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Ohio

I have been thinking about the Big clear plastic storage containers(they come with lids,Kinda like tupperware) that you buy at walmart or anywhere eles for that matter. You can get a really nice size storage container 2 feet wide by 3 feet long that is clear thick plastic, they are cheap too.

The dollar amount you would have in wood and a roll of plastic and time building a cold frame is pretty close. I used the small black storage containers last year and just cut the bottom out of it and then used clear plastic as the top so sun could get in.

3/16/2005 9:30:37 AM

Thornhill, Ontario, Canada

Yeah, as I contemplate building my own cold frame or hoop house, using an upside down rubbermaid container is looking more and more attractive.

3/16/2005 10:16:26 AM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

The heat will build up quickly in one of theses containers. Along with the problem when the winds kick in they will blow your container across your plant. For around $10 I am able to build each hoophouse. No wood needed.
Supplies Needed
4 3/4" 10' pvc pipes
One Short Pvc pipe 6 feet long
zip ties
8 pieces of rebar around 30" long
12 x 10 piece of plastic atleast 4 mils
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> trench
0 0 0 0 rebar



0 0 0 0 rebar
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> trench
We dig two trenches 4-5 feet apart. Using a piece of rebar pound it in to the ground,Leaving about 6-8 exposed. Place one piece of rebar every 2 feet. After you have 4 pieces in the ground. Start on the other side. Now take you long pvc pipes and put them over your rebar. Continue until you have your basic hoop frame. Now take your little short 6'piece of pvc and make a purlin down the middle with your zip ties. At this point your hoophouse should like a hoophouse if not contact professional help..Like your wife... You are ready for the plastic now. Remember those two trenches you dug earlier. Square up your plastic and lay the long side in your trench letting each end hang over evenly. Not take the dirt you remove and place it back in the trench. This will hold you plastic in place. Do the same on the other side. Now we dig a trench on one end and bury the end. On the side you wish to use access we fold this down. Then hold it shut with some large rocks. Then when we want it opened we use some big clips to hold the plastic in place.

Good Luck

3/16/2005 10:52:27 AM

Omaha, NE (N41-15-42 )

The hoop house plans that were included in the packets in Niagara on the PumpkinSupply.com website.

3/16/2005 11:17:03 AM

Ohio

Shannon, thanks, I was already going to do that with 3 of the plants,(thats all the stuff i have left unless i buy more). I was going to use plastic container about a week after i plant my first three when the plants still have 2 cod leaves and the 1st true leaf just starting.Hopefully I time it right and there will be no more frost. I think last year i planted way to early because they just stopped growing about 3 weeks before weigh off.

Shannon, now listen to my directions:

One tupperwear container 2x3 secure down by pushing metal rods through plastic lip and into ground. LOL

Shannon,What size light do you use for heat, Last year i used a little desks light for heat, I was thinking about trying to rig something up to where i could hang the long florecent lights over head somehow.

3/16/2005 9:02:55 PM

Ohio

Shannon, i was planning on only using six pvc 1/2 inch, three on each side,do you think that will be enough or do you add one more just for length.

3/16/2005 9:06:37 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

2 light bulbs on seperate circuits for safety. I lost a 735 Pukos to a blown bulb.

3/16/2005 9:49:48 PM

Bristol, ME ([email protected])

The hoophouse Shannon is describing is very similar to the one seen here.

http://www.mainepumpkins.com/hoophouse.html

3/17/2005 6:34:07 AM