Do you love gardening but wish you could extend your growing season? Are you tired of dealing with harsh weather conditions and pesky pests? Look no further! In this easy-to-follow guide, we will show you how to build a hinged hoophouse for your raised bed garden. Even if you’re a beginner, you can achieve great results with this project.

What You Will Need

To get started, gather the following materials:

• PVC pipes (1/2 inch diameter)
• Heavy-duty plastic sheeting (6 mil)
• Hinges
• Screws (stainless steel)
• Wooden planks (for the raised bed frame)
• Pipe clamps
• UV-resistant zip ties
• Tools: Drill, saw, measuring tape, staple gun

Step 1: Prepare Your Raised Bed

First, construct a sturdy raised bed using wooden planks. Make sure it is well-positioned in your garden to receive ample sunlight. The size of your raised bed will determine the dimensions of your hoophouse, so plan accordingly.

Step 2: Measure and Cut PVC Pipes

Measure the length of your raised bed and cut PVC pipes to create hoops that span across the width of the bed. Aim for a hoop every 2-3 feet, depending on the length of your bed. Gently bend the pipes and insert the ends into the soil on either side of the bed, or use pipe clamps to attach them to the wooden frame, forming arches.

Step 3: Install Hinges

Choose one side of the raised bed to be the fixed base of your hoophouse. On the opposite side, where the opening will be, attach hinges to the wooden frame. These hinges will allow your hoophouse to open and close easily, giving you access to your plants.

Step 4: Attach PVC Pipes to Hinges

Secure the PVC pipes to the hinged side of the raised bed using screws and pipe clamps. Make sure they are firmly attached so that the structure can swing open and close smoothly.

Step 5: Cover with Plastic Sheeting

Drape the heavy-duty plastic sheeting over the PVC hoops, leaving enough excess to cover the ends of the raised bed. Trim the plastic as needed, but leave extra material for securing it to the ground or frame.

Step 6: Secure the Plastic Sheeting

Use UV-resistant zip ties to tightly secure the plastic sheeting to the PVC hoops. Staple the plastic to the wooden frame on the hinged side, ensuring it is taut and secure. On the fixed side and ends, bury the excess plastic in the soil or secure it to the frame to protect the interior from the elements.

Step 7: Final Adjustments

Test the hinged hoophouse by opening and closing it to check the tension of the plastic. If necessary, make adjustments to the hinges, plastic, or frame to improve functionality.

Step 8: Ventilation

To regulate temperature and humidity inside the hoophouse, provide ventilation on sunny days by rolling up the side of the plastic sheeting or installing additional vents.

Maintenance Tips

Here are some tips to keep your hinged hoophouse in good condition:

• Regularly check the structure for any damage or wear, especially after severe weather conditions.
• Replace the plastic sheeting as needed to ensure it remains clear and durable.
• Periodically lubricate the hinges for smooth operation.

Building a hinged hoophouse for your raised bed garden is a rewarding project. It will provide your plants with a more controlled environment, allowing you to extend your growing season and protect them from pests. Follow these detailed steps to create a functional and durable hoophouse that enhances your gardening experience. Start building today and enjoy the benefits of a hinged hoophouse!