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In my area growing outside is only for the late spring through early fall.  I usually feel it is safe to move them out around the 15th of May.  The onset of cold weather and risk of early frost dictates when the orchids are moved back to their respective growing areas.  When the weather is changing, I may check the weather forecasts for my area several times a day.

 

After several years of the orchid migration to my yard, I am reasonably able to anticipate the problems that may be encountered in m area. 

 

I move my orchids to the northeast side of trees in my yard to protect them from sunburn. This gives them time to acclimate for the intense sun that comes in June and July.  Wait for the leaves to develop enough to provide midday shade for your orchids. 

 

My tables and racks (do not place pots directly on the ground) position vandas and cymbidiums farthest from the trees.  Cattleyas and Oncidiums are in deeper shade under the trees.  All get sun from 6:00 a.m. to about 11:00 a.m., then are shaded until about 3:00 p.m. until dark.   I use sprinklers on timers for 10 minutes at 6 and 6.  I also sprinkle manually and feed if it is really hot during the shady time.

 

Growing in the open, I rarely see regular greenhouse pests or aphids.  I spray during the intense heat of summer only as needed.  Most pests can be removed by hand, are discouraged by potted geraniums and marigolds on the bench with your orchids, or attracted to other plants in your yard.  You will need to double tag because birds and squirrels go mining for gold (primarily for sphagnum) in the pots.  Recent transplants and seedlings are especially vulnerable and you may consider covering them with a wire cage or net.  From personal observation I have noted that my orchids like ants.  (I guess it is the orchid equivalence of pizza delivery)  My orchids do not like spiders and wasps.  Where webs attach and wasps sting leave a damaged pit on the leaf.  The damage is limited to small spots unless the spider makes a cozy little home on the underside of the leaf.  Then the leaf will roll around the spider and turn brown, it may kill the entire leaf if not removed.

 

In September I resume a spraying program to prepare the plants for their winter confinement.  The weather is usually cooler and the plants less likely to be damaged by sprays or drenches.  I spray outside and eliminate the pests before the orchids are brought in for the winter.

 

I'm leaving Tim in charge of evicting this one from his tropical condo: