How to Extend Your Growing Season with a Hinged Hoophouse for Raised Beds

Materials Needed:

• PVC pipes (1/2 inch diameter, about 10-20 feet depending on your bed size)
• Heavy-duty plastic sheeting (6 mil, large enough to cover the entire hoophouse)
• Hinges (preferably stainless steel)
• Screws (stainless steel, about 1 inch)
• Wooden planks (for the raised bed frame, if you haven’t already built your bed)
• Pipe clamps (to attach PVC pipes to the frame)
• UV-resistant zip ties (to secure the plastic)
• Staple gun (for securing plastic to the frame)
• Optional: Ventilation openings or roll-up sides for airflow

Tools:

• Drill with screwdriver and bit set
• Saw (for cutting PVC pipes)
• Measuring tape
• Staple gun

Step 1: Prepare Your Raised Bed

If you haven’t already, start by building a sturdy raised bed using wooden planks. Raised beds allow for better drainage and improved soil quality, making them ideal for hoophouse gardening. Ensure the bed is placed in a sunny location where your plants will get ample light. Consider the size of your raised bed as this will dictate the dimensions of your hoophouse.

Step 2: Measure and Cut PVC Pipes

• Measure the width of your raised bed (from one side to the other) to determine how long to cut your PVC pipes for the hoops.
• The number of hoops you’ll need depends on the length of your bed. Aim to space the hoops about 2-3 feet apart along the bed’s length.
• Cut the PVC pipes to the required length. For standard raised beds, you will typically need 6-8 hoops, but the exact number will depend on your specific dimensions.

Tip: When bending PVC pipes, do so gently to avoid cracking. If necessary, use a heat gun to soften the pipes before bending.

Step 3: Install Hinges

• Select the side of your raised bed where you’d like the hoophouse entrance (the hinged side).
• Attach sturdy metal hinges to the wooden frame at one end of the raised bed (the side that will open). The hinges should be positioned securely to support the weight of the hoophouse cover.
• Be sure to attach the hinges to the outside of the frame, making it easier to open and close the structure later.

Step 4: Attach PVC Pipes to Hinges

• On the hinged side, attach each PVC pipe to the frame using pipe clamps.
• Secure the pipes at evenly spaced intervals (about 2-3 feet apart).
• Ensure that the hoops are securely connected to the frame and are aligned properly to form a smooth arch over the bed.

Tip: Make sure the frame can swing open smoothly without resistance. This ensures that when you open your hoophouse to tend to your plants, it moves easily.

Step 5: Cover with Plastic Sheeting

• Drape the heavy-duty plastic sheeting over the PVC hoops, ensuring there’s enough extra material to cover both ends of the raised bed.
• The plastic should be long enough to cover the full length of the hoophouse and reach the ground to protect plants from external elements.

Tip: It’s best to use UV-resistant plastic to prevent it from degrading over time.

Step 6: Secure the Plastic Sheeting

• Use UV-resistant zip ties to tightly secure the plastic sheeting to the PVC pipes. Start at one end of the hoophouse and work your way down, ensuring the plastic is stretched tight and smooth across the hoops.
• On the hinged side of the hoophouse, staple the plastic sheeting to the wooden frame, ensuring a taut fit.
• On the non-hinged side and at the ends of the bed, bury the excess plastic in the soil or use additional stakes to secure it. This will prevent wind from lifting the plastic and keep your plants protected.

Step 7: Final Adjustments

• Test the hinged hoophouse by opening and closing it. Make sure the plastic isn’t too tight, and the hoops and frame remain stable.
• Adjust the plastic to eliminate any wrinkles or slack that could interfere with ventilation or access. Ensure the plastic remains securely attached to the frame and the soil.

Step 8: Ventilation

• A key component of hoophouse gardening is controlling the temperature and humidity. On warm days, the hoophouse can quickly become too hot, so it’s important to have a way to let air circulate.
• Consider rolling up the sides of the plastic sheeting or installing small ventilation openings at the top of the structure. You can roll up the sides of the plastic and secure them with clips or ties when the weather warms up, allowing fresh air to enter.
• If desired, install vents on the top or sides of the hoophouse that can be opened or closed as needed to regulate airflow and temperature.

Maintenance Tips

• Regular Inspections: Check your hoophouse regularly for any signs of wear, especially after a storm or extreme weather. Ensure that the plastic is intact and that there are no loose ties or damaged sections.
• Lubricate Hinges: Over time, the hinges may become rusty or stiff. Regularly lubricate the hinges to keep the structure opening and closing smoothly.
• Replace Plastic Sheeting: Plastic sheeting may degrade over time, especially when exposed to UV rays. If the plastic becomes cloudy or torn, replace it with new material to maintain the effectiveness of the hoophouse.
• Weed Control: Weeds can grow around the base of your hoophouse, so ensure the edges are securely fastened and that you control weeds to prevent them from undermining the structure.

Conclusion

Building a hinged hoophouse for your raised bed garden is a relatively simple yet highly effective way to extend your growing season. By following these steps, you’ll provide your plants with a protective environment, giving them the best possible chance to thrive in cooler temperatures or less-than-ideal conditions. Whether you’re looking to start seeds earlier in the spring, protect tender plants from frost, or harvest late into the fall, a hinged hoophouse offers a reliable, cost-effective solution. With a little effort and creativity, you’ll be enjoying fresh, homegrown produce for much longer each year!