I like Calwest Orchid Supply. Unfortunately, their shipping cahrges are kinda high. I live about 100 miles or so away from them but I still get ripped on shipping. I mostly use them for sphag and baskets. Fertilizers and media are heavy and will probably incur a higher shipping fee. I think you should try to find a hydroponics store in your neighborhood first to see if they have any supplies you might need. I can usually find any fertilizer I want there and most carry hydroton (a cheap substitute for PA). But if you want PA, I think Ray ships from Long Beach, CA now as well. I haven't found anyone that sells cheap pre-drilled sh containers other than Ray. If you ever order from Oak Hill they also carry tags. I usually buy my tags from Home Depot. Good luck with your supply hunting.

Thanks again, audmer. I have often wondered if companies make money on their shipping charges or, does it reflect the actual mailing cost?
You are right on the medium. Will have to search in my area - other than the tiny packages offered at Lowes.
No hydroponic stores around here! Guess, DH will have to use his drill.
Happy growing!

I.

I hope that companies don't intentionally make a profit off of s&h charges, but I would assume that some do. I know that some vendors have a flat fee for all shipments based upon the size of the order, which penalizes people who live near the vender. But, for some orders I have been lucky where the actual postage exceeded my s&h fees by over $10.

My favorite container to make into s/h pots are those ziploc twist n loc container. I usually buy a bunch when they go on sale at Target. I tried deli containers but they couldn't hold up to my abuse. What do you use for s/h containers?

I use Kellys Orchids or Calwest.

Try Robert's Flower Supply for the best prices and products. Shipping will always be high considering the size and wieght of the supplies.

Here is a link that might be useful: Robert's Flower Supply

Not to take any business away from Ray, but, it's very easy to make your own S/H containers - purchase whatever size deli containers you need and punch two holes about an inch up from the bottom. (Deli containers go through the sanitary cycle on my dishwasher over and over.) I could get them at Smart&Final but I use Ray because he jobs the work out to intellectually disabled folks. As for other supplies, I just Google what I need, find the cheapest source and save it in my Favorites under Orchids/Supplies.

Good suggestions. Will do my homework then order. Thank you All for answering my questions.

Audmer, I do have only a couple of plants in s/h so far, but would like to switch some over for easier watering. The see-through pots appeal to me though I know, that in time, they will be covered with algea. I will inquire about deli containers first. Not sure, if the small stores I know will sell them to me. If I had to order them, however, 100 will go a long way with me as I would not switch all orchids into s/h the first year until I know it will work.

Your comment about using ziplock bags is most intriquing. Just how are you doing it?

H.