Hoophouse/cold frame ideas. Please. (pic heavy)

['mater]

Could use conduit if you can get it bent to form. Drive rebar in the ground at points along the bed edges and run the conduit ends over them to provide more stability. Could even set a coupler on the conduit with the set screw to tighten against the rebar to hold it to it.

Just another thought after seeing the metal framework of the Lee Valley setup.

Something store bought might have a little more of a finished, aesthetic look to it...

[dcarch]

Here is the idea I have come up with for the construction of a hoophouse (cold frame). It’s not finished yet, but I do want to post the progress as soon as possible so that in case anyone of you want to construct the same thing, you will be able to finish before the growing season starts.

Again, the objectives are:

1. A hoophouse which looks good (IMHO).
2. Easy to make.
3. Inexpensive and reusable ($20.00 +-).
4. Demountable and requiring very little storage space.

Main material used is clear UV corrugated panels (Home Depot). The Panels are cut in half and just clear taped together to make them wider.

I made the end walls using sheet plastic I have.

The vaulted panels and supported by poles in the center and can slide back and forth for access to the seedlings.

If you live in a windy area, all you have to do is to strap the panels down with bungee cords.

What do you think?

dcarch :wink:

[angelique]

Originally Posted by velikipop

Check this site out. The plan is easy, economical and simple.



http://westsidegardener.com/howto/hoophouse.html

I really like this set up for my backyard. Since I am in zone 9, I wonder how much longer this hoophouse would extend my season.

[daylilydude]

dcarch this my be a dumb question but i'm gonna ask cause that set-up is KEWL ! On the ends that you made are they removable in case it gets too hot or have you got another way you are planning to vent it? Great details i like the photo's they are a great help.

[dcarch]

Originally Posted by daylilydude

dcarch this my be a dumb question but i'm gonna ask cause that set-up is KEWL ! On the ends that you made are they removable in case it gets too hot or have you got another way you are planning to vent it? Great details i like the photo's they are a great help.

Smart question.

The vaulted panels are going to be in sections, which can slide horizontally along the grooves to open up to vent the inside when it gets too hot.
As a matter of fact, the entire thing only takes a couple of minutes to set up and take apart, and requires little room to store away(pic#1), it's not out of the question to remove the whole thing when an extended warm temperature is predicted.

dcarch

[LoreD]

Hi dcarch,

Those clear UV corrugated panels that you found at HomeDepot. Which department did you find them? I went to the online HomeDepot to get an idea of cost and I couldn't find it.

Also, how much did you pay for the panels?

LoreD

[dcarch]

Originally Posted by LoreD

Hi dcarch,

Those clear UV corrugated panels that you found at HomeDepot. Which department did you find them? I went to the online HomeDepot to get an idea of cost and I couldn't find it.

Also, how much did you pay for the panels?

LoreD

I think I got them in the same department where you find Cyclone fence materials. They come in two lengths. I think I pay $12.00 each. Not sure. Couldn't find the receipt.

dcarch

[mdvpc]

dcarch-great photos and I think you will get an early start to the season. When are you planning on planting out? You might also be able to use the same set up to grow some greens when your season is over-chard, kale, maybe some carrots, cutting lettuces, mache, etc.

[dcarch]

Michael,

I am excited to have the hoophouse, once it's complete this weekend.
I should be able to have tomatoes much earlier (Stupice, Siberia, etc.) and late season varieties produce more before frost gets them.
I also will check with Forum members (Z6/7) to see what else I can grow.
The rasied bed has at least 18" of nice compost mixed in!

dcarch :wink:

[mdvpc]

dcarch-Please post photos when you get finished for all of us to see. Thanks.

[dcarch]

Didn't get a chance to post pics for the finished project.
A couple of weeks ago, Westchester, NY was declared a disaster area because of the wind/rain storm. This hoop house survived.

dcarch





Velcro taps are used to secure things. This makes it easy to open for ventilation and eventual removal and re-installation.


1/4" steel rod for center supports.

[dcarch]

Time to remove and store the hoophouse away. Total time to remove: about two minutes.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=XuhAf9mEtRE
dcarch

All the parts for the hoophouse to be stored for next season.


Sub Artic Maxi fruiting already

[Warren]

I am just looking for something to cover my plants with over the winter (I want to try to keep them alive year round. I have eight foot bamboo stakes and I just want to cover them with plastic. Anything else I should do?

[dcarch]

Originally Posted by Warren

I am just looking for something to cover my plants with over the winter (I want to try to keep them alive year round. I have eight foot bamboo stakes and I just want to cover them with plastic. Anything else I should do?

A lot of covering materials are not transparent enough. The ones which are transparent to let light in also have the problem of heating up the inside to too high a temperature. You can cook your plants in a very short time if you are not careful.

What I will be doing is to install small fans on the flat ends of the tunnel with a thermostat so that I never have to worry about cooking my plants.

Take a look at farmtek.com. they have many covering material for you to work with.

dcarch