Building a Hoop House Greenhouse
A Family Project: Building a Hoop House Greenhouse with Wooden Frame and Dirt Floor
Embarking on a weekend project with the family is a wonderful way to bond while creating something practical and beautiful. How about constructing your own hoop house greenhouse? With a sturdy wooden frame, dirt or woodchip, and some inventive materials, you can fashion a haven for your plants while enjoying quality time together. Let's delve into the details:
**Materials Required:**
- Wooden boards for framing (pressure-treated 2x4s recommended)
- Cattle panels
- Zip ties
- Pool noodles Get for your project
- Hinges and latch for the door
- Windows for ventilation (optional)
- Chicken wire for workbench
- Patio stones for walkway
- Heavy-duty plastic sheeting for covering. UV protectant works best. Get for your project
- Landscaping fabric for weed prevention Get for your project
**Step-by-Step Guide:**
**Step 1: Planning and Prep**
- Determine the size and location of your hoop house greenhouse. Ensure it's situated in an area that receives ample sunlight.
- Sketch out the design and measurements, considering factors such as height, width, and length.
**Step 2: Constructing the Frame**
- Begin by building the wooden frame. Lay out the pressure-treated 2x4s to form the base, ensuring it's level and square.
- Secure the corners with appropriate hardware and braces to provide stability.
- Space additional frames every few feet along the length of the greenhouse to support the cattle panels.
**Step 3: Installing the Cattle Panels**
- Place the cattle panels horizontally between the wooden frames, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Nail the bottom of the panels to the wood frame.
- Use zip ties to fasten the panels securely to the frames. Start at one end and work your way to the other, tightening the ties as you go. This is an easy job for the kids.
**Step 4: Reinforcing the Frame and Floor**
- To reinforce the frame and provide support for the dirt floor, add additional cross supports between the wooden frames. These will also help distribute the weight evenly.
- Lay down a layer of landscaping fabric or heavy-duty plastic sheeting to prevent weeds from growing through the dirt floor.
**Step 5: Framing and Installing the Door and Windows**
- Decide on the placement and size of the windows based on your greenhouse's design and ventilation needs. Aim for windows that are large enough to facilitate airflow but not excessively large to compromise structural integrity. Typically they are placed on opposite ends of the greenhouse from the door for proper ventilation.
- Measure and cut openings for the door and windows in the wooden frame. Ensure they are sized correctly to fit your desired door and window dimensions.
- Construct the door frame using pressure-treated lumber, ensuring it's sturdy and square. Attach hinges to one side of the door frame and the corresponding side of the hoop house frame.
-Install pool noodles to the frames and edges of the hoop house to provide protection for the plastic covering. This is another great job for the kids.
- Hang the door, ensuring it swings open and closed smoothly. Install a latch to keep it securely closed.
- For the windows, frame each opening with pressure-treated lumber, ensuring they are properly supported within the hoop house frame. Consider adding weather stripping to prevent drafts.
- Install the windows securely in their frames, allowing for easy opening and closing to facilitate ventilation.
**Step 6: Attaching the Plastic Covering**
- Measure the dimensions of your hoop house and add extra length and width to allow for securing the plastic.
- Cut the heavy-duty plastic sheeting to size, ensuring it completely covers the frame with some overhang.
- Drape the plastic over the frame and secure it in place using polyethylene film clips. Pull the plastic taut as you go to prevent sagging.
**Step 7: Workbench and Walkway**
- Inside the greenhouse, create a workbench using chicken wire stretched over a sturdy wooden frame. This provides a convenient space for potting and organizing plants.
- Lay patio stones or gravel to create a clean and stable walkway, enhancing accessibility and aesthetics.
**Step 8: Start Planting and Enjoy Your Greenhouse**
- Once your hoop house is complete, think about what you would like to grow and in what containers. You can use planter boxes, cloth planter bags, or pots. I have a mix of all three in my greenhouse. I want to be able to change things around from time to time so I only used small planter boxes that are easily movable instead of bigger more permanent ones. Large pots hold turmeric and ginger. Cold weather vegetables grow well in cloth planter bags. I can move them and rinse them out when needed. **These have lasted 5 years. Check them out
