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Does anybody use a hoop house?

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Thank you for bumping this post Dennis.  Great information in here!  How is your green house holding up? 

Hi Meghan, mine is holding up very well.  In the late spring, I have to move the trees out b/c it heats up rapidly when the sun it.  I read lots of reviews before choosing this one.  In Charlotte, we have heavy wind and I had a panel pop out when that happens.  I've learned to seal the panels with some liquid silicone and it helps.  I try to keep the inside temperature above 30 degrees in winter.  I have a small liquid filled tower heater that I place inside whenever temps drop.  On a given day, the inside temps is usually 10 degrees above the outside temp.  In the past 2 yrs, we've had 25 degree nights in November but nothing worse than that in Dec or Jan.

I got the entire GH anchored in the ground every 24 inches using rebar.  I was going to build another one but haven't thought it thru.

Quote:
Originally Posted by GeorgiaFig
Hi Dennis.  That greenhouse looks great.

See my recent thread "Winter Garden" and there is a picture of the wire mini-hoops I use with removable plastice covering.  Here in Zone 7b it creates a freeze-free environment when covered, and is very, very low cost, easy to make, and easy to use.

I have been using these low cost mini-hoop tunnels to economically grow cool season vegetables for years, but this year I am trial testing fig cuttings also to see if I can root them for transplant out in the Spring.  I will let you know how it goes.

Eliot Coleman uses larger (but still moveable) greenhouse like the one in the picture, with mini-hoop tunnels inside them for a double layer of protection and is growing year round unheated in coastal Maine, Zone 5.  Here's his website: http://www.fourseasonfarm.com/

My brother back in Maine is going to try this too.  He's in Bangor, so it's a little colder but still zone 5.

Let us know how it works for you Dennis.

Take care good friend.

John
North Georgia Piedmont
Zone 7b

Wondering how the hoop houses worked to protect baby fig trees?  Dennis, John do you think that one would be enough for me here in 8 with a couple of weeks down into the low teens?  Always warming up 50+ during the day.  I was thinking to put the little trees (this years cuttings) into 2 gallon + pots with lots of holes buried in the ground, lots of mulch, etc. then a hoop house.  Wondering if you think that would be warm enough or if they would be better off another year in the garage.  Grateful for all your wisdom and generosity.  Peace, Jodi

Well hello Jodi!  Our climate is similar.  It gets down in the teens here too in winter.  Sometimes it gets lower than that!  However, it would work great in your area.  Mine is still holding up like new.  Strong winds have put it to the test and it stands strong except for 2 huge down burst of wind that popped one panel out and snapped off the top window.  If you do get one of these I recommend sealing the panels with silicone rubber when you first install the panels.  I did afterwards and no wind damage since.

Also Jodi, these jewels heat up real fast in the sun so you're going to have to find a way to keep the heat down.  Today, I use fans and shade cloth.  If you use shade cloth, get 90% cloth....trust me the sun will still penetrate that cloth.

cheers!

Hey Jodi!  I built a new greenhouse last year!  I needed a bigger one!  This one is 12x20.  Here is a link to it:  http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/new-greenhouse-finished-just-in-time-7763004?pid=1290183627


cheers!

Oh I dream of a big, fat greenhouse full of figs and citrus Dennis.  Someday.  Enjoy the many fruits of your labors.  ;-)  Jodi

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