Setting Up a Poly House: A Step-by-Step Guide
A poly house, also known as a poly tunnel or hoop house, is an affordable and effective way to create a controlled growing environment for a wide range of plants, extending the growing season in colder climates, and protecting crops from excessive heat, pests, and diseases in warmer locales. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to set up your own poly house:
**Step 1: Choose the Location**
Select a flat site that receives sufficient sunlight throughout the day. A north-south orientation is typically recommended to ensure even sunlight distribution. Avoid areas where water logging is a problem, and ensure the site has good drainage. Windbreaks, such as trees or shrubs, can help protect the poly house from strong winds.
**Step 2: Determine the Size**
Decide on the size of the poly house based on your requirements and available space. Commercial operations may require large structures, while hobbyists might prefer smaller-scale poly houses.
**Step 3: Gather Materials**
The basic materials needed for a poly house include:
– Steel pipes or PVC tubes for the hoops
– Polyethylene plastic sheeting (UV-stabilized)
– Wooden or metal stakes for anchoring hoops
– Horizontal support members (purlins) for structural integrity
– End-wall material (could be polycarbonate panels, wood, or more poly sheeting)
– Doors and ventilation screens if necessary
**Step 4: Construct the Frame**
Begin by creating the hoop frame:
1. Mark out the ground where the hoops will be placed at regular intervals.
2. Insert the stakes or ground anchors at these marks.
3. Bend the pipes or PVC tubes into arcs and insert the ends into the stakes to form hoops.
4. Add horizontal purlins at the top and sides to tie the hoops together and provide structural stability.
**Step 5: Install the End Walls**
Construct end walls on both sides of the poly house using your chosen material. Fit doors and ventilation screens to facilitate easy access and airflow.
**Step 6: Cover with Polyethylene Sheet**
Drape the UV-stabilized polyethylene sheet over the frame. Ensure it’s taut and secure it to the base rail along the ground using batten strips or by burying the edges in a trench. Be sure to leave adequate length on both ends to attach to the end walls.
**Step 7: Ventilation and Climate Control**
Install roll-up sides or construct ventilation windows to help control temperature and humidity within the poly house. Ventilation is critically important to prevent overheating and ensure a constant supply of fresh air.
**Step 8: Internal Setup**
Inside the poly house, set up growing beds, irrigation systems, and path walkways as per your agricultural plan. Ensure there is enough space between rows for plant growth and worker movement.
**Step 9: Irrigation System**
Install an irrigation system that suits your crop’s water requirements. Drip or micro-sprinkler systems are efficient for water conservation and help prevent the spread of diseases compared to overhead watering methods.
**Step 10: Maintenance**
Regular maintenance of the poly house is essential to ensure longevity. This includes patching any tears in the plastic, checking the structural integrity, cleaning the plastic to maximize light penetration, and monitoring for pests and diseases.
**Conclusion**
Setting up a poly house can be a rewarding venture. It maximizes crop yield, extends the growing season, and can even support the cultivation of non-native plants. With careful planning, choice materials, and regular upkeep, your poly house can serve as a resilient and productive growing space for many years.