A hinged hoop house is a fantastic way to extend your growing season and protect your plants from harsh weather conditions. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of building one for your raised bed garden.
Materials Needed:
- Hoop Frames: These can be made from PVC pipe, metal conduit, or even rebar.
- Hinge Hardware: Heavy-duty hinges suitable for outdoor use.
- Row Cover Material: This can be plastic sheeting, agricultural fabric, or greenhouse film.
- Stakes or Anchors: To secure the hoop house to the ground.
- Tools: Saw, measuring tape, level, drill, screwdriver, and clamps.
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Plan and Prepare:
- Determine the Size: Measure your raised bed and decide on the desired height and width of your hoop house.
- Choose a Location: Ensure the location has good sunlight and is protected from strong winds.
- Clear the Area: Remove any debris or obstacles from the chosen site.
2. Build the Hoop Frames:
- Cut the Material: Cut your chosen material to the desired lengths for the hoop frames.
- Connect the Ends: Join the ends of the material using connectors or clamps to form circular hoops.
- Create the Hinged Section: Determine the location of the hinge and cut the hoops accordingly. Attach the hinges to the hoops.
3. Assemble the Hoop House:
- Place the Hoops: Position the hoop frames over the raised bed, ensuring they are evenly spaced and secure.
- Connect the Hinged Section: Attach the hinged section of the hoop frames to the raised bed, ensuring it opens and closes smoothly.
4. Secure the Hoop House:
- Stake or Anchor: Use stakes or anchors to secure the hoop house to the ground, preventing it from being blown away by strong winds.
5. Cover the Hoop House:
- Drape the Material: Drape your chosen row cover material over the hoop frames, ensuring it is taut and covers the entire raised bed.
- Secure the Material: Use clips, clamps, or weights to secure the material to the hoop frames.
6. Additional Considerations:
- Ventilation: If necessary, provide ventilation by leaving small gaps in the row cover material or by installing vents.
- Heating: For colder climates, consider adding a heating source like a propane heater or electric fan heater.
- Watering: Ensure adequate watering, as plants under a hoop house may require more moisture.
By following these steps, you can successfully build a hinged hoop house that will provide protection and extend your growing season for your raised bed garden.
