Before building a DIY hoop house, it is essential to understand the best materials for the project. There are pros and cons of different building materials used in creating backyard greenhouses, high tunnels, and hoop houses. To create a hoop house, you will need tubing (like PVC or electrical conduit pipe), connectors, plastic (usually polyethylene sheeting), and simple doors. The most important consideration is siting:
A PVC hoop house is essentially a greenhouse made by covering a plastic or metal hoop structure with one layer (or sometimes two) of clear plastic. They are low-tech and low-cost compared to glass. To build a hoop house, you will need tubing (like PVC or electrical conduit pipe), connectors, plastic (usually polyethylene sheeting), and simple doors. The most important consideration is siting:
A PVC hoop house is essentially a greenhouse that extends your gardening season or provides a place to raise seedling plants. To make a small tunnel, you can put metal posts into the ground along the sides of your garden bed and slide segments of PVC pipe in one post and arch over the garden bed to the opposite. There are various diameters of PVC pipes that can be used for the hoops; 1 in., 1 1/2 in., and 2 in. are the most common. We recommend using 2-in. PVC because it holds up well to winds blowing 50 mph and the occasional snow 10 in.
PVC pipe is not terribly strong and is prone to bending when exposed to heat. The main reason for using PVC pipes for a high tunnel is that they are not terribly strong and are prone to bending when exposed to heat. To build a hoop house using PVC pipe, you should use 1 1/4″ to 1 1/2″ PVC pipe.
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What size PVC to use for garden hoops?
The raised beds are made of 1x12s and supported by 2×4 sections due to various constraints. The hoophouses are made of 1/2-inch PVC pipe in 10-foot lengths, with clips and pipe sized to suit each other. The hoops are held on with simple brackets, which can be found at hardware stores for 29 cents each.
The plastic is a clear-ish plastic dropcloth or tarp from local hardware stores, such as Ace or any store that remembers when they need another one. The plastic is held on the hoops by hoophouse clips, which can be obtained from various sources. A pro tip is to place one of the plastic clips between the two hoop-holding brackets, providing extra security, especially in windy weather.
On non-raised beds, larger diameter PVC is cut into 12-16 inch sections and driven into the ground until about 3-6 inches are sticking out. The 1/2 inch pipe is then inserted into each section and bent over into the other side. The hoops, plastic, and clips are the same as above.
To make the poly plastic last longer, reduce abrasion between the poly and the hoop with adhesive Felt Cladding Tape. If it’s windy, rocks on either end of the tarp may be needed to secure it. Peaceful Valley also suggests Cinch Strap and boards to hold down the poly in windy weather.
What can I use to make greenhouse hoops?
The best hoop house options include metal, PVC pipes, metal or wood hip boards and baseboards, and UV stabilized hoop house plastic. PVC pipes, made from polyvinyl chloride, are commonly used for electrical applications and cold water supply lines due to their low cost. However, they are not strong and can Bend when exposed to heat. When building a hoop house or other application covered with plastic, it must be painted, as PVC and plastic are not compatible materials.
PVC will degrade the plastic when exposed to UV rays, and using PVC directly against polyethylene plastic will void the warranty on the plastic. Overall, the choice between metal, PVC, and plastic depends on the specific needs and requirements of the project.
What is the best pipe for a greenhouse?
Top rail is a popular choice for DIY projects, as it is the top rail of chain link fencing and is typically sold in 10′ 6″ pieces. It is stronger than 17 and 18 gauge fencing, but 16 gauge rolled steel pipes are the best choice for greenhouses under 20 feet in width. Top rail is a good compromise between price and quality, and it can withstand snow and wind load.
Rolled steel tubes are a high-quality choice for building hoops and ridge poles in hoop houses, especially for those 20 feet or more in width. For bending your own hoops, you can either build a jig or use a specialized tool like a heavy-duty hoop bender. While any materials can be used to make hoops to support greenhouse plastic, top rail fencing or rolled steel tubing are the best choices. For more information on bending different hoop house widths, refer to the blog on Bending DIY Hoops.
Can you use PVC plastic for greenhouse?
