How to make hoops for row covers using metal conduit and attach them to your raised beds
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- Опубліковано 30 вер 2024
- In this video I describe the relatively simple process of making hoops for row covers using 1/2" metal conduit. The items you will need are:
-10ft 1/2" metal conduit (I bought at Home Depot)
-1/2" two hole straps (they should be in the same place as the conduit)
-Outdoor screws (look for decking screws)
-Conduit bender. I bought this one from Johnny's Seeds (not sponsored):
www.johnnyseed...
Note that for the conduit bender it should match the width of your raised beds. Since my beds are 4 feet wide I bought the one appropriate for 4 foot beds, there is also a 3 foot wide bender as well.
The process of actually making the hoops is relatively simple. I marked 14" from each end to allow for a straight portion on the side of my beds. I then bent these using the bender. This can be done with one person but two may be easier for some people. The hoops are then secured to the sides of the beds and a horticultural fleece is used as a row cover.
I have found these help incredibly in multiple ways:
1. They protect early plants from frost. These go over all our early plants planted out April 1st here in SW Ohio Zone 6a.
2. They protect your plants from insects without need for sprays. Two insects in particular that these are great for are cabbage worms and squash vine borer.
3. They help with acclimating newly transplanted plants. I've found you don't need to harden off as long if planted under cover.
If you have any questions please let us know in the comments. And if you found this video helpful, please like and subscribe. Happy gardening everyone!
-Peter
I think you just made up my mind on whether or not to buy the conduit bender 😄!
It’s probably a bit overpriced for what it is but it works wonders and I love Johnny’s as a company! It’s probably slightly easier with two people rather than one unless you have a pretty big arm span.
Thank you!! This made me pivot in my decision to use PVC. Excited to go the metal route to ensure less unnecessary use of plastics AND to reap the durability benefits of metal. For those who are also interested in bending their own conduit and want to keep costs as low as possible, I also find this video that shows how to make a bender for WAY less than the cost of purchasing one ua-cam.com/video/GdrDr03ob0w/v-deo.html
You’re welcome Phil! I absolutely love them almost 2 years later. Good resource on the DIY bender!
Seems like this is a tiny bit useless. If you have $115 for the jig from Johnny’s seeds……that’s really all you need…..
I’m sure you could make one with a jig saw and some scrap wood. I was quite happy with the one from Johnny’s however
Nicely done and thank you for sharing!
You're welcome, glad it was helpful!
Thanks!
You’re welcome!
No problem, glad it was helpful! These are working very well for us