Introduction: The ULTIMATE Tomato Hoop House Trellis of Death and Dismemberment
Perhaps the title is a little dramatic, but this is a killer trellis!! The hoop house was about $100 in materials (all purchased from a big box store), which certainly seems like a lot, but this thing is BIG! It's about 7' wide, 10' long, and 7' high.
The materials used in this project are weather resistant, UV resistant, and rust resistant which means it can be left in place for years, and the fencing material allows a great deal of light to hit the ground allowing for ground crops if vines aren't desired one season or another. Additionally, shade cloth can be attached to the hoops to prevent burning for any crops that don't particularly love full sun in certain climates.
The goal of this project was to create a trellis for growing tomatoes that is sturdy and inexpensive for the amount of crops that can be grown and that allows a lot of air flow, sunlight, and easy access for picking fruit and maneuvering the vines. Although we did this for tomatoes, this trellis isn't limited to that particular crop. Just imagine this thing covered in cucumbers and sweet peas!
Materials:
Tools:
Method:
The materials used in this project are weather resistant, UV resistant, and rust resistant which means it can be left in place for years, and the fencing material allows a great deal of light to hit the ground allowing for ground crops if vines aren't desired one season or another. Additionally, shade cloth can be attached to the hoops to prevent burning for any crops that don't particularly love full sun in certain climates.
The goal of this project was to create a trellis for growing tomatoes that is sturdy and inexpensive for the amount of crops that can be grown and that allows a lot of air flow, sunlight, and easy access for picking fruit and maneuvering the vines. Although we did this for tomatoes, this trellis isn't limited to that particular crop. Just imagine this thing covered in cucumbers and sweet peas!
Materials:
- 1 1/4"x10' UV resistant electrical pvc pipe (x3)
- 3/4"x10' UV resistant electrical pvc pipe with connectable ends (x10)
- PVC plumbing adhesive
- 3'x50' Galvanized welded wire fence (x2)
- Pack of rebar ties
Tools:
- Measuring tape
- String
- Saw
- Wire cutters
- Gloves
- Sledge hammer
- Scrap piece of 2x4
Method:
- Prep the soil for growing your crop.
- Glue 2 lengths of the 3/4" pipe together (repeat 4 more times to get five 20' long pipes) and allow to cure for 24 hours.
- Cut the 1 1/4" pipe to 2 1/2' lengths.
- Measure a 10' by 7' area and create line guides making sure to square the corners.
- At 2' intervals along the long side of the measured area, pound the 1 1/4" pipe into the ground using a piece of 2x4 for cushioning so as not to damage the pipe.
- Insert the 3/4" pipe into the 1 1/4" pipes creating the hoop.
- Span the wire fence over the hoops and attach the fence to the pipe using rebar ties.
- Plant your vegetables or ornamentals or whatever! Have fun and enjoy!
Participated in the
Gardening Challenge
