How to Build Hoops (Low Tunnels) for your Garden Beds | 3 Ways

Zone 6 (Chicago, IL, USA)
Hey there! In this video I share 3 METHODS I used to build hoops or low tunnels for my raised beds. A list of the material I used is below and also check out the video on OYR's channel that I used as my blueprint (link below.)

USES FOR HOOPS:
The hoops or low tunnels will be used all throughout the garden season.
*FALL & WINTER: I am going to cover the hoops/bed with plastic to extend my growing season.
*SPRING: I am going to cover the hoops/bed with plastic to get a head start on the growing season!
*SUMMER: I am going to cover the hoops/bed with netting or other material to protect the veggies against pests, e.g., cabbage moth.

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MATERIAL for METHOD #1
Raised bed is 7 ft x 4 ft (10 in tall)
3_10 ft ½ in PVC pipe to create the hoops (I did not cut the pipe for this bed)
1_10 ft ½ in PVC pipe to create the bar (cut down to7ft)
2_1/2 PVC pipe caps
6 _1/2 galvanized steel straps
3_ zip ties
12_2 in deck screws
1 drill and drill bit

MATERIAL for METHOD #2
Raised bed is 7 ft x 3.5 ft (10 in tall)
3_10 ft ½ in PVC pipe to create the hoops (cut down to 9ft)
1_10 ft ½ in PVC pipe to create the bar (cut down to 7 ft)
2_1/2 PVC pipe caps
6 _1/2 galvanized steel straps
6_18 in , 3/8 in rebar
12_2 in deck screws
1 drill and drill bit

MATERIAL for METHOD #3
Raised bed is 7 ft x 4 ft (10 in tall)
3_10 ft ½ in PVC pipe to create the hoops (cut down to 7 ft 2 in)
1_10 ft ½ in PVC pipe to create the bar (cut down to 7 ft)
2_1/2 PVC pipe caps
6_18 in , 3/8 in rebar
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[annettehalter]

Great Job Lady. I think I will try the last example of your build. This was the encouragement I needed .Happy Gardening my Sister Blessings ❤️!!!

[alebaker]

Thank you, its very helpful to be shown different methods in one video!

[Theresasflowershop]

Very helpful and to the point. My first winter garden so it was very helpful to see the hoop garden in snow/rain. BEAUTIFUL greens, btw!!! Thanks so very much for the instructional video!!!

[angelasbusybeesgardenandho]

This is great information. I like that you provided 3 methods!

[eyeamthateyeam]

I'm soooo glad I found your channel❤️❤️❤️your videos are extremely helpful

[GODPROPERTY]

Thank You so much🥰 i'm a newbie gardener i'm about to start a raise be due to mobility issue I will be using method 3 because these NC wind are disrespectful

[SladeMacGregor]

Thank you for inspiring me with this video. It's a great and informative video; I don't understand why you only got approximately 4000 should be up there around 100k or higher. There is so much garbage on Youtube on hoops.

[moodyblooms]

*This is really great info! The PVC pipes are a great idea! Happy to learn from you new plant friend!!*

[diannew]

Just found your channel. Was going to try to grow collards this year, I'm in Minnesota. But just one bit of advice, make sure the zip ties are facing downward, I saw that you placed yours facing up, even if you cut them they will tear through your plastic or your netting.

[hugheshoellman]

Love your videos !! Thanks for sharing. I plan on using some of those methods this year in my garden

[stevewolfe]

Liked this. I'm going to build simple frames out of 1 by 4 and then use your first method to build some floating row covers for garden rows. (I love using ideas to meet what I need.) Thanks for this video.

[purpleflowers]

Thank you Batavia! This is an easy DIY! And yes ma'am! Those greens will be sweet for Thanksgiving, or for any other family dinner! 😋😋😋

[jzak]

I built pvc hoop tunnels over my raised beds which are 8 foot x 3 foot, and covered the hoops with a lightweight netting to keep the birds and squirrels out. It worked well for a couple years, but this year the squirrels have started chewing holes in the netting and going inside and digging the beds up. As soon as I repair the chewed hole with string, they chew another one, and another one. I'm thinking of using chicken wire now to cover the hoops. My whole pvc hoop tunnel is hinged on the long side, so lifting it up to access the vegetables is really easy, however, using chicken wire over the hoops is going to add several more pounds to the whole thing.

[Athabina]

Thanks for the video; you are quite a handyma'am :)

[bsweat]

Hello! Gardening with Skinny Boy Randy sent me from our group on FB. Good ideas!

[Mr_Ravee]

I'm gonna use bamboo culms and 6 inch bits of 1inch dia braided pipe..cuz that is the material i have at hand and are free free free 😊😊😊

[acatdan]

Thank you so much! This is exactly what I was looking for. I bought my equipment and I will be building this today to protect my crops and to extend my growing season here in zone 7. What would you say is the best cloth covering??

[stevesgrowingspace]

Thanks for this Batavia, I just used bamboo topped with small plastic plant pots and put netting over the top, but it's not that successful. I think i'll have to get me some pvc pipes. One question, how do you secure the covering?
Great video my friend really informative.
You can still keep the snow lol
Have a really great week
All the best
Steve

[kenhynes]

That's a beautiful name. Thinking about building a bed this summer. What kind of would are you using for your beds. I'm hearing different information regarding using pressure lumber. Thank you

[mutantryeff]

Wouldn't electrical (grey) tube be better to handle UV light?