A hinged hoophouse is a fantastic addition to any raised bed garden, allowing you to extend your growing season by protecting your plants from frost, cold weather, and even pests. This type of structure is versatile, relatively easy to construct, and can be opened or closed depending on the weather conditions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to building a hinged hoophouse for your raised bed garden.
Materials Needed:
- PVC Pipes: These will serve as the hoops. The diameter and length will depend on the size of your raised bed.
- Heavy-Duty Plastic Sheeting: This will cover your hoophouse. Choose a UV-resistant material for longevity.
- Wooden Planks: For reinforcing the sides of the raised bed and creating a base for the hinges.
- Hinges: These will attach the PVC frame to the wooden base, allowing you to open and close the hoophouse.
- Screws and Nails: For securing the wooden planks and hinges.
- Pipe Clamps: To secure the PVC pipes to the wooden base.
- Tools: Drill, saw, staple gun, measuring tape, and scissors or a utility knife.
Step 1: Prepare the Raised Bed
If your raised bed doesn’t already have a wooden frame around the top, add this using wooden planks. This frame will provide a sturdy base to attach the hoophouse.
Step 2: Create the Hoops
- Measure and Cut: Measure the width of your raised bed and cut the PVC pipes to create hoops that will arch over the bed from one side to the other.
- Install the Hoops: Space the hoops evenly along the length of the bed, securing them to the inside of the wooden frame using pipe clamps.
Step 3: Attach the Hinges
- Secure Wooden Planks: On one long side of the raised bed, secure additional wooden planks on the exterior where the hoops meet the frame. These will serve as the mounting point for the hinges.
- Attach Hinges: Attach the hinges to the wooden planks, ensuring they are evenly spaced and properly aligned.
Step 4: Secure the Hoops to the Hinges
- Prepare Hoops: On the side where you’ve attached the hinges, cut the PVC pipe to allow it to lay flat against the wooden plank.
- Attach Hoops to Hinges: Secure each hoop to a hinge using screws, ensuring that the structure can easily open and close.
Step 5: Cover the Hoophouse
- Measure and Cut Plastic Sheeting: Measure the length and width of your hoophouse, adding extra for the sides and ends. Cut your heavy-duty plastic sheeting to size.
- Attach Plastic Sheeting: Starting at one end, staple the plastic sheeting to the wooden frame, pulling it tightly over the hoops and down the other side. Ensure the plastic is taut to prevent sagging.
- Secure the Ends: Fold the excess plastic at the ends and staple it securely to the wooden frame. You can add wooden battens over the stapled plastic for extra security and a cleaner look.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
- Create a Door: On one end of the hoophouse, cut the plastic sheeting in the middle up to the hoop’s peak, and secure the edges with velcro or zippers to create a door.
- Ventilation: Add ventilation holes or slits in the plastic on the sides of the hoophouse, covering them with mesh to keep out pests. These can be opened or closed as needed for temperature control.
Conclusion
Building a hinged hoophouse for your raised bed garden is a rewarding project that significantly extends your growing season, protecting your plants from harsh weather and pests. With some basic materials and a weekend of work, you can enhance your gardening experience, ensuring that your vegetables, herbs, and flowers thrive in almost any condition. This DIY project not only adds functionality to your garden but also contributes to sustainability by maximizing your garden’s productivity year-round.
