A Texas-Style Hoop Frame PVC Pipe GreenHouse
It’s almost Spring! Yes, there may be a foot of snow on the ground still. Yes, it may still be -10ºC. Yes, the ground may still be frozen solid. But Spring is on the way. Well, it may be a little while yet – at least, here in Alberta. But down in Texas Spring is just around the corner.
In fact, Big Jim just sent me a few pictures of the hoop-style greenhouse that He just built. Since many of you may be thinking about building your own greenhouse this spring, I thought I’d share Big Jim’s pictures and tell you about some of the modifications he made to my Inexpensive Hoop-Frame PVC Pipe Greenhouse. So first the pictures…
The first thing you might notice is that Big Jim has added some braces to his end walls. This is a great idea, since the ends tend to be pulled in by the weight of snow in the winter.
He also added some height to his walls. He’s a tall guy, so he’s used PVC pipes that were 22′ long instead of just 20′. Because of the extra length, He also used 1″ pipe instead of 1/2″ pipe to give it some more strength. Another change He made was to use electrical conduit clamps to attach the pipes to the base, as opposed to the strapping.
So this is what it looks like all said and done. He plans to grow tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, some flowers and hanging basket plants, and he even wants to try some hydroponics. Perhaps I’ll get a few more pics down the road and give you an update to how things are growing.
Anyway, hopefully that’ll inspire you in your own greenhouse building endeavors. I think I may even integrate a few of his changes in my own greenhouse. But all in good time – I think I’ll let the ground thaw first.
Jim you are awesome! I’m going to try this! I’ve been looking for an inexpensive greenhouse for a little while now and this looks just perfect! I’ve bookmarked this site and will be returning frequently!
Wow, great example! I’m temped to try this myself…
Great design, but I have planned already for a 20 feet by 36 feet greenhouse. My boxes 8 x 2 1/2 feet are allready in place. With 2 additionnal horizontal braces for the hoops, would this be strong enough with 1 inch pipes? Or should I go one size up again to one and a half inch?
I think I’d be a little concerned to go with a 20 ft span using PVC Pipe. Personally, I’d upgrade to steel. I just don’t know if the PVC is strong enough for a span like that.
Great info. This weekend I built a mini version of this on one of my raised beds as a prototype for a large version I may build later this spring.
Do you know how he attached the plastic? How do you splice the plastic cover together? Thanks
Sure wish I had room for a greenhouse like this – maybe some day…
I have seen plans that used square channel tubing. The plans included plans for making the bender. It was 100 feet long and cost $1000 to make and was quite tall. It use a system of ropes so that the sides could be lifted for ventilation and to harden the plants. This came out of a research project. I think it was in Kent Oklahoma.
The justification for the channel tubing was that it was more stable and stronger. I live in Southern California and the sun will destroy PVC over time making it brittle. mcknight.bob@gmail.com
do you use sch 20 or sch 40 pvc?
Thanks for the helpful plans Big Jim. I am in the process of building two of these for a small nursery start-up. This site has been very helpful.
-Paul