Building a Hoophouse - Part One - with Adam Montri

Adam Montri is the hoophouse specialist for Michigan State University. Hoophouses (or high tunnels) are unheated greenhouses that are becoming increasingly popular with home gardeners and farmers eager to extend the growing season. Montri is also building his own hoophouse, and Sustainable Farmer.com asked him for tips, information and advice. (Video by Bonnie Bucqueroux & Tina Sarkey - music by Drew Howard for www.sustainablefarmercom )

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  Education

[Andy Anderson]

I've been watching videos for days about growing severely tall bamboo. I'm thinking that in about two years I could grow enough bamboo in the pattern of house I would like to build so that all I would have to do is connect it all together internally and then cover it with polyethylene and ta-DA hoop house a-natural. No steel, no pounding in stakes or concrete, and pound for pound bamboo is stronger and more weather resistant than steel. The planning phase for construction would be greater though

[Bonnie Bucqueroux]

I would love to know where you live. I know nothing about growing bamboo. Could you achieve uniformity enough to use them structurally? Does their growth terminate evenly so your hoophouse would not keep getting taller?

[Bonnie Bucqueroux]

Cheap guy, I'm impressed

[Leilani Roberts]

I have tall bamboo. The only trouble I see with your plan is that bamboo is practically an invasive weed once it gets going. Its not as easy to pull out as weeds are though, its pretty tough stuff and grows wherever it likes. I think it would be challenging.

[Lucy Sheffer]

Great video. Very informative. We live in Bucks county Pennsylvania. We are looking to install a Hoop House. Do you know someone who we can hire to this type of job? Is Adam available for hiring?? Thanks :o)

[davenakasone]

When you hit a rock, take out your hammer drill and make a hole. If you have the resources, put in a small charge, detonate, then pump the area flush with cement, and shape for post. Don't let a rock ruin your plans.

[iLOVENATURE2011]

cool video....it captured my interest! =)

[opalwine]

Very interesting need too build one in my back yard

[Tom Tommy]

I'm sure Adam is not gay by the way he was acting and talking.

[fetymann]

this is the Nor'Easter series... RimolGreenhouses . com