Things You'll Need:
- 10 25-foot lengths of 1-inch-diameter flexible PVC tubing
- White or black duct tape (depending on color of your PVC)
- 5 10-foot lengths of rigid 1-inch-diameter PVC for ridgepole and side supports
- 20 2-foot-long pieces of 7/8-inch re-bar
- 26-by-26-foot sheet of 6mm plastic sheeting
- Staple gun
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Step 1
Drive 2-foot-long pieces of 7/8-inch diameter re-bar 1 foot into the ground, 1 foot apart. Make a second row of re-bar 16 feet from the first row.
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Step 2
Find the center point of each length of flexible PVC. Attach the center point of the flexible PVC to one of the 10-feet lengths of rigid PVC, using duct tape. Wrap the tape over and under across both diagonals where the two pipes cross. Repeat until all 10 flexible PVC pieces are attached to the pipe, 1 foot apart.
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Step 3
Bend the flexible PVC into arcs and place each end over two pieces of re-bar that are 16 feet apart. The rigid pole should be at the apex of the arc formed by the PVC when it is placed over the re-bar.
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Step 4
Use duct tape to attach the remaining four pieces of rigid PVC down each side of the row of hoops. Attach one on each side at ground level and one on each side about hip height. The hoop house should now stand upright on its own.
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Step 5
Drape the plastic sheeting over the hoop house so that 8 feet drapes down to cover each open end. Begin at the fifth rib of the hoop house. Staple every 2 inches down the ridge line going from the fifth rib to the front of the hoop house, pulling the plastic somewhat tight as you go. Return to the fifth rib and repeat stapling every 2 inches going toward the rear of the hoop house. This ensures the plastic has even tension. Repeat for each side support, beginning in the middle and working toward the front, then returning to the middle and working toward the back.
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Step 6
Cut the plastic sheeting from the center point on the ground up to the ridge pole. Roll the sheeting back on each side and tie it open during the day to allow pollinators access to your plants and keep the temperature inside your hoop house comfortable.
