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!
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