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a popular greenhouse plastic due to its durability and resistance to extreme weather conditions. It also offers excellent light transmission properties, converting sunlight into energy for plants, promoting healthy growth. However, PVC has a significant environmental impact, as improper disposal can leach harmful chemicals into the environment. Additionally, it requires more energy to manufacture than other plastics, further exacerbating its environmental footprint. Despite these drawbacks, PVC remains a popular choice for greenhouses in regions prone to severe weather.
What is the best plastic for a greenhouse hoop?
Polyethylene (PE) is a widely used greenhouse plastic due to its competitive price and excellent mechanical properties. It is easily incorporated with additives to improve its characteristics. PE is classified based on density, with low-density being the most common. Medium-density plastic is used in small tunnels and mulch, while high-density plastic is used for pipes, bottles, caps, containers, irrigation, and drainage parts. Low-density polyethylene is the most commonly used in agriculture, offering four-year durability and resistance to sulphur. It can be yellow or colorless.
Can you use clear PVC for greenhouse?
Growers can choose between clear or black/white greenhouse plastic sheeting depending on their needs. Clear plastic is beneficial for areas needing more sunlight as it diffuses light and reduces sun damage. White greenhouses or light deprivation covers can help control temperature and light. Factors such as clear/colored covers and mil thickness can impact plant growth. Americover recommends 8 mil BOLD® Black Out Light Deprivation Cover, which provides total darkness, reduces heat build-up, and protects crops longer than other black and white covers. The choice of plastic sheeting depends on the specific needs of the greenhouse and the desired growth conditions.
What type of PVC pipe is used for hoop houses?
PVC pipes are commonly used for hoops, with diameters ranging from 1 in. to 2 in., with 2-in. being the most common due to its durability against strong winds and snow. New plastic pipes are recommended for construction, as weathered ones can break when bent. Once bent and weathered, the pipes can be reused for future projects. Once rebar stakes are set, the PVC pipe is placed by placing one end over one stake and bending to place the opposite end on the opposite side. If stakes are perpendicular to the ground, placing the pipe on the spike is difficult, so stakes should be placed at a 30-degree angle.
What is the best material for garden hoops?
Mini hoop tunnels are ideal for small spaces, raised beds, and in-ground gardens, providing temporary protection against various pests and weather conditions. These pint-size polytunnels can be changed according to the season and objective, making them easy to install without the need for construction expertise or power tools. The main components of a mini hoop tunnel, the hoops and cover, can be changed as needed.
The three most useful types of hoops are 9-gauge wire, 1/2-inch PVC conduit, and 1/2-inch metal conduit. The type you choose depends on your goals. 9-gauge wire hoops are suitable for lightweight spring or autumn frost protection or protection from summer pests like cabbage worms or flea beetles. For harvesting into autumn and winter, and in regions with snow load considerations, a hoop with more strength is recommended.
In summary, mini hoop tunnels are a cost-effective and easy-to-use solution for protecting crops from various pests and weather conditions. They can be shifted between beds or stored between uses, making them a valuable garden insurance tool.
What size conduit for garden hoops?
In order to affix the structure to raised beds, it is necessary to utilize a fastener and screws in order to ensure a secure attachment.
What PVC pipe to use for hoop house?
PVC pipes are commonly used for hoops, with diameters ranging from 1 in. to 2 in., with 2-in. being the most common due to its durability against strong winds and snow. New plastic pipes are recommended for construction, as weathered ones can break when bent. Once bent and weathered, the pipes can be reused for future projects. Once rebar stakes are set, the PVC pipe is placed by placing one end over one stake and bending to place the opposite end on the opposite side. If stakes are perpendicular to the ground, placing the pipe on the spike is difficult, so stakes should be placed at a 30-degree angle.
What is the best pipe for garden hoops?
To create hoop rows for irrigation, use 3/4″ PVC pipe for slots and 1/2″ flexible PVC pipe for hoops. Choose flexible but rigid pipes for a more flexible and stable solution. Use pipe clips to attach the hoops to raised beds. Place hoops on each end and every 2 feet between to avoid sagging. A maximum of 3 feet is recommended. For the 3/4″ pipe slots, two per hoop, one on each side, approximately 6″ long. These slots are for easy addition or removal of hoops, but can be used directly in the ground. The pipe clips can be found in various types.
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