Creating a hinged hoophouse for your raised bed garden is an excellent way to extend your growing season, shield your plants from harsh weather, and keep pests at bay. This comprehensive guide provides easy-to-follow instructions to help you build a functional and efficient hinged hoophouse, even if you’re new to DIY projects.
Materials and Tools You’ll Need:
Materials:
- PVC pipes (1/2 inch diameter)
- Heavy-duty plastic sheeting (6 mil)
- Hinges
- Screws (stainless steel)
- Wooden planks (for the raised bed frame)
- Pipe clamps
- UV-resistant zip ties
Tools:
- Drill
- Saw
- Measuring tape
- Staple gun
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Raised Bed
If you don’t already have a raised bed, build one using sturdy wooden planks. Ensure the bed is securely assembled and placed in a sunny location in your garden. The size of your raised bed will determine the dimensions of your hoophouse, so plan accordingly.
Step 2: Measure and Cut PVC Pipes
Measure the width of your raised bed to determine the length of the PVC pipes needed to create the hoops. Cut the pipes accordingly. Space the hoops about 2-3 feet apart along the length of the bed. Gently bend the pipes and insert their ends into the soil on either side of the bed, or secure them to the wooden frame using pipe clamps to form arches.
Step 3: Install Hinges
Choose one side of the raised bed to be the fixed base of your hoophouse. On the opposite side, attach hinges to the wooden frame. These will allow you to open and close the structure with ease, providing convenient access to your plants.
Step 4: Attach PVC Pipes to Hinges
Using screws and pipe clamps, secure the PVC pipes to the hinged side of the raised bed. Check that the pipes are firmly attached and that the structure can swing open and close smoothly without resistance.
Step 5: Cover with Plastic Sheeting
Drape the heavy-duty plastic sheeting over the PVC hoops, ensuring there is enough material to cover the ends of the raised bed. Trim any excess plastic, leaving extra to secure the edges to the ground or frame.
Step 6: Secure the Plastic Sheeting
Fasten the plastic sheeting to the PVC hoops using UV-resistant zip ties. Staple the plastic to the wooden frame on the hinged side, keeping it taut and secure. On the fixed side and ends, bury the excess plastic in the soil or secure it to the frame to protect the interior from wind and rain.
Step 7: Final Adjustments
Test the hinged hoophouse by opening and closing it. Ensure the plastic sheeting isn’t overly stretched or loose, and make adjustments as needed. Verify that the structure operates smoothly and fits snugly over the raised bed.
Step 8: Add Ventilation
To prevent overheating on sunny days, create ventilation by rolling up one side of the plastic sheeting or adding small vents. Proper airflow will help regulate temperature and humidity inside the hoophouse.
Maintenance Tips:
- Inspect the structure regularly for wear and tear, especially after severe weather.
- Replace the plastic sheeting when it becomes worn or cloudy to maintain clarity and durability.
- Lubricate the hinges periodically to ensure they operate smoothly.
Building a hinged hoophouse is a rewarding project that allows you to provide your plants with a controlled environment, extending your growing season and improving their health. By following these detailed steps, you’ll create a durable and practical solution for protecting your garden. Whether you’re shielding your plants from frost or pests, this hoophouse will serve as a valuable addition to your gardening toolkit.