How to build a PVC hoop tunnel
This year I am near the top of the waiting list for a community garden plot, so I am already planning what to plant in it and how to extend the growing season.
A good way is to make a PVC hoop tunnel and cover it with plastic or fabric to protect plants from wind and pests. It’s essentially a poor person’s greenhouse and can create a microclimate inside by increasing the temperature depending on the type of covering used.
I found this video by FarmingFractals on YouTube that explains a simple and inexpensive way to construct a hoop house.
From this video, it seems all you need are:
- 4 x 1/2″ PVC pipe cut into 8′ lengths (for ribs)
- 2 x 1/2″ PVC pipe cut into 4′ lengths (for base)
- 6 x 1/2″ PVC pipe cut into 2.5′ lengths (or your preferred base length between ribs)
- 4 x PVC “side out” three-way corner joints
- 4 x PVC T-shaped three-way connectors (to secure ribs to the base of the frame)
- Your choice of row cover material
- 3/4″ PVC pipe to make clips*
- Saw for cutting PVC pipe
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Something to fix the frame to the ground (e.g. old tent pegs, bricks)
*Although FarmingFractals made his own clips out of larger PVC piping, it looked like the clips ended up chewing holes in the fabric. I may try to find some other way of securing the row cover material to the frame, especially on the side that I may open up more often.
