growing outside

[suzyqorchids]

Hello al,
even tho I have a 10x12 attached greenhouse w/shed roof, I put my vandas, catts, dens, and other assorted species out under a huge Norway spruce tree in my front yard. I put all the plastic pots inside clay pots for extra wieght, and put all the pots close together. Vandas hang off a rod strung between two heavy branches. This has been the rainiest summer ever so have been spraying copper fungicide and neem oil to try and prevent rot...so far, so good. Have been rewarded with lotsof vanda and den bloom--the plants get fitered sun all day long, and are very happy. Phals stay on a screen porch as do any small seedling plants. I cannot say enough about the benefits og summering outdoors. Sure you have to start a spray program about Sept 4 here in KY to make sure you dont drag intruders in, but that is not haard to do.
My g house was just too hot--temps here in summer top 94 sometimes, and witha small attached greenhouse, even with swamp cooler (ineffective in our humidity) and ventilation and misting I could not keep it below 89 or 90. It's just better outside!
Good growing to all of you--try outside, your plants will love it--and yes you will lose a few blooms here and there.
Suzyq