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Need ideas for a new shadehouse

Discussion in 'Growing Areas' started by piggy30, Mar 25, 2009.

  1. Mar 25, 2009 #1
    piggy30

    piggy30 Free?

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    Ok, so here is my current Vanda shade house. It's getting replaced. Here's my thoughts and I was hoping to hear other's opinions on my plans.

    Buy a storage shed framing kit (http://www2.northerntool.com/tarps-covers-canopies-shelters/utility-sheds/item-18343-1.htm) and build a frame out of pressure treated 2 by 4s. Current structure is 10 by 10, kit can be made up to 10 by 22. During the summer I would have shade cloth on the frame and once the colder season arrives put on the greenhouse film. The film would be held on with U-channels and clips so it is completely removable. Stick an electric heater inside for the cold nights (keeping the vandas above 55 or 60 is the plan). Here in Orlando we usually will get cold weeks not months. I'm just tired of rolling in all the orchids every time it's getting under 55F. I also have another structure with all the other orchids which I would put in wagons and just roll into this new structure when the cold comes.

    Opinions? Suggestions? I appreciate any input as I plan on this next adventure!
    VandaHut.jpg
     
  2. Mar 25, 2009 #2
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    It sounds like a pretty good plan. I'm not sure you couldn't find the same hardware locally. Does visqueen degrade in the space of one winter there? It seems easier to just staple up visqueen each year and tear it off in the spring.

    Is this to replace what you show above? If so, can't you modify (and enlarge) this structure?
     
  3. Mar 25, 2009 #3
    piggy30

    piggy30 Free?

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    Northern Tool is a local hardware store, they just also have an online catalog. I don't know the pros and cons of using regular poly film to greenhouse film yet. Something I still have to research.

    I will be replacing the shown structure. It is just a carport frame and it is degrading very quickly. Rusting out everywhere, may not make it through the year.

    Thanks for the input Marni!

    I was thinking of wood because then I could actually install brackets, shelves and such much easier.
     
  4. Mar 25, 2009 #4
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    I like wood, it is easier to hang stuff. I don't know what the greenhouse film is. I have bought 3 year poly that is UV resistant for walls that were going to stay up for years, but it is more expensive than heavy poly from the hardware store, and if you are taking in off every year, it gets expensive. Greenhouse supply houses sell a vinyl (or something flexible and plastic) tape about 5/8 or 3/4" wide that you put over the poly where you are going to staple it and that keeps the staples from tearing the plastic. I used to use redwood lath on top of the plastic, but the tape is way easier and can be reused if you don't mind pulling the staples out.