PVC Hoop Tunnels

I keep my PVC Hoop Tunnels up year round so I can deter bad bugs and provide warmth during cold weather and shade during hot weather.

Here are my building tips:  We took a pvc pipe that was ¾” wide and sawed it into 6 pieces  that were 6″ long.  We pounded the 6 pieces into the raised bed (3 pieces on each side) to be the base for the hoops.  We used brackets to secure the  3/4″ bases to the side of the raised beds.

Next we took 3 of the pvc pipes that were about 8’ long by ½”wide and inserted them into the bases.  I prefer the 1/2″ wide pvc pipe because it is flexible enough to make a hoop.  In order to be prepared for snow, we used a cross beam made from a 1/2 pvc pipe that we secured with tie wraps.  Also, I wrapped the ends with duck tape so there were no sharp edges to tear the material covers.

Here are my pros and cons:

PROS:  1)Since this hoop tunnel is in the shape of a hoop instead of a tent, it maximizes the height space.  2)  It is very easy to make!  3) It is very reasonable.  4) It doesn’t rust.  5) It is sturdy.  6) You can adjust the height by using different lengths of pvc pipes – My tunnels are about 3 1/2 feet tall.

CONS:  1) Depending on your tastes, the white color does stand out and does not blend in with the environment.  2)  The only thing I have to periodically replace is the tie wraps.  After a year or two they will get brittle and snap.

This is the version that I still use on my raised beds.