A hoop house is a simple, affordable structure that extends your growing season by protecting plants from harsh weather. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, building your own hoop house can be a rewarding and practical project.
With readily available materials and a bit of planning, you can customize your hoop house to fit any garden space. This guide on how to make a hoop house will walk you through each step, from gathering tools to making sure your hoop house lasts for seasons to come.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
- PVC Pipes or Metal Conduit (for Hoops)
- Heavy-duty Plastic Sheeting (Polyethylene, UV-resistant)
- Wooden Planks or Rebar (for Anchoring the Frame)
- Saw or Pipe Cutter
- Measuring Tape
- Drill and Screws or Clamps
- Hammer
- Utility Knife or Scissors
- Zip Ties or Clips
- Stakes or Anchors (to Secure the Base)
- Optional: Door Kit or Framing for Easy Access
7 Simple Step-by-step Guides on How to Make a Hoop House:
Step 1: Planning Your Hoop House
Before you start construction, it’s important to decide on the size and location of your hoop house. Consider the space available in your garden, the types of plants you wish to grow, and the amount of sunlight required. Choose a site that receives maximum sunlight and has good drainage.
Take measurements for the length, width, and height, keeping in mind that a wider structure might require stronger supports. Sketch a simple layout of your hoop house to guide you during construction and ensure you purchase the correct amount of materials.
Step 2: Preparing the Base
Begin by marking the perimeter of your hoop house on the ground with stakes and string. This helps to keep your structure straight and squared. Clear the area of any debris, rocks, and weeds to make assembly easier.
Lay down wooden planks or secure rebar stakes at the corners and along the sides for a sturdy foundation. Ensure that all corners are properly angled, as an uneven base will make the rest of the construction more challenging.
Step 3: Installing the Hoops
Insert the ends of your PVC pipes or metal conduit into the anchors along both sides of the base, bending them into arches that create the hoop shape. Space the hoops evenly, typically every 2 to 4 feet, depending on desired support.
Double-check the stability and symmetry of the arches as you go. If needed, reinforce with crossbars or additional stakes, especially in windy areas or for larger hoop houses.
Step 4: Securing the Frame
Fasten the hoops securely to your base using clamps, zip ties, or screws. For extra durability, connect the tops of all hoops with a long ridge pole or pipe, running the length of the hoop house. This ridge adds significant structural support, especially to prevent wobbling.
Test the sturdiness by gently shaking the frame. It should feel stable and solid, with no loose fittings. Make adjustments as needed before moving to the next step.
Step 5: Attaching the Plastic Cover
Unroll the heavy-duty plastic sheeting and carefully lay it over the entire frame, leaving some excess at both ends for securing. Ensure the plastic is wide enough to drape over the sides without stretching too tightly, which might cause tearing.
Attach the cover to the frame with clips, zip ties, or clamps along the hoops and secure it at the ends with extra weights, boards, or by burying the edges in the soil. Smooth the surface to avoid sagging or ripples that could hold water.
Step 6: Creating Access Points
To easily get in and out, plan for a simple door or roll-up panel at one or both ends of your hoop house. You can build a lightweight frame using wood or additional PVC, then cover it with plastic sheeting and attach hinges if desired.
Make sure any entry points can be tightly closed to maintain heat but easily opened for ventilation. These features will allow you to access your plants while keeping the environment inside controlled.
Step 7: Checking for Safety and Final Adjustments
Walk around your hoop house and inspect all connections, anchors, and the plastic cover for gaps, tears, or loose fittings. Reinforce any weak spots with additional ties, clamps, or tape as needed.
Test the structure under different conditions—wind, rain, and sunlight. Regular inspection at this stage helps prevent future issues and ensures your hoop house will protect your plants all season.
Following these steps on how to make a hoop house for your garden will help you create a durable and functional structure that can extend your growing season and protect your plants from harsh weather conditions. However, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind for safety and final adjustments.
Maintenance and Care
Keeping your hoop house in good condition will maximize its lifespan and effectiveness. Regularly check the plastic cover for any damage, and repair small holes with greenhouse tape to prevent larger tears.
Make sure the frame remains stable and tighten any loose connections after storms or strong winds. Remove debris and accumulated snow from the top to prevent excess weight, and periodically check the anchors for signs of shifting. Proper ventilation is also important to avoid mold and regulate temperature inside your hoop house.
Benefits of Using a Hoop House
A hoop house offers numerous advantages for gardeners and farmers alike. One of the primary benefits is the ability to extend the growing season by protecting plants from frost, excessive rain, and harsh winds. This controlled environment helps maintain consistent temperatures, allowing crops to thrive even in colder months. Hoop houses also offer protection from pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and supporting organic growing practices.
Additionally, they allow better control over humidity and airflow, promoting healthier plant growth and reducing the risk of diseases. For those looking to maximize productivity, hoop houses provide an efficient and cost-effective solution to grow a wide variety of crops year-round.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One frequent mistake is choosing a location with poor sunlight or drainage, which negatively impacts plant health. Using low-quality materials for the frame or plastic cover can lead to premature wear and damage.
Skipping regular maintenance increases the risk of structural failure during harsh weather. Inadequate ventilation can cause overheating or excessive humidity, inviting diseases. Finally, building a hoop house without accounting for your local climate and wind patterns reduces its effectiveness and durability.
How Much Will It Cost?
The cost of a hoop house varies based on size, materials, and additional features. A small, DIY hoop house can be built for as little as $100–$200 using basic supplies. Larger or more durable designs with reinforced frames, thicker plastic, and built-in doors may cost $300–$600 or more.
Factor in the price of tools if you don’t already own them, as well as maintenance expenses over time. Keep in mind that investing in quality materials upfront can reduce long-term costs by extending the lifespan of your structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What Plants Grow Best In A Hoop House?
A1: Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale thrive in hoop houses due to the protected environment. Tomatoes, peppers, and herbs also benefit from the extended seasons. Root vegetables such as carrots and radishes often experience better yields and fewer pest problems inside a hoop house. Experimenting with different crops will help you determine what works best for your climate and preferences.
Q2: How Long Does It Take To Build A Hoop House?
A2: The time required to construct a hoop house depends on the design and your experience level. Simple, small hoop houses can be completed in just a few hours with basic tools. Larger structures or those with extra features might take a full day or weekend. Good preparation, clear plans, and having all materials ready can help speed up the building process significantly.
Q3: How Do You Maintain Temperature Inside A Hoop House?
A3: Temperature control is achieved through proper ventilation, using doors or roll-up sides to allow airflow during hot days. In colder seasons, closing entry points and adding row covers or thermal mass can help retain warmth. Monitoring inside temperatures with a thermometer and adjusting as needed ensures the environment stays ideal for plant growth.
Q4: Can A Hoop House Withstand Strong Winds And Snow?
A4: A well-constructed hoop house with secure anchors and a sturdy frame can handle moderate wind and snow loads. Reinforcing the arches and securing the plastic tightly helps minimize damage from weather extremes. Regular checks after storms and prompt repairs of any damage will increase the structure’s longevity and resilience.
Conclusion
Building a hoop house is an excellent way to enhance your gardening experience and extend your harvest. With thoughtful planning, quality materials, and simple upkeep, even beginners can build a structure that offers great value and versatility.
Embrace the process, learn from each step, and enjoy watching your plants flourish year-round under the protection of your own hoop house. Thanks for reading this article on how to make a hoop house.