A hinged hoophouse is a great way to extend your growing season, protect delicate plants, and create a more controlled environment for your garden. With a little creativity and some basic materials, you can build your own hoophouse to help your plants thrive year-round. Here’s a step-by-step guide to transforming your garden with a hinged hoophouse!
Why a Hinged Hoophouse?
A hoophouse, also known as a high tunnel, is a low-cost greenhouse that uses a frame covered in plastic. The hinged design allows easy access for ventilation and maintenance, making it ideal for gardeners who want to extend their growing season. Benefits of a hoophouse include:
- Climate Control – Protects plants from extreme temperatures.
- Extended Growing Season – Grow more crops in spring and fall.
- Improved Yield – Create a better environment for growing vegetables, fruits, and flowers.
Materials You’ll Need:
- PVC pipes or galvanized steel pipes (for the frame)
- Clear plastic sheeting or greenhouse plastic
- 2×4 lumber (for base framing)
- Hinges (strong enough to hold the roof)
- Zip ties or clips (for securing plastic)
- Drill and screws
- Measuring tape and level
- Stakes or rebar (for anchoring the frame)
- Utility knife (for cutting plastic)
- Rope or bungee cords (for securing ends)
Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Hinged Hoophouse
1. Plan Your Hoophouse Size & Location
- Measure the area in your garden where you want to place the hoophouse.
- Choose a sunny, flat location that gets plenty of light but is sheltered from strong winds.
- Common sizes are 10-12 feet wide and 20-30 feet long, but adjust to fit your space.
2. Build the Base Frame
- Use 2×4 lumber to create a rectangular base frame for your hoophouse.
- Secure the corners with screws to make the frame sturdy.
- Place the frame on the ground, ensuring it’s level, and anchor it in place with stakes or rebar at the corners.
3. Construct the Hoophouse Frame
- Bend the PVC or steel pipes to create arches that will form the roof of the hoophouse.
- Space the arches evenly (usually about 4-6 feet apart) and secure each one to the base frame using screws or clips.
- Attach the arches together at the top, creating a rounded roof shape.
4. Add the Hinged Roof
- Cut the PVC or steel pipes to create the hinged roof supports.
- Attach the hinges at the top of the hoophouse, allowing one side of the roof to lift for ventilation.
- Ensure that the hinged roof can open and close easily by checking the alignment and adjusting the hinges if necessary.
5. Cover the Hoophouse
- Drape clear plastic sheeting or greenhouse plastic over the frame, covering both sides of the hoophouse.
- Stretch the plastic tightly and secure it with zip ties or clips along the edges.
- For the roof, ensure the plastic is taut to prevent sagging, and attach it to the base frame.
- Cut any excess plastic carefully with a utility knife.
6. Seal the Ends
- Use additional plastic or a roll of clear tarp to cover the ends of the hoophouse.
- Secure the plastic tightly and allow enough space to easily roll up for access.
- You can create a flap that rolls up for easy access to the inside or add doors.
7. Test the Hinged Roof
- Open the hinged roof to make sure it operates smoothly and provides adequate ventilation.
- You may want to add bungee cords or ropes to keep the roof open during warmer weather, allowing for better airflow.
Tips for Using Your Hinged Hoophouse:
- Ventilation: On warm days, open the hinged roof to let air circulate. You can also install small side vents for extra airflow.
- Heating: In colder weather, consider adding thermal mass, such as water-filled barrels, to store heat during the day and release it at night.
- Planting: Use your hoophouse for early spring crops, late-season vegetables, or even to start seedlings before transplanting them outside.
- Maintenance: Regularly check the structure for any damage and keep the plastic tight. Ensure that the hinges continue to work smoothly.
Final Thoughts
A hinged hoophouse is a fantastic DIY project that can dramatically transform your garden. By creating a climate-controlled space for your plants, you’ll be able to extend your growing season, improve your yields, and even grow crops that typically require warmer weather. With just a few materials and some elbow grease, you can enjoy fresh produce all year long—right in your own backyard! 🌱🌞