Question on how to cover a hoop house

[VT Chicklit]

My DH and I spent the weekend trying to get some things done to get ready for winter. One of the items on that list was to plastic over the hoops that we attached to our raised beds so that we could extend the growing season. What a job! These hoops are only about 3 foot high above the raised beds and the beds are about 5 foot by 5 foot. We found it impossible to attach the 6 mil plastic to the hoops and framed in ends without wrinkles, bagging, sagging, bunching, swearing and frustration.We were not pleased with the end results but it will have to do for this year.

DH and I are also making a hoop house that we will finish in the spring. We used Schedual 40 PVC that was UV resistant. The framing is 8 foot by 12 foot and is 7 foot high. We framed in the ends but will not put on the 6 mil plastic until the spring. After our experience with our little raised beds and the plastic over those hoops, we are thinking there must be a better way. Any of you who have built this style of hoop house, please give me suggestions about a better way to get better results applying the plastic covering.

[freeholdfarms]

I bought clear plastic shower curtains at the Dollar Tree store to use until our green house is built. At a dollar for a 72'' by 70'' curtain I can hot glue or tape it and not worry. Hope someone else is able to help you more.

Sandy

[jacqueg]

For your garden beds, there is a product called Garden Clips - here's a pic and description - http://www.nicholsgardennursery.com/...hp?pid280.html

I have heard of people making their own clips.

For the hoop house, I don't know. I don't think the Garden Clips would work for the greater stresses on the larger structure. I will be interested in hearing what folks have to say, since a hoop house is definitely in my future.

[CaliannG]

I just finished a hoop house for chickens. Got the plastic *duct taped* down on it just in time for a cold front to move in giving us wind and rain.

It has held just fine so far.

That's all I use: lots and lots of WHITE duct tape.

I tried the clips, both store bought and home made, and they had a tendency to pinch and poke holes in the plastic.

[anniew]

For the spring house, assuming you have a bottom board around the base, put your plastic in place, then along the bottom edges (and the ends which are hopefully covered with t-111 or something similar), use lathing strips to attach the plastic. Place the strips, one at a time along the edge of the plastic and roll maybe two times (allow enough plastic for this when getting a piece for covering), and then nail through the plastic and the strip into the bottom board. Continue for the length of the greenhouse along one whole side, then start on the opposite side. Again wrap the edge of the plastic around more lathing strips, and use some muscle to stretch the plastic to eliminate wrinkles and then, nail to the bottom board. The plastic on the ends of the greenhouse can be attached the same way nailing into the t-111 or whatever.
Hope all that is understand-able...Ann

[houndlover]

I bought a grommet kit ($4), and put grommets in my plastic, then used zip ties to attach it.

[melissa78]

Not to hijack someone else's thread, but this is why I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this site! I was considering buying a hoop house from our local high school construction class. I may yet, because this was one of the classes I was a teacher's aide for, I would like to support them, but it is nice to know that there is a less expensive option.

[jlrbhjmnc]

Here is an entry in one of your fellow Vermonter's blog:
http://flashweb.com/blog/2005/12/winter-hen-coop.html

[MaineFarmMom]

I use wiggle wire on my high tunnels. Next time we replace the poly on the greenhouse I'm adding wiggle wire to make the job easier and the poly tighter.

http://www.growersupply.com/6polylocktrack.html

[Pouncer]

Just buy a length of pipe that is one size larger than your hoops. Cut it into three inch long pieces with a chop saw or similar. Put them into a vise lengthwise, and cut out one third of the diameter using a jig saw.

You now have bunches of clips that will snap over your hoops without popping loose.

[Bandit]

The Fabric clips are a great idea , I have used them on shelters I have built and sold , but You might as well buy them at close to wholesale instead of retail .
http://www.farmtek.com/farm/supplies...oductId=288010
http://www.farmtek.com/farm/supplies...09_CC6209.html
Bob