Building A Greenhouse
Bending Hoops for Hoop Houses
Pipes equally bent into roughly half circles are very strong, especially when properly connected. Learn how here.
Read More
Building Endwalls
End walls seem to give folks anxiety. From a structural standpoint, the hoop house itself isn’t reliant on the endwalls to stay up. However, having contact points to secure greenhouse plastic is very important.
Read More
Upgrades to a Caterpillar Tunnel or Hoop House
Caterpillar Tunnels are relatively inexpensive, temporary hoop houses that resemble the bug they are named for. 'Cat Tunnels' are designed to be structurally simple and low cost. For this reason, they lack many of the components that add to the rigidity of a structure, including endwalls. If you already have incorporated a caterpillar style tunnel into your operation, it is absolutely possible to reinforce it.
Read More
Hip Boards, Base Boards, Ridge Poles & Purlins
Which is what?
Hip boards run the length of the hoop house and are most often found at 4’ off the ground parallel to the base boards.
Base boards run level down along the ground at the base of the structure.
Ridge poles are the pipes that run along the center underside of the top of the hoops parallel with the base boards.
Base boards run level down along the ground at the base of the structure.
Ridge poles are the pipes that run along the center underside of the top of the hoops parallel with the base boards.
Ground Posts and Hoops
Ground Posts are the poles that go into the ground to anchor the structure into the ground. Each pole works both independently as an anchor point and together as a connected structure.
Read More
Double Layer Inflation Kits
Double layer inflation kits create an insulating layer of air between a double layer of poly plastic. This helps to reduce condensation and conserve heat inside of the hoop house.
Read More
How to Test Soil pH Before Planting — and Why You Should
Just like water and sunlight, soil plays a crucial role in the success of garden plants and crops, containing all the essential minerals that encourage growth. However, this also means that the opposite is true — if your soil isn't suited to the plants you're trying to grow, you're in for a difficult time. Testing soil pH is a simple and effective way to get a read on soil quality and make necessary changes before you sow your seeds.
Read More
How to Determine the Size of Greenhouse Plastic You Need
Are you asking yourself, what size plastic do I need for my hoop house? The size of your greenhouse film isn't necessarily determined by just the length and width. You must account for the total length of the pipes you are using to complete a hoop, and also your endwalls.
What You Need to Know for Successful Winter Growing in High Tunnels, Greenhouses , and Gardens
The beautiful thing about modern greenhouse and high tunnel technology is that your operation no longer has to stop or slow down during the long, cold winter months.
High Tunnel vs. Greenhouse: Which is Right for You?
A traditional and high tunnel greenhouse have many similarities, but several key differences that could affect your buying decision as well. Find out more about these two greenhouses to determine the best choice for your operation.
Read More
Wind & Snow Load Calculator for High Tunnel Greenhouse
This calculator estimates the load local to your area. If you need certified calculations for your structure, you'll need to work with your own engineer. This calculator is only meant to serve as a reference, not an official measurement of snow load local to a given location.
Spring Wire and Lock Channel
Lock channel and spring wire is the industry standard for properly securing greenhouse plastic. Installing lock channel and spring wire is a simple and economical way to install greenhouse coverings, including poly plastic and shade cloth, to a structure. Spring wire, used in conjunction with lock channel, form a tight and secure attachment of your greenhouse covering.