Gardening offers a unique blend of physical activity, mental relaxation, and a direct connection to the earth. For those looking to extend their growing seasons and enhance plant health, a hoophouse is an invaluable addition. This article delves into constructing a hinged hoophouse specifically designed for an 8x4x2ft oval modular metal raised garden bed, providing a protective and controlled environment for plants.
1. Collect Materials
- Lumber: You'll need several 2x4 pieces of lumber, totaling approximately 50 linear feet, to build a sturdy frame that encompasses the raised bed. This frame will support the weight of the hoophouse structure without sagging or breaking.
- PVC pipes: Approximately six 10-foot long, half-inch diameter PVC pipes are required to form the hoops. These will be bent into arches that span across the width of the bed, creating the structure's skeleton.
- Plastic sheeting: Purchase a roll of durable, UV-resistant plastic sheeting, at least 12 feet wide and 25 feet long, to ensure complete coverage of the hoophouse. This sheeting will act as a barrier against the elements and help maintain necessary climatic conditions inside.
- Hinges: Four heavy-duty, stainless steel hinges will be needed to attach the frame to the base, allowing it to swing open and provide easy access to the interior of the hoophouse. Ensure these are rust-resistant to withstand varying weather conditions.
- Tools: Basic tools including a circular saw for cutting the lumber, a PVC cutter for the pipes, a power drill for assembling the frame and attaching the hinges, a staple gun for securing the plastic sheeting, and a measuring tape for precise measurement are essential.
It's advisable to choose materials that can endure your local climate. For example, if your area experiences heavy snow, consider thicker PVC pipes and a heavier gauge plastic sheeting. Always verify the quality of materials at your local garden centers or hardware stores to ensure they are up to the task.
2. Preparing the Raised Garden Bed
Site Selection: The optimal placement of your raised garden bed is crucial for plant health and growth. Choose a location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily, essential for most vegetables and fruits. The site should also have well-draining soil to prevent water accumulation that could lead to root diseases.
Bed Setup: Position your 8x4x2ft oval modular metal raised bed on the chosen site. This bed's metal construction is not only robust but also resistant to rot and pests, ensuring longevity. Its oval shape maximizes the area for root expansion and facilitates better water distribution within the bed.
3. Constructing the Frame
Building the Frame: Start by cutting the 2x4 lumber into lengths that will form a rectangle around the perimeter of the metal bed. The frame should be slightly larger than the bed itself, about 9 feet by 5 feet, allowing some space for the hoophouse to be installed without interference from the bed's edges.
Assembly: Assemble the frame using corner braces and screws rather than nails for added stability and ease of disassembly if necessary. This step requires precision to ensure that the frame is perfectly rectangular and level, as any irregularity could affect the fitting and functionality of the hoophouse.
Preserving the Raised Bed: By designing the frame to stand freely around the raised bed, you eliminate the need to drill into the metal, preserving the integrity and aesthetic of your raised bed. This approach not only protects the metal from potential damage but also makes the hoophouse easier to modify or remove if you decide to change your garden layout in the future.
4. Building the Hoophouse Structure
Measuring and Cutting PVC Pipes: Begin by determining the height and width of your hoophouse to calculate the length of PVC pipe needed for each arch. For a garden bed measuring 8 feet in length and 4 feet in width, and desiring an arch height of approximately 6 feet, you'll need pipes that are about 12 feet in length to accommodate the curvature. Use a PVC cutter or a fine-toothed saw to cut the pipes cleanly without splintering.
Installing the Arches: Position the cut PVC pipes over the wooden frame to form the arches. The ends of each pipe should rest securely against the inside edge of the frame. To ensure that the arches are spaced evenly, place them about every 2 feet along the length of the bed. This spacing is crucial for maintaining a uniform shape and providing adequate support for the plastic sheeting.
Securing the Arches: Use metal brackets or durable zip ties to attach each PVC arch firmly to the frame. Metal brackets offer greater stability and can be screwed directly into the wood, while zip ties provide a quicker and easier attachment method that can also hold up well under stress. Make sure the attachments are tight and secure to prevent any movement that could destabilize the hoophouse structure.
5. Attaching the Hinges
Selecting the Right Hinges: Choose hinges that are sturdy and designed to withstand outdoor conditions. Stainless steel or galvanized hinges are ideal as they offer resistance to rust and degradation. You will need at least three hinges to ensure stability and smooth operation; this number should be increased for wider or heavier frames.
Positioning the Hinges: Attach the hinges to the wooden frame on the side you intend to use as the opening. It's important to align them precisely both horizontally and vertically to ensure that the frame opens and closes smoothly. Mark the hinge placement with a pencil before drilling to confirm their positions are correct.
Installation: Once you have marked the positions, use a drill to make pilot holes for the screws. This step prevents the wood from splitting and ensures that the screws fit snugly. Secure each hinge with screws that are long enough to penetrate deep into the wood, providing a firm hold. Check the operation of the hinges after installation by gently moving the frame to mimic opening and closing. This test helps ensure that the hinges are mounted correctly and that the frame moves freely without resistance.
6. Covering with Plastic Sheeting
Choosing the Right Plastic Sheeting: Select a high-quality, UV-resistant plastic sheeting that is thick enough to withstand environmental stresses such as wind and snow. A thickness of 6 mil is typically sufficient for most climates. The sheeting should be larger than the frame dimensions to ensure full coverage, with extra length and width to secure the edges under the frame.
Draping the Sheeting: Carefully unfold the plastic sheeting and drape it over the PVC hoops, ensuring that it extends evenly on all sides of the frame. The goal is to have enough excess at the base to secure it under or around the frame for a tight seal.
Securing the Sheeting: Starting at one end, secure the plastic to the frame using heavy-duty clips or a staple gun. Work your way along the length of the frame, pulling the plastic tight as you go to avoid any sags or loose areas that could flap in the wind. At each corner, make neat folds similar to wrapping a present, which helps maintain a tight fit and prevents tearing.
Sealing Edges and Corners: Once the plastic is attached, go around the frame and double-check for any loose areas or gaps. Use additional staples or durable weather-resistant tape to seal these spots, ensuring that the internal environment can maintain consistent heat and humidity levels.
7. Final Adjustments and Enhancements
Adding Weather Seals: To further insulate your hoophouse and protect against drafts, install weather seals along the edges where the plastic meets the frame. Foam weather stripping, commonly used for windows and doors, works well for this purpose. It's adhesive on one side for easy application and can be cut to size to fit snugly around the frame.
Double Layering for Added Insulation: In colder climates, consider adding a second layer of plastic sheeting. This creates an air buffer between the layers, significantly enhancing the insulating properties of the hoophouse. Secure the second layer using the same method as the first, ensuring it's also tight and well-sealed.
Protective Netting for Pest Control: If insects are a concern, overlay a layer of fine mesh netting over the plastic. This can be particularly beneficial during the warmer months when pests are most active. Attach the netting around the edges with clips or staples, ensuring it covers all openings yet still allows for ventilation.
Regular Maintenance Checks: After installation, monitor the hoophouse regularly for any issues such as tears in the plastic, loose staples, or degradation of the weather seals. Address these issues promptly to maintain the effectiveness of the hoophouse.
The Bottom Line
A hinged hoophouse is a fantastic enhancement for any metal raised garden bed, significantly extending the growing season and protecting delicate plants from adverse weather conditions. The practical steps outlined here will help you build a durable, efficient hoophouse that maximizes your gardening potential.