Back in the 70's I made hoop covers for hot frames and cold frames. I used 3/4" schedule40 water pipe and 10 mil plastic that was purchased from a lumber yard. It worked great and I had fresh greens all winter. The plastic lasted about 8-10 years and the plastic pipe is still laying out behind the barn. I don't know anythig about the pipe leaching chemicals.

Was that bender reasonably easy to use? I am intrigued by it!

Very easy to use. Here is a YouTube video on it's use.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pREajJWSV2Q

Wow, a video. What'll they think of next? Thanks!

way cool man!
Thanks, I even marked the dude's website.
I still have to google that covering fabric he named...

There's a good article by Elliot Coleman about low tunnel gardening with a plan for a simple tubing roller (bender) at http://www.motherearthnews.com...els-Quick-Hoops.aspx
I've been using pvc for greenhouse and metal rake springs for low tunnels--but I think I'm going to switch to EMT and use the pvc for plant support as others here have done.

.

1st report this AM, ambient air temp 39 degs F, under the low hoop temp 41.7 degs F. Temps taken with a digital wireless thermometer.

I see HD carries rolled 10' X 100' 6 mil plastic sheet. Anyone know how well this holds up compared to green house plastic? Also, any good sources for green house plastic? Since this is a low tunnel and will be moved, I don't think I need green house quality.

I've used the 6 mil construction grade plastic and it's fine for at least one winter--and since I didn't leave it in sunlight during summer it looks to be ok for another winter. Johnnys seeds has plastic greenhouse covers, row covers etc. as well as the hoop benders.

Well it's been snowing all day and the low hoop tunnel is holding up Ok. It's 6:16 PM and ambient air temp is 35.9 F and inside the tunnel it's 38.7 F.

quote:

Also, any good sources for green house plastic?

When I ordered mine last summer the best deal I got was atFarmTek.

Can't quote the cost right now but it was the best that I could find online. Make sure you factor in shipping when comparing prices.

Wayne

Thanks, I'm probably going with the 6 mil from home Depot.

Well my low hoop house survived 2" of snow last evening with just the Agribon and no plastic. Everything is melted now and we should be back into the 60's next week. Sturdy little devils the low hoop houses!

Just checked the low hoop house and it's running about 3" degs warmer than ambient air. The spinach is starting to leaf out nicely. Maybe we'll have a nice crop early next spring!

Afternoon update, ambient air 68 deg F under the tunnel it's 74 deg F. The cover is Agribon 19 and no plastic.

I use concrete reinforcing wire (the same kind you use for tomato cages. It is 5 or 6' wide and you can cut the length you need. It has squares about 4" by 4" so it's easy to reach through but a pretty substantial frame when it snows. I've been using it for 10+ years so it lasts a long time. I cover the wire with row cover starting in Nov and then plastic during the really cold month or two we have. I've been using lightweight Remay but this year invested in a heavier grade so probably won't need to use the plastic. Very simple cheap and effective.