Extend Your Growing Season: Build a Hinged Hoop for Raised Gardens

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“Make the most of your gardening season by building a hinged greenhouse for your raised bed garden. This handy structure will protect your plants from the elements and pests while extending their growth. Follow these simple steps to build your own hinged greenhouse, even if you’re a beginner.

Materials

• PVC pipes (1/2 inch diameter)
• Heavy duty plastic tarp (6 mil)
• Hinges
• Stainless steel screws
• Wooden boards (for the raised bed frame)
• Hose clamps
• UV resistant zip ties
• Tools: drill, saw, tape measure, stapler

Instructions

1. Prepare your raised bed Build your raised bed using sturdy wooden boards, if you haven’t already. Make sure it is well anchored and positioned in a sunny spot in your garden. The dimensions of your raised bed will determine the dimensions of your greenhouse, so plan accordingly.
2. Measure and Cut the PVC Pipes Measure the length of your raised bed and cut the PVC pipes accordingly to create the hoops. The number of hoops will depend on the length of your bed; aim for one hoop every 2-3 feet. Then, gently bend the pipes and insert the ends into the ground on either side of the bed, or secure them to the wooden frame with zip ties to form the arches.
3. Install the Hinges Choose one side of the raised bed as the fixed base for your greenhouse. On the opposite side, where the opening will be, attach the hinges to the wooden frame. These hinges will make it easy to open and close the greenhouse to access the plants.
4. Attach the PVC Pipes to the Hinges Attach the PVC pipes to the hinged side of the raised bed using screws and hose clamps. Make sure the pipes are securely attached to allow the structure to open and close smoothly.
5. Cover with Plastic Sheeting Drape the plastic sheeting over the PVC hoops, leaving extra to cover the ends of the raised bed. Trim the plastic if necessary, leaving enough material to secure it to the floor or frame.
6. Secure the Plastic Sheeting Use heavy-duty UV zip ties to securely fasten the plastic sheeting to the PVC hoops. Staple the plastic to the wooden frame on the hinged side, pulling it taut and securing it. Then, bury the excess plastic in the ground or secure it to the frame on the fixed sides and ends to protect the interior from the elements.
   Materials
7. Final Adjustments Test the hinged greenhouse opening and closing to ensure the plastic is neither too tight nor too loose. Make any necessary adjustments to the hinges, plastic, or frame to optimize operation.
8. Ensure good ventilation Avoid overheating on sunny days by ensuring good ventilation. You can achieve this by rolling up part of the plastic sheeting or installing additional vents to regulate the temperature and humidity inside the greenhouse.

Care instructions

• Inspect the structure regularly for damage or signs of wear, especially after extreme weather conditions.
• Replace the plastic sheeting as needed to maintain its transparency and durability.
• Lubricate hinges periodically for smooth operation.

Building a hinged greenhouse for your raised bed garden is a rewarding project that will significantly enhance your gardening experience. By following these simple steps, you will create a functional and durable greenhouse to protect and promote the growth of your plants. Whether you are looking to extend your growing season or protect your plants from pests, this hinged greenhouse will be a practical and effective solution.