Winter-Proofing Tips for Your Gothic Hoop House

 Is your gothic hoop house ready to take on the cold?

Once your structure is clean and secure, focus on keeping it insulated and managing snow effectively. These steps help ensure your plants stay protected even through harsh winter storms.

Step 1: Add Insulation and Seal Drafts

Every small gap can make a difference in maintaining warmth. Seal cracks or openings near doors, 
vents, and baseboards with weatherproof tape or caulk. Maintain adequate soil moisture—moist soil absorbs and retains more heat than dry soil, helping stabilize internal temperatures.

For added protection, use row covers or floating fabric over your crops to trap heat and buffer against overnight temperature drops. A well-insulated gothic hoop house helps prevent soil from freezing and allows for successful winter production of cold-tolerant crops.

Step 2: Manage Snow and Ice Buildup

The steep roof of a gothic hoop house naturally sheds snow, but during heavy storms, you’ll want to stay proactive. Retained heat in the soil can create a thin melted layer under the snow, helping it slide off. If snow lingers, gently tap the underside of the plastic to encourage it to shed.

A snow rake can help too—just be careful to avoid puncturing your cover. Alternatively, have two people “floss” a rope back and forth along the roof to loosen snow safely. Clear gutters and remove any that could trap snow or ice before storms hit. Keep the area around the tunnel accessible for equipment in case you need to remove snow buildup along the base.

Why the Gothic Design Excels in Winter

The gothic-style high tunnel was designed for these exact challenges. Its tall, peaked roof sheds snow efficiently, reduces wind load, and improves light penetration during short winter days. Combined with proper maintenance and insulation, it’s the ideal choice for growers who want year-round productivity in cold climates.

Learn more about taking care of your hoop house this winter in our latest article!

🌿 Grow Strong All Winter Long With A Gothic Hoop House

Preparation now pays off later. With regular maintenance and a few smart upgrades, your gothic hoop house can thrive even under snow and ice.

Need expert guidance or winter maintenance supplies? Reach out to our team for professional advice and solutions to keep your crops protected and your structure strong.

Prepping Your Gothic Hoop House for Winter

 Is your gothic hoop house ready for winter?

Want your crops to thrive even when temperatures drop? Preparing your high tunnel before winter hits is essential to ensure long-term durability and productivity.

A well-maintained gothic hoop house can withstand heavy snow, retain heat efficiently, and keep your crops growing through the coldest months. Taking time now to clean, tighten, and inspect your setup will prevent costly midwinter repairs and ensure a strong start to the next season.

Step 1: Clean Your Gothic Hoop House Inside and Out

Start by removing any plant debris, old roots, and weeds—especially cold-weather weeds like chickweed that can be difficult to eliminate later. Debris can harbor pests and fungal pathogens such as 
downy mildew.

Wash the interior walls, benches, and walkways with a gentle disinfectant to eliminate algae and mildew buildup. Clean off any dust or residue on the inside of your plastic, and scrub away mildew from side curtains. Clear plastic allows more sunlight to penetrate—crucial for healthy plants when daylight hours are shorter and the sun sits lower in the sky.

Step 2: Inspect the Frame and Connections

Your gothic hoop house’s peaked design helps snow slide off, but only if your structure is solid. Walk the length of your tunnel and check every nut, bolt, and connector. Tighten anything loose and repair or replace damaged components now—before snow and ice make repairs difficult. Reinforcing your frame today prevents costly downtime later.

Step 3: Examine and Maintain the Cover

Inspect your greenhouse film for holes, tears, or worn spots. Clean the area around any damage, dry it thoroughly (a hair dryer helps!), and patch it using high-quality greenhouse repair tape. If you use double poly layers, make sure your inflation system is running smoothly to maintain insulation. Keep the cover tight—sagging or flapping plastic can reduce light transmission and lead to heat loss.

Learn more about taking care of your hoop house this winter in our latest article! 

🌱 Keep Your Gothic Hoop House Winter-Ready

 A few hours of preparation now means a stronger, more efficient structure all winter long. Regular cleaning, tightening, and maintenance protect your investment and your crops.

Contact our team today for expert advice, materials, and supplies to keep your gothic hoop house in peak condition all season long!