This is one of the best hoop house designs and is highly recommended!
This radical greenhouse made from PVC pipes and plastic sheeting is not only totally innovative, but it’s also built to last and perfect for growing all sorts of plants and veggies. With the arches spaced about four feet apart, you’ll also have plenty of room to cultivate your greens, all while enjoying the protection from the elements that this greenhouse provides.
As you can see in the image, this DIY hoop house makes the life of gardeners a little easier. Its hoops glide over a rail, with just a pull of two ropes. This makes it much easier to access your plants and garden and helps to protect them from the elements.
Additionally, the hoop house serves as a means to prolong the growing season by effectively retaining warmth and moisture, thus fostering a more favorable environment for plants. With a modest investment of effort, this uncomplicated structure can significantly enhance your gardening achievements.
Now you can give your plants the sunshine they need without having to lift a finger or bend down to uncover the garden bed! With this retractable hoop house, you can easily provide them with the ideal environment for growth.
This arrangement is as simple to put together as it is to take down and is made of durable materials that will last the test of time. And, thanks to its clever retractable construction, you can tailor the size of the opening to your specific gardening needs. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just starting out, this hoop house is the ultimate solution for giving your precious plants the TLC they deserve!
If you have already built a hoop house in your garden, check if it’s time to revamp it! 🙂
Contents
How to Make a Retractable Hoop House
Imagine having the power to extend your growing season, protect your plants from the elements, and create an oasis for your garden, all with one ingenious structure. In this part, you’ll unveil the secrets to creating your very own retractable hoop house.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener looking to elevate your skills or a green-thumb enthusiast eager to explore a new horizon, get ready to embark on a journey that will transform the way you nurture your plants.
Gather the essential materials and tools to start crafting your own retractable hoop house, where innovation meets the garden.
Materials
- 8′ long 2 x 6″ Untreated Fir
- Schedule 40 PVC Pipe
- 3/4″ diameter Railing
- 1/2″ diameter Hoops
- 1″ diameter Tees
- 1/2″ long, 1/2″ Aluminum Tubing pieces
- 9′ long, 1/2″ PVC Pipe
- High-quality Greenhouse Film
- 1/2″ Lath Screws with Washer Heads
- Clothespins / Clamps for Hoops
- 3/16″ Eye Screws
- 3/16″ Clothesline Cord
Tools
- Cordless Drill
- Hacksaw
- Staple Gun
- Measuring Tape
Don’t forget to consider these essential factors for a project that’s sure to blossom! Begin by calculating the dimensions of your perfect greenhouse; after all, when it comes to cultivating your green thumb, bigger is usually better.
Consider sizing up your space and budget. Get picky with the materials to make your masterpiece shine. PVC pipe or metal tubing are the go-to’s for hoop houses. Also, you will need to create a foundation for your hoop house. The most common type of foundation is a concrete slab. But, you may also use a wooden deck or a gravel foundation.
You must consider the climate in your area and how much protection from the elements your plants will need. For those residing in temperate regions, a basic tarp might suffice. Nevertheless, in the presence of severe weather conditions, a sturdier covering capable of withstanding strong winds and heavy rainfall may be necessary.
A larger structure will require a larger cover. However, you also need to make sure that the cover you choose is efficient, as you will need to access your plants on a regular basis.
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Steps
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Frame
Begin by measuring and cutting the 8′ long 2 x 6 untreated fir into two equal pieces, each 4 feet in length. These will serve as the top and bottom frame members of your retractable hoop house.
Step 2: Create the Hoop Supports
Cut the schedule 40 PVC pipe into 6 equal sections, each measuring 5 feet in length. These will be the supports for your hoops.
Step 3: Form the Hoops
Take the 3/4″ diameter railing and create hoops by bending it into semi-circular shapes, ensuring they are tall enough to cover your plants. You can use a bending tool or bend them by hand.
Step 4: Attach Hoops to the Frame
Secure the hoops to the top frame member (2 x 6) using 1/2″ diameter hoops, spaced evenly along the frame. Make sure they are perpendicular to the frame.
Step 5: Connect the Tees
Attach 1″ diameter tees to each end of the bottom frame member (2 x 6). These tees will hold the PVC pipe that acts as the track for your retractable hoop house.
Step 6: Assemble the Retractable Mechanism
Slide 1/2″ long, 1/2″ aluminium tubing pieces onto the 9′ long, 1/2″ PVC pipe. This will serve as the rolling mechanism for the greenhouse film. Attach this assembly to the tees on the bottom frame member.
Step 7: Cover With Greenhouse Film
Drape the high-quality greenhouse film over the hoop house frame, ensuring it covers the entire structure. Use a staple gun to secure the film to the top frame member and along the sides.
Step 8: Secure the Hoops
Use clothespins or clamps to secure the greenhouse film to the hoops, ensuring a snug fit.
Step 9: Finalize the Retractable System
Attach 3/16″ eye screws along the top frame member and the bottom frame member. Thread 3/16″ clothesline cord through the eye screws, creating a mechanism to retract the greenhouse film.
Step 10: Operate Your Retractable Hoop House
To extend the hoop house, simply pull the cord to unroll the greenhouse film along the aluminium tubing. When you want to retract it, wind the cord to roll the film back up, protecting your plants.
Now, enjoy your own retractable hoop house. Extend your growing season and protect your plants.
Special thanks to Grit’s Vern Harris for sharing invaluable tips on how to build a sturdy and efficient retractable hoop house.
Grow, Protect, Thrive
In ten swift and straightforward steps, you can turn your dream of having a retractable hoop house into a reality. From the materials to the steps, this guide has everything you need to create a thriving and versatile growing sanctuary.
You’ll get those plants blooming and those veggies growing in no time. Are you ready to level up your gardening experience with this simple DIY project?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What exactly is a retractable hoop house, and how does it differ from a traditional greenhouse?
A retractable hoop house, also known as a hoop house or high tunnel, is a type of greenhouse structure made of hoops or arches covered with a transparent material, such as polyethylene or greenhouse plastic. Unlike traditional greenhouses, which often have permanent or fixed coverings, retractable hoop houses feature a covering that can be easily opened or closed, allowing for better ventilation and temperature control.
2. What are the primary benefits of building a retractable hoop house?
There are several benefits to building a retractable hoop house. Firstly, it extends the growing season, allowing you to start planting earlier in the spring and continue growing later into the fall.
Secondly, it protects from adverse weather conditions, such as frost, wind, and heavy rain, which can damage delicate plants. Additionally, a hoop house creates a controlled environment where you can grow a wider variety of crops and increase your yield. Lastly, it offers flexibility, as you can easily adjust the covering to regulate temperature, humidity, and airflow as needed.
3. Is it difficult to build a retractable hoop house, and do you need any specialized skills or tools?
Building a retractable hoop house is relatively straightforward and can be accomplished by individuals with basic carpentry skills and tools. While there is some assembly required, the process is generally simple and can be completed over a weekend with the help of a few friends or family members.
The tools required typically include a saw, drill, measuring tape, screwdriver, and wrench. Additionally, having access to a level area of land and basic knowledge of construction principles will be beneficial.
4. What materials do you need to build a retractable hoop house, and where can you obtain them?
The materials needed to build a retractable hoop house are readily available at most hardware stores or home improvement centres. You will need PVC pipes or metal tubing for the frame, connectors or fittings to join the pipes together, a transparent covering material (such as greenhouse plastic or polyethylene), and hardware such as screws, bolts, and anchors to secure the structure to the ground.
It’s a good idea to make a list of all the materials required before starting the project to ensure you have everything you need.
