Back in the spring DCH ran a workshop on how to construct your own hoop house. It was so successful that I thought I would do a post giving you a play by play of hoop house making. Perhaps some of you possess pioneering spirits and would like to give it a go for yourselves.
Before I get ahead of myself, I guess I’ll take a moment to explain what a hoop house is. Essentially, they are portable structures that you can use in your garden to extend your growing season or to keep insects and small furry critters off your plants. They usually consist of a light frame and are covered with a porous material which lets in sun and rain all the while keeping your plants protected.
So how do you make these?
Here is a list of materials you will need. Keep in mind that specific amounts may vary depending on the dimensions of the hoop house you would like but this will give you a general idea:
¾ “ PVC Pipe (24 ft. length)

½” PVC Pipe (5 ft. length, 3 each)

¾” 90° elbow (4 each)

¾” x ½” Reduce Tee (6 each)

Garden Clips (14 each)

Floating Row Cover Fabric

Twine (10 Ft each)

PVC Cement

Landscape Staples (4 each)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cut ¾” pipe to fit perimeter of bed allowing for lengths of connectors

2. Assemble pipe and connectors for frame securing joints with PVC cement

3. Tie twine around center frame connectors for stability

4. Bend ½” pipe and connect to reduction tee’s to make hoops, again securing joints with PVC cement


5. Cover with floating row cover fabric and attach to frame with garden clips gathering excess fabric at ends with binder clips


6. Secure hoop house to raised bed with landscape staples taking care not to puncture fabric

DONE!
If you are interested in hearing more about DCH’s various workshops- from making a hoop house, sharpening your garden tools, constructing a beautiful winter wreath, or crafting your very own rain barrel, please contact Sarah Bruce Deacle, Assistant Director of Programs at 302. 658. 6262 x117 or by email: sbdeacle@dehort.org