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How to Build Hoop Houses

A hoop house is greenhouse-like construct built to help gardeners grow vegetables and plants year-round. Build a hoop house with a professional organic farmer in this free gardening video series.

Series Summary

Hoop houses and greenhouses help gardeners work year-round growing vegetables or plants. Organic gardening is more than a hobby, and gardeners benefit from longer growing seasons. Today we know that many of the pesticides, fertilizers, and treatments used in commercial and home agriculture are hazardous to the environment. Whereas at one point in history it was ‘okay’ to drain all the nutrients from the soil and poison any insects living there, rendering the land dead and stagnant, and then simply move on to fresher pastures, today people are concerned with their ecological ‘footprint’ and recognizing the damage our gardening products (like weed killer and pesticides) have on the environment and human health. Building a hoop house or greenhouse to take a big step into permaculture gardening can help the world take a small step toward sustainability. In this free hoop house video series, professional organic farmer Daniel Botkin teaches how to site, design and build a durable hoop house to prolong the growing season in cold climates. Botkin covers the benefits of having a hoop house and options for building, or recycling one, cheaply. He gives tips and advice on setting up the frame, building end walls secure enough for the climate, baseboard assembly and making a ventilation wall. Botkin also teaches about in-house composting, irrigation in greenhouses or hoop houses, and managing snow.
Listing 1-17 of 17 eHow Videos
  •  Wiggle Wire Skin to Hoop House Frame: Part 2

    Wiggle wire works with wooden boards to secure plastic on hoop house or greenhouse frames. Build a hoop house with wiggle wire with a professional organic farmer in this free gardening video.

  •  Wiggle Wire Skin to Hoop House Frame: Part 1

    Wiggle wire is good garden technology for securing plastic sheets on hoop house or greenhouse frames. Build a hoop house with wiggle wire with a professional organic farmer in this free gardening video.

  •  Build Hoop House End Walls

    The end walls of a hoop house secure the frame and support the structure of the hoop house. Build hoop house end walls with a professional organic farmer in this free gardening video.

  •  Materials for Building Hoop Houses

    A secure hoop house requires quality materials, and a little technology goes a long way. Build a hoop house with the right materials with a professional organic farmer in this free gardening video.

  •  Design a Hoop House Interior

    Planning the inside of a greenhouse or hoop house means making choices about plants and vegetable types. Design a hoop house with a professional organic farmer in this free gardening video.

  •  Build Hoop House Baseboards

    Baseboards and hip-boards secure a hoop house or greenhouse frame against weather. Build hoop house baseboards and hip-boards with a professional organic farmer in this free gardening video.

  •  Benefits of a Hoop House

    A hoop house works well extending growing seasons by keeping temperatures of soil and atmosphere higher. Learn the benefits of a hoop house with a professional organic farmer in this free gardening video.

  •  Greenhouse & Hoop House Irrigation

    A well-built greenhouse keeps water and weather out, so irrigating becomes important to keep plants healthy. Irrigate your hoop house or greenhouse with a professional organic farmer in this free gardening video.

  •  How to Ventilate a Hoop House

    Productive hoop houses need ventilation during summer months to reduce heat. Learn how to ventilate a hoop house with a professional organic farmer in this free gardening video.

  •  Siting a Hoop House

    Judge a garden or landscape to build a hoop house in the right spot for maximum benefits. Site and build a hoop house with a professional organic farmer in this free gardening video.

  •  What Is a Hoop House?

    A hoop house works as a greenhouse, keeping temperatures higher in cold climates. Find out what a hoop house is with a professional organic farmer in this free gardening video.

  •  Plastic Hoop House Skins

    The plastic skin on a greenhouse or hoop house keeps in the ultraviolet rays, which means more heat for plants. Choose the plastic, or poly, skin for a hoop house with a professional organic farmer in this free gardening video.

  •  In-House Compost Making

    Gardeners make their own compost to increase heat in a hoop house and practice organic fertilizing techniques. Try in-house composting with a professional organic farmer in this free gardening video.

  •  Make a Roll-Up Side on a Hoop House

    A roll-up wall on a greenhouse or hoop house allows ventilation in hot weather. Build a hoop house with a roll-up side with a professional organic farmer in this free gardening video.

  •  Designing a Hoop House

    A good hoop house design keeps plants warmer and stands up to violent weather. Design and build a hoop house with a professional organic farmer in this free gardening video.

  •  Manage Snow on Greenhouses & Hoop Houses

    Snow can build up on a greenhouse, and gardeners must keep an eye on piling snow to prevent damage. Keep snow off a greenhouse or hoop house with a professional organic farmer in this free gardening video.

  •  Planning a Hoop House

    A hoop house can extend a growing season a month on either side. Plan and build a hoop house with a professional organic farmer in this free gardening video.

About the Presenter

Daniel Botkin