Hello from Alabama

Hi everyone,
I have been a member for several days, but I've been browsing through since then trying to get the feel of things before I introduced myself. I have noticed that I already know a few of you and no doubt I'll make other acquaintances, as well. I have been growing orchids for only a short time over a year, so I've got very much to learn. As you have seen, I live in Alabama (north central) and it is hot, hot, hot here now. I have a new greenhouse, and since I have no gh experience, my latest concern has been learning how to cool it for the summer. I'm happy to say that I have no problems with my orchids now (that I'm aware of) but when an issue arises, I'll certainly appreciate your help.
I'm very glad to be here,
Vicki

 

Clark

Hi Clark!
Thanks for the welcome! I'm guessing that your gh is quite a bit larger than mine. I gather that from the amount of ventilation you mentioned that you have. I have a kit gh (Sunglo...10'3"x17'6") I bought it last Spring, but I didn't get everything "operational and somewhat organized" until last month. It has already been suggested to me that more airflow would probably help my problem, so I'm still in the process of re-thinking exactly how to do that in this type gh. As for a misting fan, I don't have one, but I've been seriously thinking about trying to see if it would help. I'm glad to know that one seems to be working good for you. If you live anywhere near me here in the "hot south", I know you can relate to my heat issue.
Thanks again for the welcome!
Vicki

 

Mary Jane

Hi Mary Jane!
Thank you for the welcome, as well! I don't know if Clark would agree, but I like your road trip idea. Maybe he wouldn't mind swinging by your house to pick you up, since you and I are almost neighbors. (Ok, Clark?) We could have a "Vicki's Greenhouse Grand Opening Party" aka "Fix Vicki's Greenhouse Heat Issue". That would be fun. As far as that goes....everybody's invited! Drink's are on Clark! lol

My orchids are small....basically seedlings. Since I'm a very new grower, I've been afraid to take on caring for larger ones until I know what I'm doing better. I'll be glad to share pics later of what I do have, though.
Thanks again for welcoming me!
Vicki

 

Candace

Hi Candace!
Wow...it's really hot in Sacramento, too, I see. Well, I don't have a fogger or misters, but I have a fan under each of the two benches, 60% Aluminet shadecloth and just this week, I got a swamp cooler. Even though our humidity stays only in the 45-50% range during the summer, my new evap. cooler hasn't seemed to make much difference so far. I assumed that wasn't too much humidity...?? Since I've only been using it a few days, maybe I haven't given it a chance yet...?? Or, maybe it's not ever going to help much...?? I told my husband today that if it doesn't get any more efficient than this, I may shove it under a bench and call it a fan...or I may try to sell it on Ebay. Anyway, with the things I have going, the temp. hasn't gotten above 98 during the hottest times of the day this last week. Do you think my orchids are ok with that for now, or not? I would like to bring it down to 80-85, but I don't see that happening soon. My "greenhouse bank account" has taken several stabs in the back so far. It's got to get over it's backset before I can trudge on.
It's good to meet you,
Vicki

 

Tom in PA

Hi Tom!
Thank you....I'm glad to be here. I know my greenhouse and orchids won't start to compare to yours and other members, but I'll be happy to take pictures and share them with you sometime. Thanks for your interest.
Vicki

 

Candace

I forgot to mention.....I have an exaust fan and a few small intake vents under one bench and two over the door, also. These were just part of the kit gh I bought.
Vicki

 

Karen

oops....I'm wondering if I did something wrong when I just tried to reply to you....I don't see my post. ?? I meant to click "submit reply", of course, but I might have clicked the wrong button by mistake ?? Whatever the case, thank you again for the welcome....I'm happy to meet you.
Vicki