The problem with growing your own veggies and fruits is that you can’t do it all year round.
Certain crops need warm weather and, of course, winds and rain can pluck everything from the soil and ruin your crop.
The answer to this problem? No, it’s not a greenhouse! Another easier, and much cheaper solution is building a low tunnel.
Today, I’ll help you understand how this little structure can make a big difference in your garden and walk you through the steps to build one yourself.
Let’s begin!
What’s a Low Tunnel?
A low tunnel, also called a mini hoop house, forms a protective bubble around your plants, shielding them from frost, wind, and the occasional nosy critter!
But why bother with a low tunnel, you ask? Well, the benefits are plenty, including:
- Extending your growing season and harvesting fresh greens well into the winter months!
- Protection against the frost by creating a barrier against it and keeping your plants cozy and safe.
- Keeping out the bugs and critters that would otherwise feast on your hard work and fill it with tiny holes.
What You’ll Need to Build a Low Tunnel
Building a low tunnel might sound like a daunting task, but it’s a breeze with the right tools, approach, and a cool drink!
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to get started:
1 – Hoop Materials
Some gardeners work with PVC pipes to create the hoops. However, I believe metal hoops are a better alternative as they’re sturdier and require less effort to work with.
PVC needs certain heat levels to bend while the metal rods are easy to flex with a simple hoop bender.
You should go with the ½ or ¾ inch pipes as anything less won’t be the best to fight off the frost. Also, ensure it’s at least eight feet long to create a height of about three to four feet above the plants.
2 – Cover Material
Polyethylene plastic is more popular because it’s tough and provides excellent Jack Frost protection.
Remember to buy a UV-treated cover, though. This is vital because, over time, the sun eats away at the cover and you’ll have to change it again. Expensive as it might be, it’s worth it!
3 – Fastening Supplies
To keep everything in place, you’ll need some twine or zip ties. Twine is excellent for securing the cover to the hoops, but you’ll need to ensure it’s strong and weather-resistant.
4 – Additional Tools
There are a few more tools you’ll need close by to get your low tunnel ready.
These include a hammer, rope or twine, and measuring tape to guarantee the hoops are evenly spaced. Also, get a few bungee cords and carabiners. I’ll tell you later what that’s for!
How to Build a Low Tunnel
Now that you have your tools next to you, here’s how you can start on your low tunnel:
Step 1: Prepare Your Garden Bed
It’s best to ensure your garden is ready before you build the tunnel above it.
To start, remove any debris, weeds, and old plant material from the area you plan to cover.
Next, till the soil to guarantee it’s loose and well-aerated to improve water drainage and root penetration.
While this step isn’t crucial, it’s easier to do before you have a cover above the soil as you can maneuver anything without worrying about the tunnel.
Step 2: Mark the Area
Take your measuring tape and mark where you want the hoops to stand before placing them.
Most gardeners go for four or five feet as that guarantees the tunnel stands against wind and snowfall.
Others go for two feet between each hoop for better snow resistance but that depends on your area’s climate.
After marking the spot where the hoops go, Take your PVC pipes or metal hoops and bend them into a U-shape.
Step 3: Install the Hoops
While it can be challenging to drive the hoops into the soil, a little bit of force or a friend’s help can make it easy.
Place each hoop in its marked area and drive it at least three or four inches into the ground to keep it stable.
Step 3: Add the Cover
Take your plastic cover and drape it over the hoops, ensuring it covers the ground on both sides.
Trim it slightly if it’s too long to avoid rustling from the wind, but keep enough excess on both ends to secure it.
Work your way along the length of the tunnel, keeping the cover snug but not overly tight, but allowing a bit of flexibility to accommodate wind and weather changes.
Step 4: Secure the Ends
Finally, you can use short wooden beams, steel pegs, or even heavy rocks to anchor the ends of the cover.
Tie it around these anchors using rope, twine, or zip ties to prevent it from blowing.
Walk around the structure, check for gaps or loose sections, and adjust as needed to create a tight, secure seal that will protect your plants from the elements.
Step 5: Create Ventilation Points
While many reach the previous step and call it a day, there’s one little trick I like to use! Remember the bungee cords I mentioned earlier?
Well, take these bungee cords and tie them together to create multiple loops.
Then, throw the loops over the metal hoops and pull them to the bottom. Use the carabiners to fasten the cords to the bottom rods, and you’re good to go!
This way, you can pull the plastic up to ventilate the plants whenever you’d like without the cover blowing over!
Plus, the cords add another layer of safety to keep the Jack Frost away!
Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.