What Is a Hoop House and How Does It Work?

What Is a Hoop House?

A hoop house, also known as a high tunnel, is a plastic covered structure used by small growers to protect plants from rain, wind, and cold temperatures.

It allows for an extended growing season and the cultivation of healthier crops.

Hoop houses can be used to plant earlier in the spring, harvest later in the fall, protect summer crops from rain and wind, and even grow cold-loving crops in the winter.

They provide control over water, light, and temperature, and are generally constructed with hoops or bows as their main framing, along with a polyethylene cover.

Hoop houses are unheated structures and do not require permanent utility hook-ups or permits for assembly.

They rely on the greenhouse effect created by the plastic cover, which allows sunlight to pass through and traps infrared radiation to heat the air and materials inside.

Hoop houses are cost-effective and can result in a significant temperature difference between the outside and inside, making them ideal for year-round crop production.

Key Points:

  • A hoop house is a plastic covered structure used by small growers to protect plants from rain, wind, and cold temperatures.
  • Hoop houses allow for an extended growing season and the cultivation of healthier crops.
  • They can be used to plant earlier in the spring, harvest later in the fall, protect summer crops from rain and wind, and grow cold-loving crops in the winter.
  • Hoop houses provide control over water, light, and temperature, and are constructed with hoops or bows and a polyethylene cover.
  • They are unheated structures that do not require permanent utility hook-ups or permits for assembly.
  • Hoop houses rely on the greenhouse effect created by the plastic cover to trap infrared radiation and heat the air and materials inside, making them cost-effective and ideal for year-round crop production.

Did You Know?

1. Hoop houses, also known as polytunnels or high tunnels, were initially developed in parts of Europe to extend the growing season by providing protection from cold weather, wind, and frost.
2. The concept of hoop houses gained popularity in the United States during the 1940s when organic farmers started using them to grow crops year-round without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
3. Hoop houses provide an ideal environment for growing certain crops, as they retain heat, replicate climate conditions, and protect against extreme weather events, enabling farmers to cultivate exotic plants that would otherwise struggle to grow in their region.
4. Hoop houses are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional greenhouses, as they require less energy and use natural sunlight more efficiently thanks to their semi-circular shape.
5. The construction of a hoop house often involves bending metal rods or PVC pipes into a semi-circular shape and covering them with thick greenhouse plastic or agricultural fabric to create a transparent, protective structure for plants.

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Introduction: What Is A Hoop House?

A hoop house, also referred to as a high tunnel, is a plastic-covered structure that small growers use to shield plants from rain, wind, and cold temperatures. These structures serve to prolong the growing season, thereby enabling the cultivation of healthier crops.

Hoop houses provide several advantages to farmers, such as the opportunity to plant earlier in the spring and harvest later in the fall. They also afford protection to summer crops against adverse weather conditions and facilitate the growth of cold-loving crops throughout the winter. Furthermore, hoop houses grant growers the capability to regulate and monitor water, light, and temperature in order to cater to the specific needs of their crops.

Benefits And Uses Of Hoop Houses

One of the primary benefits of a hoop house is the extension of the growing season. By protecting plants from harsh weather conditions, growers can plant their crops earlier in the spring, providing them with a head start and leading to increased crop yields. Similarly, in the fall, hoop houses allow for the harvest of crops that would typically succumb to frost. This extended growing season translates to more profitable and sustainable farming practices.

Hoop houses also serve as a shield against rain and wind, protecting crops from damages caused by heavy precipitation or strong gusts. By minimizing exposure to these elements, growers can prevent diseases and reduce crop losses, ultimately improving the quality and quantity of their harvest.

Furthermore, hoop houses make it possible to grow cold-loving crops during the winter months when traditional production methods may not be feasible. By creating a controlled environment, growers can maintain the necessary temperature for these crops to thrive. This not only provides a diverse range of produce year-round but also allows farmers to meet the demand for locally grown, fresh food during the off-season.

  • Extension of the growing season
  • Protection against rain and wind
  • Ability to grow cold-loving crops during winter months

Hoop houses provide numerous benefits for growers, including an extended growing season, protection from harsh weather conditions, and the ability to grow cold-loving crops.

Construction And Design Of Hoop Houses

Hoop houses are structures primarily constructed using hoops or bows as the main framing elements. These arch-shaped structures provide strength and support to the plastic cover.

