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GREEN HOUSE |
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Greenhouses can be elegant conservatories or compact greenhouses
that fit into your garden. Whatever the size, similar suggestions
for selection, design and installation apply. There are
three major types of greenhouses to consider. The lean-to
greenhouse
is usually small, about 6 to 10 feet long. One of its long
sides is formed by the side of the house to which it is
attached. This is relativelt inexpensive.
Planning
Visit as many orchid greenhouses as possible, and consult
books / consultants before making a
final decision on building a green house. Where space is
limited inside the home, window greenhouses offer a prime
space in
which
to
cultivate
small-growing
orchids. Opt for a model which prevents excessive heat,
light and with more ventilation. Two or three shelves increase
space; they may be solid, to prevent water from dripping
on the
plants
below, or perforated to aid air circulation.
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Size
The optimum size with which to begin is a greenhouse 10-12
feet wide and 14 to 20 feet long. This affords a center
bench
as well as two side benches. Such a greenhouse may seem
enormous at first, and unnecessary for an initial collection,
but
there are several factors to consider. First, those contemplating
a greenhouse are serious about orchid growing. Consequently,
the collection will inevitably grow by leaps and bounds.
What seems to be adequate space today will become a major
limitation in two years. Second, since a large greenhouse
is preferable in the long run, it is less expensive to
build it now than to add an extension onto a smaller
one in the
future.
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Light
In the Western Countries the green houses are made to
capture maximum light. The glass houses used in these
in countries are not suitable for India due to abundance
of sunlight. In India Green or Black shade nets are
used to filter the amount of sunlight.
It is easy to cut down on light that is too intense;
it is relatively impossible, however, to provide light
when the greenhouse is shaded by forces beyond the
owner's control. Hence it is better if the green houses
are away from the shade trees. In planning the construction
of a greenhouse, there are a number of factors to be
considered.
Most
demand advise from a consultant.
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Benches
Construct the height and width of benches for convenience, generally 30 inches
tall and 20-30 inches wide. The center bench may be twice this width as it
is accessible from two sides. The top surface of the benches should provide
aeration and so should be formed either by redwood or cypress strips, spaced
about their own width apart, or by a strong aluminum mesh. Air can thus circulate
upward through the pots. Choose the metal which is resitant to damage from
moisture.
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Cooling & Ventilation
Except in very warm climates, a cooling system is usually
not essential, because manual ventilation is adequate for
those extra warm days. To grow odontoglossums and similar
cool-growing genera, it may be advantageous, even necessary,
to invest in an evaporative cooler in order to provide
the low temperatures these orchids require. Automatic humidifying
devices are necessary and should run in conjunction with
adequate ventilation mechanisms. Side and roof vents operated
automatically or manually, in addition to several fans
running continuously, will keep the moisture-laden air
moving freely throughout the greenhouse. Shading will depend
largely on the characteristics of the particular climate
and will have to be adjusted accordingly.
Structure
The foundation of a greenhouse is an additional but necessary expense. All
greenhouses should have one. Ensure proper drainage.
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