Greenhouse Progress

There haven't been many updates because I have been so busy lately, but I have found time for some orchid related fun.  I have been working on getting my new Harbor Freight Greenhouse up and running, and it's pretty close to done . . . lately the time I have for it is in the evenings, and it looks pretty neat lit from inside at night:

By solving the problem of nighttime lows with a greenhouse, I have created a new problem of daytime highs . . . sigh.  I knew that I needed a good exhaust fan, and I spent quite a while shopping online.  These things aren't cheap, and I am a compulsive deal hunter.  Eventually I settled on a 12" model with self closing louvers/shutters; gravity closes them, and the fan's output opens them - perfect.

New Greenhouse Exhaust Fan
©2012 MadOrchidist.com

I added some extra aluminum angle to mount the fan to (see lower photos) and removed the panel it would penetrate.

Panel Removed for Fan Installation
©2012 MadOrchidist.com

Exhaust Fan Interior
©2012 MadOrchidist.com

I cut out the fan shape with a sharp razor blade, and it fits great!  I have siliconed about half the panels on so far, so when I finish I will seal around the fan too.

Exhaust Fan Exterior
©2012 MadOrchidist.com

 I also got some benches built in there.  I ended up using "closet maid" wire shelving as the size was nearly perfect, and it was so simple . . .

Greenhouse Bench Construction
©2012 MadOrchidist.com

I have moved a few orchids in so far since the weather looks mild this week.  My thermostats arrived yesterday (1 for heating, 1 for cooling), and I have 2 small electric space heaters ready to go.  By the end of next week I should have complete climate control.  A misting system is the last element I think . . .

Orchids moving in tentatively . . .
©2012 MadOrchidist.com

I am so excited to finally see plants in there.  More to come soon!