the GH as well. In looking at the photo of your GH I notice that you are using the same type of oil heater that I have. Does it keep the GH warm enough on these cold night? I also bought a Mister Heater (propane) for backup. My luck the power will go out and I'll loose all my orchids what a horrible thought.

Its gonna be fun decorating it sorta I want to try my hand at growing some in baskets like you have.

Sherry

[dounoharm]

are you sure about the bark under the benches?? arent you worried they will harbor insects? i have gravel and love it.....

[utah]

The oil heater does really well (there is also an oscillating fan that constantly moves the air around). I have a small electric heater that is set to come on if the temp drops below 54 degrees (it's only had to come on once or twice).

I bought a remote temperature monitor with an alarm that I keep in the house - it's set to go off if the greenhouse drops below 51 degrees. If the temp gets that low then I run out and turn on the propane heater (useful for power outages - again, something I haven't had to deal with . . . yet.)

Yup, same page (broke!)

[Ranchnanny]

Dounoharm I thought about bugs I thought about spraying or using granulated bug killer. Someone told me that a thick layer of bark is a better insulator to keep the cold coming through the ground. I will have to give it some serious thought. Anyone else use bark? or Gravel?

Sherry

[utah]

Originally Posted by dounoharm

are you sure about the bark under the benches?? arent you worried they will harbor insects? i have gravel and love it.....

I'd suggest the gravel too but, if you do decide on the bark, I'd suggest either small ground-feeding birds (quail or small chickens) or lizards. My lizards are loving the heck out of the bugs in my greenhouse (especially those in the potting soil for the tropical plants).

[Ranchnanny]

Ain't that the truth. But I'm happy I'm just addicted to ORCHIDS

Sherry

[Ranchnanny]

We have tons of Quail around here and those little lizard things maybe I will go with gravel

Sherry

[mojomick]

I put down a layer of landscape fabric and then 6 inches of sand. The water goes through it and it holds the humidity quite nicely. The humidity gets pretty high in the winter. In the summer I have misters under the benches and they are run by a humidistat. The orchids get the humidity without getting water on the plants. So far it is working quite well. My heater is a constuction heater connected to a thermostat and the heat stays at a minimum of 58. The plants seems to love it and right now I have lots of spikes on the catts and phals. Can't wait for January when the house should be full of blooms. I do have a biddy propane heater for backup. Utah, where did you get your remote thermometer alarm? I need one. Betty

[dounoharm]

Originally Posted by mojomick

I put down a layer of landscape fabric and then 6 inches of sand. The water goes through it and it holds the humidity quite nicely. The humidity gets pretty high in the winter. In the summer I have misters under the benches and they are run by a humidistat. The orchids get the humidity without getting water on the plants. So far it is working quite well. My heater is a constuction heater connected to a thermostat and the heat stays at a minimum of 58. The plants seems to love it and right now I have lots of spikes on the catts and phals. Can't wait for January when the house should be full of blooms. I do have a biddy propane heater for backup. Utah, where did you get your remote thermometer alarm? I need one. Betty

i googled till i found mine...it is a very simple battery powered 9volt wireless temp alarm....cost me around 100bucks and works great for hot or cold temps....plays an alarm in the house if the temp goes outside the set limits.....i just cant remember the brand name! i couldnt sleep without one! good luck searching!

[utah]

Here's the link:

Radio-Signal Remote Hum./Therm. - tiptemp.com

I bought an extra sensor so I have one in the greenhouse, one outside, and the receiver in the house. I love it because it tracks humidity and temperature and you can set alarms for minimums and maximum ranges on both temperature and humidity.