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Pembroke, Ma

Can somebody please explain to me anything they can about a hoophouse. I assume from what I've seen here it's put in place to cover the transplanted plants for a fixed amount of time?

I'm so green it's kinda sad, but I learn quick and really love this stuff. I'm here for the long run.

5/15/2010 1:56:12 PM

Pembroke, Ma

I found a design online I'm going to try. Please chime in with any ideas/feedback.

5/15/2010 3:02:53 PM

Pembroke, Ma

How long do you keep the Hoophouse over the plant?

5/15/2010 3:06:08 PM

Griffith, In

Keep hoops over plant til they out grow them.

5/15/2010 10:40:01 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

RF, just a note to try and help you in yer search for knowledge!!! and in no way to try and stop you from asking questions...cause when you do, lot's of folks learn stuff!!! but, for a quicker way to get info...from a larger group!!! On the main page of this incredible site (upper left) is a search bar...type in hoop house, or cold frame, and when yer done reading...prbly a day from now...LOL It works w/most topics!!! Hope this helps!!! Grow em BIG!!! Peace, Wayne
PS...for as to how long...till the plant out grows it!!! Remember tho, that inside a small hoop, the temps rise fast...very fast...some or a lot of venting is needed on warm sunny days!!!!

5/16/2010 1:08:43 AM

Pembroke, Ma

Thanks so much guys. There is so much to learn. So glad I found this site!

5/16/2010 2:45:39 AM

New York

I view hoop houses as dual-protection from cold temperatures and wind/hail/animals. There are many ways to build them, but mine are pvc pipes bent into an arch and staked into the ground using rebar, covered with construction-grade plastic sheeting.

5/17/2010 1:26:43 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

RF, this site is such a great place to ask questions...lots of folks will reply...., some good, some bad, but w/time you will figure that out?? LOL... but greater than that...it is a great resource of information using the search bar, chat room, growers diaries (current, and previous years), message boards!!!)...years and years of great info!!! From some/should have said most, of the greatest pkn growers on the planet!!!
If you stop now and read all of the info on this site, you will not grow nothin till 2012!!! LOL Best of luck to ya...you are growin in the Golden Zone!!! Mother Nature combined w/ the most knowledgable growers on the planet!!! Or at least close!!! Peace, Wayne

5/18/2010 2:10:07 AM

Westford, MA

I've got the same setup as Julian. I also run the PVC length wise, attached to the bent hoops with tie wraps.
I hold plastic in place with heavy duty clips.
8' wide x 10+' long.
As weather heats up, and vines out grow it, I trim away some plastic.
I leave 4 hoops up for the season and trin the plastic so it protects about 4x5 crown area, from rain and overhead watering.
I think that saved me with all the rain we had last year.
Good Luck.

5/18/2010 9:34:21 AM

Pembroke, Ma

Wayne, I've had a heck of a time trying to use the search to find answers to some of the questions I've been running into. The results usually bring up a lot of the grower logs without any mention of the query I search for. Hate to hit you guys with all of the repetitive questions but everyone is helping me a ton.

Thanks to all for your help. I have one I just built that is 6x6 made using the pvc method and it doesn't even look that bad. The plants are inside looking well. Now I just need to find out how much I should water them in the house, and what type of temp I should try to maintain.

5/18/2010 12:03:03 PM