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#1
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shelves
Hello. I live in Northeast Florida (Jacksonville). Most of my orchids are
outside in the screened-in porch or hanging outside in trees. In past years I have moved the plants indoors during the colder days. I was hoping to buy some sort of shelving this year so they can be kept outside. I looked at some places advertised in Orchids, such as http://www.indoorgardensupplies.com or others. I was wondering if anyone had any general suggestions. I'd like one that can be covered, has light, and can be warm enough so I do not have to bring plants indoors when it is cold outside. I'd also like to be able to plan for the future if possible and allow for some expansion, including adding the ability to water the plants automatically (I am not sure if this possibility exists with this set up). Any general or specific recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks in advance... Larry |
#2
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I built my own shelves -
I used 5 step boards for making steps into and out of a house. I turned them so the wide side of the step was up (which gives me 10 inches of shelf). [5] I used a 6 foot 2x4 on the back and front of the boards with screws. (see diagram) - normally I put the 2x4's flat (wide side against the step board) [6] I use a 4 foot 2x4 as a base again flat against the step board and the 2 6-foot 2x4's and do the same thing on the top.... [4] This gives me a frame that looks like this ascii picture. LLLLLLLLLLLLLLL 3 3 3 4444444444444 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 55 6 6 55 6 6 55 6 6 55 6 6 3 3 556 44444444444 6 I use cedar 2x6's for the top 4 shelves (2 each) and a 2x6 and a 2x4 for the bottom shelf. I have found that if I turn them (the shelf board) over twice a year, they last for 8 to 10 years. I use 3 frames to make an 8 foot run with 1 foot of shelf board overhanging each end (e.g. 1 foot of shelf - a frame - 3 feet of shelf - a frame - 3 feet of shelf - a frame - o1 foot of shelf) I use 1x3 to hold the frames in place....one at each corner on the bottom and 3 across the top [3] To keep the stability I put 2 1x2's from the outside frame's corner bottom to the middle frame's top to give me cross bracing...(if you are going to use 1x2 - pre-drill the screw holes - so the boards do not crack). Because my orchids do not like my full Michigan summer sun - I use white plastic lattice across the top [L]. When it is cold - I can take a standard 16 x 20 foot tarp and drape the whole shelf - I normally work it down the back of my shelf in the late summer - and secure it to the back and then roll it back and use a bit of duct tape to hold it out of the way until I need it. Because I have 2x4's for verticals - I can use 3/4 inch drywall screws and fender washers to secure the tarp if I need it. A small electric heater (I use heat lamps under the shelves) will keep things toasty. I mount a drip irrigation system in the unit when I am done, so all I have to do is turn on the water to do cooling or watering. If anyone is interested I can provide more info. My frames move from the front of the house to the greenhouse and back each year. The oldest frames are 10 years old now. I like the step boards because they let me see all the plants and get a feel for conditions. The center 3 boards can be used for very low light plants by putting Cym on both the top and bottom shelves...the center of the frame is perfect for low light paphs or other low light plants. Hope this helps. Doug I can then In article , "Larry" wrote: Hello. I live in Northeast Florida (Jacksonville). Most of my orchids are outside in the screened-in porch or hanging outside in trees. In past years I have moved the plants indoors during the colder days. I was hoping to buy some sort of shelving this year so they can be kept outside. I looked at some places advertised in Orchids, such as http://www.indoorgardensupplies.com or others. I was wondering if anyone had any general suggestions. I'd like one that can be covered, has light, and can be warm enough so I do not have to bring plants indoors when it is cold outside. I'd also like to be able to plan for the future if possible and allow for some expansion, including adding the ability to water the plants automatically (I am not sure if this possibility exists with this set up). Any general or specific recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks in advance... Larry |
#3
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Thanks for the info! Maybe you can send me more info (maybe hard copies of
your plans) via email? Larry "doug houseman" wrote in message ... I built my own shelves - I used 5 step boards for making steps into and out of a house. I turned them so the wide side of the step was up (which gives me 10 inches of shelf). [5] I used a 6 foot 2x4 on the back and front of the boards with screws. (see diagram) - normally I put the 2x4's flat (wide side against the step board) [6] I use a 4 foot 2x4 as a base again flat against the step board and the 2 6-foot 2x4's and do the same thing on the top.... [4] This gives me a frame that looks like this ascii picture. LLLLLLLLLLLLLLL 3 3 3 4444444444444 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 55 6 6 55 6 6 55 6 6 55 6 6 3 3 556 44444444444 6 I use cedar 2x6's for the top 4 shelves (2 each) and a 2x6 and a 2x4 for the bottom shelf. I have found that if I turn them (the shelf board) over twice a year, they last for 8 to 10 years. I use 3 frames to make an 8 foot run with 1 foot of shelf board overhanging each end (e.g. 1 foot of shelf - a frame - 3 feet of shelf - a frame - 3 feet of shelf - a frame - o1 foot of shelf) I use 1x3 to hold the frames in place....one at each corner on the bottom and 3 across the top [3] To keep the stability I put 2 1x2's from the outside frame's corner bottom to the middle frame's top to give me cross bracing...(if you are going to use 1x2 - pre-drill the screw holes - so the boards do not crack). Because my orchids do not like my full Michigan summer sun - I use white plastic lattice across the top [L]. When it is cold - I can take a standard 16 x 20 foot tarp and drape the whole shelf - I normally work it down the back of my shelf in the late summer - and secure it to the back and then roll it back and use a bit of duct tape to hold it out of the way until I need it. Because I have 2x4's for verticals - I can use 3/4 inch drywall screws and fender washers to secure the tarp if I need it. A small electric heater (I use heat lamps under the shelves) will keep things toasty. I mount a drip irrigation system in the unit when I am done, so all I have to do is turn on the water to do cooling or watering. If anyone is interested I can provide more info. My frames move from the front of the house to the greenhouse and back each year. The oldest frames are 10 years old now. I like the step boards because they let me see all the plants and get a feel for conditions. The center 3 boards can be used for very low light plants by putting Cym on both the top and bottom shelves...the center of the frame is perfect for low light paphs or other low light plants. Hope this helps. Doug |
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