Beginner greenhouse

[ocean217]

I am interested in trying to grow orchids in a greenhouse.
I have a small collection of phal's, cattleyas and one oncidium - all under a shop light.
Is there a good quality greenhouse that anyone can recommend?
I'd like to start at the $500.00 - 750.00 budget but the internet quotes start at 2,000.00.
I live in the triangle area of North Carolina.
I'm getting a bit confused with more research...polycarbonate vs glass, etc.
I have a small back yard deck but could also place the greenhouse in the backyard or porch.
Thanks for any suggestions.

[raybark]

Look at Turner Greenhouses in Goldsboro. They have a poly-film covered 8' x 10' one in your price range. The poly cover ought to last at least 4 years. Being so close, you can even avoid the shipping cost.

However, I think you will find that adding heat, ventilation, shade, etc., is going to run up the price significantly, not to mention if you upgrade to a polycarbonate covering.

Avoid glass - it's heavy, breakable, & less-insulating.

[ocean217]

Thanks so much. I'll definitely research this and really appreciate your recommendations

[jean2]

Polycarbonate is an amazing material. It is soft while at the same time rigid. It has an insulating airspace that can be double or triple walled (it looks like cardboard when viewed on edge). It is highly UV resistant and you can get it with one side treated to block UV light altogether. It is kind of like placing a set of sunglasses on your greenhouse.

When deciding where to build your greenhouse, the main thing to consider is sun exposure. Orchids need direct sunlight, so a southeasterly exposure is generally the best. If you live in a climate where you receive a lot of snow, don't place your greenhouse close to your home where it can receive heavy deposits of snow sliding off of your home's roof.

There are several factors to remember when creating an orchid greenhouse: shade, humidity, heat, circulation, and ventilation. These factors will vary depending on the types of orchids you plan on growing.

[ocean217]

Jean2,

This clarifies my "beginner" concerns. Thank you for the websites of the products you use. I've been having fun searching their items.
Being a new AOS member, I finally feel confident that I'm getting advice from the experts.
Thanks again.

[Brian_Hench]

The most important thing about that first greenhouse is taking that step and doing it. My first greenhouse was a 25 year old second hand that was given to me. It was 8 x 12 feet made of redwood and corrugated fiberglass. For Southern California it was just fine and the price was right! I replaced boards that were rotten with new ones and gradually replaced the FB panels that were becoming opaque with clear ones.

My point is don't go out and spend a pile of money. You can always upgrade later. You learn a ton as you go along.

Some important considerations are the following. If you are young you can plan on moving frequently for job and other reasons. Design the GH with that in mind. Make the footing out of treated 4x6 or 4x4 timbers that can be unbolted and taken up. Make the greenhouse in panels that are modular so it can be taken it apart, moved and reassembled. The modular idea is good if you want to make the greenhouse larger.

I cannot recommend any greenhouse smaller than 8 x 8. It is simply too difficult to control the climate in such a small space.