To enable easier snow removal, some hoop houses may have peaked bows that aid in shedding the accumulation of snow.

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Typically, hoop houses feature framed end-walls that serve as entry points and ventilation systems. The sides of the structure can be rolled up to manage heat, creating airflow and preventing overheating during warmer months.

The cover of a hoop house is usually made of polyethylene, ranging from 6mil to 12mil in thickness, which is durable and provides effective insulation.

One of the advantages of hoop houses is their simplicity and cost-effectiveness. They do not require permanent utility hook-ups or permits for assembly, making them accessible to small-scale growers with limited resources.

Effect Of The Greenhouse Effect In Hoop Houses

Hoop houses utilize the greenhouse effect to create a favorable growing environment. The plastic cover allows sunlight to pass through, warming the air and materials inside, while also trapping infrared radiation to prevent heat from escaping. As a result, hoop houses experience increased temperatures and create a microclimate within.

The design of hoop houses is paramount in determining the amount of light and heat received by the plants. Well-designed structures that are positioned and sloped optimally can maximize sunlight exposure, thereby improving plant growth and productivity. This design aspect is especially vital in regions where sunlight is limited during specific seasons.

Considerations And Additional Features For Hoop House Efficiency

While hoop houses are effective in transmitting light and heat from the sun, there are additional features that can enhance their efficiency. Quality poly coverings, combined with internal row covers and low tunnels, can create a remarkable temperature difference of up to 30°F between the inside and outside of a hoop house overnight, all without the need for supplemental heat. Some growers even utilize a double-layer inflated covering to further enhance heat retention.

In cases where additional heat is required, hoop houses can be heated with insulation and heaters. This allows for the cultivation of more temperature-sensitive crops that may otherwise not be suitable for the local climate.

It is important to consider temperature control within hoop houses, especially during the summer months when the greenhouse effect can lead to excessively high temperatures. Proper ventilation systems and the use of shade cloth can help regulate temperature extremes and prevent plant stress or damage.

Hoop houses provide small growers with a cost-effective solution to protect their crops from unfavorable weather conditions. These structures extend the growing season, improve crop yields, and allow for year-round production. By controlling water, light, and temperature, farmers can create optimal conditions for their plants’ growth. With their efficient design and flexibility, hoop houses are an invaluable asset to the agricultural industry, enhancing sustainability and enabling the cultivation of diverse and healthy crops.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a hoop house?

A hoop house serves the purpose of enabling extended harvests by utilizing the trapped heat within to maintain optimal soil temperatures for continuous growth. In addition, it acts as a protective shield against unfavorable weather conditions such as wind, frost, snow, or ice, safeguarding both in-soil plants and potted hardy plants that require protection. This valuable structure provides a controlled environment that supports plant growth and ensures their well-being throughout various seasons.

What is the difference between a greenhouse and a hoop house?

While both a greenhouse and a hoop house serve the purpose of extending the growing season, their main difference lies in their permanence and climate control. A greenhouse is a permanent structure equipped with climate control mechanisms, allowing for the cultivation of plants throughout the year. On the other hand, a hoop house is a semi-permanent tool used for season extension, providing shelter to plants for a limited period. Unlike a greenhouse, a hoop house lacks the same level of climate control, making it more suited for temporary or seasonal cultivation.

What is the basics of hoop house?

A hoop house, also known as a DIY greenhouse, is a versatile structure that can be built in your garden. By utilizing materials such as cattle fencing or PVC hoops covered in plastic, it provides an affordable and effective way to extend your growing season and protect your plants. Whether you choose to build it in a raised bed or as a row cover for your existing garden bed, a hoop house offers protection from external elements and creates a controlled environment for your plants to thrive. With its simple and adaptable design, a hoop house is a practical addition for any garden enthusiast looking to enhance their gardening experience.

What does hoops mean in greenhouse?

In the context of a greenhouse, “hoops” refer to the curved framework that forms the structure of a hoop house. These hoops are typically made of piping or other materials and are used to support and shape the translucent covering material of the greenhouse. The curved shape of the hoops allows for better airflow, light distribution, and easy construction of the greenhouse. Hoops play a crucial role in providing structural integrity and creating a suitable environment for growing crops in a hoop house.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4

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