How To Construct A Low-Cost Greenhouse In The Hoop Style?

This guide provides instructions on how to build an inexpensive hoop greenhouse using 2x6s as the frame. The process involves setting up the frame, attaching the hoops, building the ends, using plastic to cover the greenhouse, and adding the door. It is important to use green, treated wood to resist rot or buy rot-resistant lumber like cedar.

The basic components of a hoop greenhouse include 2x6s, 2×6-12″, 2×4-12″, 19″ x 20″ white PVC pipe, 10mm x 10′ rebar, 20’x50′ roll of 6mm plastic, and a bundle of 50 4′ wood lathe (or similar). These greenhouses offer a controlled environment that allows for better plant growth.

Building a large hoop style greenhouse can be done for under $325, which is only $1.29 per square foot. The guide covers the steps to build a successful hoop greenhouse, including choosing a good location, choosing a suitable size, and choosing the right materials.

Hoops can be made from metal or PVC pipes, while hip boards and baseboards can be made from metal or various types of wood. The first step is to choose a good location with level, level ground. Hoop houses can be built using cattle fencing or PVC hoops wrapped in plastic covering.

In summary, building an inexpensive hoop greenhouse requires careful planning, using green treated wood, and selecting the right materials. By following these steps, you can create a practical, attractive, and economical greenhouse that can help you extend your vegetable growing season in cold climates.

What is the most inexpensive way of heating a greenhouse?

Gas heating is the most cost-effective option for greenhouses, with an average efficiency of 80 percent due to heat loss through exhaust ports. Open flame heaters emit ethylene gas, which can affect budding plants and cause depleted oxygen levels in newer greenhouses. Gas heaters with a flu and power exhaust are best for greenhouse applications, but they need a hole punched into the side of the greenhouse for exhaust.

Electric heating is the most efficient, running at 100 percent efficiency, but it is expensive and may not be suitable for many gardeners’ budgets. Passive solar heat can offset some of the cost associated with electric heating, and 240V units are recommended for greenhouse applications. For 120V units, avoid infrared heaters or heaters that transfer heat to objects instead of heating the air. Oil-filled radiator-style heaters are the best inexpensive 120V heaters for greenhouses, which can heat small hobby greenhouses during winter months when placed near a fan.

Passive solar heat collects heat from the sun’s radiation during the daytime and releases it into the greenhouse during the nighttime. This is usually done with water or other thermal mass that can absorb and hold heat for a duration of time. One technique is to line the north wall of a greenhouse with black water containers, which absorb light and heat that passes through the greenhouse to the north wall.

When the sun sets, the heat held by the water slowly dissipates into the greenhouse environment. When combined with electric heat, passive solar heat can significantly reduce the annual cost of heating a greenhouse.

What is the most efficient type of greenhouse?

Twin-wall polycarbonate covers are more resistant to temperature variability and last more than double as long as poly film. However, greenhouses lose a lot of heat during winter months, especially at night. To improve heat retention, use winter-ready poly film glazing, which is heavier and more opaque, which attracts heat during the day and reflects it back into the greenhouse at night. Another option is installing a water wall for passive solar heat, which uses polyethylene bags filled with water to absorb solar energy during the day and radiate it into the greenhouse at night.

What size PVC to use for hoop house?

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.

How much does it cost to build a hoop greenhouse?

Before building a high tunnel hoop house, consider factors such as light penetration, load limitations, and the site’s location. These structures are affordable and easy to adapt to various land units, making them suitable for gardeners and farmers. Light penetration is crucial for plant growth, and grow lights require an electrical source. In areas with wind and snow, consider load limitations. The height of the hoop house can be adjusted by lengthening rib pipes for comfortable indoor use.

Choose a moderately level site with good drainage and soil, and choose an open area where trees and obstacles won’t affect sun penetration or create shadows. Soil fill can be used to create a pad for construction.

Is a hoop house as good as a greenhouse?

A hoop house, also known as a crop or high tunnel, is a warm, unheated, and less durable alternative to a greenhouse in northern Nevada. It allows plants to control their growing environment and is less expensive. To set up a hoop house, it’s important to choose a location that is flat, sunny, with good drainage and soil. A nearby water source and close source of electricity are also essential. In-ground growers should amend the soil before building.

How long do hoop greenhouses last?

Hoop houses are budget-friendly greenhouses that offer numerous benefits, including cost-effectiveness and easy maintenance. The only ongoing expense is replacing the poly film, which can last beyond the 4-year warranty if well-maintained. Greenhouses require annual power, infrastructure taxes, and maintenance, with panels expiring around 5-8 years into use. However, if the intended crops will easily cover the cost, the investment might be justified for the operation. Overall, hoop houses offer a more cost-effective solution for greenhouse operations.

How to make greenhouse hoops?

A hoop house is a DIY greenhouse in your garden, constructed using cattle fencing or PVC hoops wrapped in plastic. It can be built in a raised bed or as a row cover. The addition of plastic sheeting extends the growing season, allowing plants to grow before and after temperatures warm and cool. Materials needed for building a hoop house greenhouse include wooden boards and on-hand materials.

What is the cheapest way to build a greenhouse?

Building a greenhouse is a cost-effective and easy way to create a greenhouse. To attach the plastic sheeting, you need a frame made of PVC pipe, PVC connectors, fence mesh, or tree saplings. The frame can be attached to a wooden base or anchored into the ground. Bending the frame into a hoop shape ensures rainwater runs off the greenhouse. Attach the plastic sheeting to the frame using nails, screws, zip ties, or other sturdy fasteners. This greenhouse can be made to any size and cost around $50, with an estimated cost of $1 a square foot.

How do you keep a hoop house warm?

The large heater at the rear of the hoop house is subject to daily inspection throughout the winter period. This is done in order to guarantee that the temperature remains at a level that is conducive to plant growth. Temperatures that are either excessively high or low can have a detrimental effect on the plants, causing them to either freeze or rot.

How long does a PVC hoop house last?

The lifespan of a hoop house depends on various factors such as wind, weather, and sunlight. Steel frames can last for many years, while homemade PVC houses may last for a shorter time due to factors like preservative treatment and wood protection. The best choice is 6-mil greenhouse plastic, which is guaranteed for four years of year-round use. Regular polyethylene film, also known as Visqueen, can be used for a single season but may be brittle and fragile at the end of the growing season.

Investing in greenhouse plastic is worth the cost, as it has ultraviolet light stabilizers and can be brittle if strong winds occur. In a trial in Fairbanks, 7-mil plastic was used successfully for three growing seasons. Additional resources on hoop houses include The Hoop House Handbook by Lynn Byczynski and The New Organic Farmer by Eliot Coleman, as well as the ATTRA publication Season Extension Techniques for Market Gardeners by Janet Bachmann.

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.