Mini-Hoop / Minihoop Houses / Mini Polytunnels (Update)
Well after a few days and nights we have drawn some further conclusions. Basically the winds were high and gusty. So one of the mini-hoop houses remains intact and one struggled with one of its sides coming free and flapping about with pegs flung aside. It reminded us that the wind is more powerful than imaginable. The conclusion was that we need to go to a more heavy duty approach and “beef” up some of the resources. Think industrial or agricultural approach rather than domestic garden approach. To be fair domestic gardens often have 6 foot fences that deflect the wind.
Previous resource / specification list with updated comments:
Bed length = 8m
Fabric size = 10m X 2m UPDATE: SUGGEST WIDER FABRIC FOR MORE SECURE SIDES IE 10M X 4M
Pole size = 2m X 4mm diameter
Pole material = mild steel (however, we would research suppliers of more “springy” tensile steel in either stainless steel or galvanised steel for next season, to maintain straightness and avoid rust - but not essential)
6 X battens 2.4m X 25mm X 10mm (to wrap sides) UPDATE: SUGGEST HEAVIER BATTENS IE LARGER CROSS-SECTION
12 X U-shaped pegs to hold battens in place (2 per batten) UPDATE: SUGGEST LONGER PEGS THAN STANDARD IE 150 TO 200MM
2 X 0.5m X 100mm X 50mm wood (as weights on ends) UPDATE: SUGGEST HEAVIER IE 1M X 100MM X 50MM
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SO THE NEW “UPDATED” RESOURCE / SPECIFICATION LIST IS NOW AS FOLLOWS:
Bed length = 8m
Fabric size = 10m X 4m (or 10m X 3m)
Fabric colour = White for light or green for aesthetics (although arguably still not beautiful!)
Pole size = 2m X 4mm diameter
Pole material = mild steel (however, we would research suppliers of more “springy” tensile steel in either stainless steel or galvanised steel for next season, to maintain straightness and avoid rust - but not essential)
6 X battens 2.4m X 100mm X 50mm (to wrap sides)
12 X U-shaped pegs (150mm to 200mm long) to hold battens in place (2 per batten). Note: since battens are upgraded these may not be necessary making usability and access better.
2 X 1m X 100mm X 50mm wood (as weights on ends)
