Soil Prep for a Happy Hoop House

Think your hoop house will guarantee success no matter what’s underneath it? 

Wondering why some farmers see lush harvests while others struggle with unhealthy plants—even inside the same sturdy structure?

The truth is simple: your hoop house is only as good as the soil you build it on. Don’t let poor soil preparation sabotage your investment. By tackling compaction, adding amendments early, and prepping your perimeter, you’ll give your crops the best possible start inside your new hoop house. Here are a few of our tips: 

🌾 Loosen it up. If your ground has been compacted by years of foot or vehicle traffic, run a chisel 
plow or subsoiler before building. Your plants’ roots will thank you.

🪴 Add amendments early. It’s infinitely easier to spread compost or soil conditioners before construction begins than after. Once the hoop house is up, you’ll be stuck moving every load by wheelbarrow or tractor bucket.

🔨 Rototill the perimeter. This small but mighty step makes trenching and installing baseboards easier—saving you time and sweat during your build.

Learn more about how to set up your hoop house to thrive in our latest article! 

Ready to Give Your Hoop House the Perfect Foundation? Let’s Get Growing!

Healthy soil is the key to a thriving hoop house—and your plants deserve the best start possible. Contact us today for expert advice on prepping your soil so you can enjoy stronger plants, bigger harvests, and a happier growing season. Let’s build your farm’s future, one bed at a time!

Choosing the Right Site for Your Hoop House

Ever wonder why some hoop houses thrive while others struggle? 

Curious how to pick the perfect spot to maximize sunlight, drainage, and efficiency for your crops?

Selecting the right site is the first—and possibly most important—step to building a successful hoop house. Even the strongest structure won’t reach its potential if it’s set in the wrong place. With smart planning and a few key considerations, you can set yourself up for long-term productivity and healthier harvests.

🌱 Flat ground helps—but don’t stress if your land slopes. A little natural tilt can save you big 
bucks on excavation, but beware: too much side-to-side slope can cause snow to pile up unevenly or not slide off.

🚜 Accessibility is everything. You’ll need room for a truck and trailer to deliver materials—and 15 feet of level, clear space at each end of the hoop house for ladders and safe endwall installation. Trying to work on a cramped or inaccessible site can quickly turn a one-day build into a multi-day slog.

🌞 Soak up that sun! Choose a spot with full sun exposure all year, remembering that winter shadows stretch long. A hoop house tucked next to a tall tree or building might end up dark and chilly just when you need light and warmth the most.

Learn more by checking out our latest article! 

Let’s Pick the Perfect Spot for Your Hoop House Together!

Ready to choose the best site for your hoop house and give your farm the advantage it deserves? Don’t go it alone—reach out today for expert help and let’s make sure your hoop house starts off on the right foot. Together, we can grow stronger, smarter than ever!