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Canada

Does anyone keep there Hoop Houses over there grow areas dureing the winter ( plant locations) to keep the day time temps in the soil a tad warmer? or do most let the entire patch freeze solid for the winter then place out once the snow starts to melt away or does this or will this have any benefits at all ( besides putting wear on the plastic and house itself) LOL

Dave

10/27/2005 11:04:20 PM

Taber, Alberta

I don't know how cold it gets there, but it hits -35 to -40 on cold winters here. That kills a lot of bad things in the soil.

10/27/2005 11:48:34 PM

Cornwall UK.(50N 5W)300ft.

Salt build up can be a problem.

10/28/2005 3:42:29 AM

Netherlands

Let the snow get into the ground, Dave. I'll set mine up a few weeks before I plant to warm up the soil. As you said, winter and wind can really wear out your hoop house.

10/28/2005 4:23:59 AM

Store you hoop houses. Weathering will break them down, and if you get a strong winter storm like a blizzard, say goodbye to them. Plus it's good for soil structure to freeze up. In spring when it thaws the soil will break up a bit. And it won't matter either having them out there because we will eventually get those -30 to -35'C nights and even days temperatures.

10/28/2005 10:01:28 AM

Puyallup, WA

I have found that one week lead time before the plants are put in the ground is enough time to raise the soil temps to over 80°.

10/28/2005 1:27:35 PM

Litchfield N. H. 03052

The freezing and thaw in the winter also to some degree, improve soil structure [compaction].

10/28/2005 5:36:26 PM