What to make hoops from?

[IanP]

Hey all,

I'm busy putting in some raised beds at the moment. What with butterflies, cats and various other pests I thought it'd be a good idea to set up some semi-permanent hoops so I can net in the summer and put polythene over in the winter. It'll keep the nasties out and might even help me grow more.

So I need to make hoops, about 1.2m wide. I was wondering if anyone had any good tips for what I could use to make the hoops and where I might get said material from. I was thinking some kind of flexible plastic tubing as I've tried wire in the past and found it didn't work too well. Suggestions for anything that doesn't cost money are especially welcome!

Cheers,
Ian.

[nick the grief]

Hi Ian, welcome to the vine

Try the Blue plastic piping they use for Water (Alkathene) you can get it in different diameters. It should be readily available from plumbers merchants I guess & definately from Farm suppliers (someone like MSF).

Then try your local library for a copy of Geoff Hamiltons Gardeners World Handbook, it tells you in there how he made his. Don't know if the book is still available as there has been Titchy & Don sine the great man.

[andrewo]

I had an old garden hose and used canes in the ground, protruding about 18" and then fed the hose over it, it makes a loose hoop but once any netting goes across it does really well. Thought it was a nice way to recycle those old hoses.

[JennieAtkinson]

I did the same Andrew, but sadly it doesn't stand up to strong winds.

[IanP]

I decided to go for the alkathane pipe and had a bit of a result down the plumber's merchant. I needed 50m but he hadn't got any 50m rolls, so he sold me 100m for the price of 50!
Guess I'll have to build some more raised beds now

[IanP]

BTW Nick, there are instructions for the Geoff Hamilton cloche at http://www.powen.freeserve.co.uk/Pro...che/Cloche.htm

[IanP]

I'm pleased to report the jobs a good 'un. Picture of the final product (two other raised beds to build yet!)

And there's also picture of one of the reasons I need the netting!

[Squirrel]

That looks like a good enough reason for me IanP! Good on you !

[lyndap]

Small suggestion IanP.Your netting/fleece needs pegging down more.The bugs and butterflies seem to be able to find and squeeze through the smallest gap,but apart from this one small observation your beds look great.

[Kathie]

This is what I like about the Grapevine- Lots of 'new' ideas- Loads of help and advice from the more experienced gardener too. I am plagued with a huge cat that leaves parcels on my vegetable patch so this seems the answer-- mini polytunnel ---will have to try it. --Kathie

[sewer rat]

Kathie
You'll find that the 'Vine is split on cats - some love 'em, others (self included) hate 'em. Me, I wouldn't bother with a polytunnel / mini cloche, I'd buy a big hungry dog with an attitude problem.

[Earthbabe]

Could a similar method be used to make bigger ones either for larger beds or for stand up size polytunnel for toms etc. next year?
Any suggestions?

[JennieAtkinson]

Well done Ian - they look good.

[Worldor]

We just bought some mini cloches from the £ shop. Put them over some seedlings today so time will tell.

[eskymo]

I created an archway using tall bamboo uprights with piping attached to these to create an archway - it's worked really well, so if you want to make your hoops taller because the plants you've planted grow to tall for the current hieght you could just pop the piping onto bamboo canes to make the tunnels taller.

I think I might do this on a couple of my raised beds to help protects plants over winter. Thanks for the great idea!