Maya Ellison
Hoop houses are a type of greenhouse that can be used to protect plants and extend the growing season. They are typically made from a blend of polyethylene layers reinforced with polyester strings and a molten core. The quality of the plastic used is critical to creating an ideal growing environment. When installing a hoop house, it is best to choose a calm, warm, and sunny day to avoid the wind working against you. It is also important to ensure that the plastic is tightly secured to prevent flapping in the wind, which can lead to tears. Additionally, the plastic should be checked regularly for any rips or tears to extend its lifespan.
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What You'll Learn
Choose a calm, warm day to install plastic
Choose a calm day with low wind speeds to install plastic on your hoop house. The wind can work against you during the installation process, making it more challenging to unroll the plastic and keep it in place. A calm day will make it easier to work with the plastic and ensure a smoother installation process.
Additionally, aim for a warm day, as greenhouse plastic expands and contracts with temperature fluctuations. Installing the plastic in warm weather reduces the potential for loose plastic when the temperature rises. Warmer temperatures also make the plastic more pliable, facilitating a tighter installation.
If possible, opt for a sunny day with temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This combination of calm and warm weather will provide ideal conditions for installing plastic on your hoop house.
It is also advisable to gather the necessary tools and helpers in advance. Having extra hands available can be beneficial, especially when dealing with wind issues. Ladders, push brooms, tennis balls, and ropes are among the tools that can aid in the installation process.
By choosing a calm, warm day and being well-prepared, you can ensure a more efficient and successful installation of plastic on your hoop house.
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Secure the plastic tightly to the frame
Securing the plastic tightly to the frame of a hoop house is crucial to prevent flapping in the wind, which can cause tears and damage to the structure. Here are some detailed steps to ensure the plastic is securely attached:
Firstly, choose a calm day with low wind speeds to begin the installation process. Warm temperatures are ideal as the plastic expands and contracts with temperature changes, so installing during warmer weather reduces the potential for loose plastic when it gets hot.
When you're ready to secure the plastic, start by marking the centre of the plastic while it is still folded to aid in alignment. Then, repeat the tennis ball trick: tie tennis balls to the gathered-up plastic along the long edge, and use soft-bristled brooms or poles with tennis balls on the ends to carefully lift and guide the plastic over the hoops, avoiding any corners, boards, or hardware that could cause rips.
Once the plastic is in place, it's time to secure it tightly. Use spring wire to hold the plastic in place along the left and right sides, from the peak to the hip rail. Repeat this process on the opposite side, pulling the plastic as tightly as possible to reduce movement during windy or inclement weather, which will lessen wear and tear on the plastic and the frame.
Finally, secure the plastic into the lock channel with spring wire along the length of one sidewall, then move to the opposite long side and do the same, pulling the plastic down tightly before securing it. This two-step process ensures the plastic is tightly secured to the frame, creating a durable and stable hoop house.
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Avoid punctures and tears
To avoid punctures and tears, it is recommended to use a high-quality hoop house plastic that offers superior resistance to punctures and tears. Hoop house plastic is a specialised cover designed to protect plants within a hoop house. It is made from a blend of multiple layers of polyethylene reinforced with polyester strings and a molten core. This multi-layer construction results in a robust material that stands up to the elements.
Look for a plastic that has been engineered to adhere to specific ASTM testing standards and offers superior tear and puncture resistance. This is particularly beneficial in areas prone to high winds or when covering hoop houses with complex shapes that may stress the plastic. A good option is a 10-mil reinforced construction that includes multiple layers of polyethylene with a molten core and polyester string reinforcement, providing superior resistance to tears and punctures. It also has UV inhibitors to protect the plastic from sun damage, extending its outdoor lifespan to up to 4 years.
Additionally, when installing the plastic, ensure that it is tightly secured to the hoop frame to prevent flapping in the wind, which can lead to tears. Avoid any sharp edges on the frame or support structure, as these can puncture the plastic. Choose a calm, warm day for installation, as the plastic expands and contracts with temperature fluctuations. Having multiple people to help with the installation will make the process easier and reduce the risk of tears and punctures.
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Use UV-treated plastic
When building a hoop house, it is important to use UV-treated plastic. This is because UV-treated plastic is designed to protect plants from direct sunlight, which can cause sun scorch and die-off in plants. UV-treated plastic diffuses light evenly throughout the structure, creating a more consistent temperature for your plants and enabling more uniform growth.
UV-treated plastic also has a longer lifespan than untreated plastic. Untreated plastic can deteriorate within two years, while UV-treated plastic can last multiple years. This makes it a more cost-effective solution in the long run.
When choosing UV-treated plastic for your hoop house, look for options with multiple layers of polyethylene reinforced with polyester strings and a molten core. This construction provides superior resistance to tears and punctures, especially in areas with high winds or when covering hoop houses with complex shapes.
Additionally, make sure the plastic you choose has a high light transmission rate. This will ensure that your plants receive sufficient sunlight. Look for plastic with a light transmission rate of at least 84%.
By using UV-treated plastic with these features, you can create an ideal growing environment in your hoop house that will protect your plants and extend your growing season.
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Install insect netting
Insect netting is a preventative pest management method for hoop houses, market crops, and greenhouses. It is important to install the netting as early in the season as possible to maximise protection and limit the possibility of trapping insects inside with your crops. Ideally, the netting should be installed as soon as the crops have sprouted or immediately after transplanting. This will protect them during the important vegetative growth phase, and the netting can be removed once plants begin to flower to allow for proper pollination.
Sidewall insect netting is available in multiple lengths to fit your hoop house size. It is pre-measured to accommodate roll-up sides and can be attached using spring wire and lock channel. The netting should be installed on the inside of the structure, from the baseboards to the hipboards as part of a vented sidewall for effective barrier blocks.
To install the netting, lay it out over the rows and anchor it with sandbags or rocks, ensuring there are no gaps for insects to penetrate. Row cover support hoops can also be used to keep the netting secure and snug, providing a structure for the netting to rest on and preventing damage. These can be made from fibreglass or heavy-gauge wire for small hoops, or from 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch EMT tubing for larger-scale protection.
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Frequently asked questions
Use a UV-treated plastic that is designed for greenhouses. Commercial-grade hoop house plastic is made from a blend of polyethylene layers reinforced with polyester strings and a molten core. This multi-layer construction results in a robust material that stands up to the elements.
Choose a calm, warm day to install the plastic. You will need at least two people to help you. Unroll the plastic and secure it to the frame of the hoop house, pulling it tight to reduce movement in the wind. Use spring wire or duct tape to secure the plastic.
Regularly check for any rips or tears and repair them with greenhouse repair tape. Brushing off excess snow can also prevent damage and extend the life of the plastic.
