Build a Mini Greenhouse - Hoop House

Build a Mini Greenhouse similar to our Hoop House, just on a smaller scale.

These type of mini greenhouses, or cold frames, can also be made out of PVC pipe. But, metal pipe lasts for a long, long time.

PVC Pipe becomes brittle from UV ray damage, and eventually cracks. Not to mention that it is not as strong and doesn't look as nice. Ok..... I prefer metal.

The copper pipe will last a lot longer than the PVC pipe, PVC pipe breaks down from the sun’s UV rays and becomes brittle after a year or two.

I have seen a similar set-up using metal electrical conduit that you can find at your local hardware store.

Materials used for this project:

• Copper metal Plumber’s pipe
• Poly Plastic covering
• 2x4’s for Base Frame
• Rebar

If you are interested to see what other types of materials can be used to build a greenhouse take a look at our Greenhouse Materials page.

If you are looking for something a little larger, these Greenhouse Plans can be a great resource.

They have constructed this Hoop House for growing their pepper’s. However, they mention that they have plans to do some winter gardening growing spinach, cold hardy lettuces, kale, and chard inside.

Plant selection for the season is how people are able to grow vegetables throughout the winter without the use of any, heater, or other artificial heat source.

If you are looking for more information for year round gardening you can find two of the best resources that I have come accross for growing vegetables hands down at Greenhouse gardening information.

The way that the Temperature of the greenhouse is kept right through the winter is by setting up little hoop houses or cold frames (just like the one in this video), inside the main hoop house - a Hoop House in a Hoop House (way warmer than the outside one).

Build a Hoop House, build a few mini greenhouses, or a few raised garden beds or cold frames (inside the Main Hoop House), and plan to plant the appropriate plants in the appropriate seasons.

Cold loving plants in the cold season and warm / hot in that season.

Take a look at Eliot Coleman's book for more information here at Greenhouse gardening information.

The temperature inside the mini greenhouses will be a lot warmer inside the mini greenhouse than it will be in the main greenhouse.