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Little-TON - Colorado

Wanting to set up ahead of time this year cloches/ hoops for me and TheBiz...

What size is the best.
Automated venting? What do you use.
What is the best heating to use?
TImers and gizmo's
How early do you put out?
How Wind resistent?
Any other helpful info appreciated.
Looking for HOW TO's to put into a newsletter for others to use.
Thanks for your help

12/10/2007 9:54:09 AM

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Wiz
Mine are 5 X 10
The poly I found the best is Woven poly, because it refractures the sun light(no intense sunlight to burn the plants) it acts like a 20% shade cloth.
I actually covered 3 of my greenhouses with the stuff and I have not needed shade cloth. Also very hail resistent, where the poly was thrashed, the woven poly stood up to the pounding
Here is a link to where I get mine from
http://www.northerngreenhouse.com/
Eddy

12/10/2007 10:29:31 AM

Wi

Oh you said cloche....

12/10/2007 10:47:53 AM

Rexburg, Idaho

16'x 20 works well for me. Is that the best? dunno
Automated vents would be great but I have to settle for the next best thing, wife and kids.
Propane heater with automatic regulators would be "best" but I settle for 2 1500 watt heaters with built in thermastats.
timers and gizmos- I did purchase a Davis weather system so I can check on the temp from inside the house and I have even connected to the internet so it updates my webpage and I can check the temp from work.
I put them out 1 week before I plant.
I've used them 8 years and in the last seven have never had one break/blow over/ plastic tear etc.

12/10/2007 10:58:40 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

Eddy, Im checking out the woven, looks interesting....Thanks

12/10/2007 11:00:41 AM

Somers, CT

I use a simple 8x4 using 2x4s' and sections of 1/2 PVC looped around. I cover with 4 mill plastic and if it is sunny, no problem. You can use a cheap blower heater from Home Cheapo or just a 100W bulb. Even a pan of hot water will do the job if it gets around 32 at night.

12/10/2007 12:02:58 PM

Georgia

I use the same method as Rob but I dont use pvc. I just take three boards on each side and nail them in. Their about 4 to 5 feet high. Then I just staple 4 mill plastic on the hoop house. I cut vents on each side andd usually just keep them open.

12/10/2007 12:16:12 PM

Little-TON - Colorado

Eddy,

I assume you use the clear woven poly?

12/10/2007 2:29:21 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Wiz, small here...but diff climate...use them only for early St. Fair plants...4x6 or 5x5 built with pvc and 3 mil plastic...with clips so I can open em up...only used for 2 or 3 weeks (starting mid March) (usually). Peace, Wayne

12/10/2007 2:44:48 PM

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Gary
Yes I use the 10.5 mil clear, tried a chunk of the 12, but it was about 40 % shaded, but the 12 mill actually is great for a pond liner, thats' what I ended up using it for
Actually the 10.5 is the old stock, the new is the 11 mill

Eddy

12/10/2007 3:04:16 PM

Lloydminster/AB

I bought my poly from Northern greenhouse supply and years(at least 5 years) later it's still going strong !

Don

12/10/2007 8:06:55 PM