The Hoophouse Handbook: Growing Produce and Flowers in Hoophouses and High Tunnels

A hoophouse is a low-cost, low-tech greenhouse structure that is erected right in the field so plants can be grown in the ground but with some protection from the elements. Hoophouses rely on the sun for heat and natural ventilation for cooling. Hoophouses have been widely used in Europe for decades. Now growers everywhere are discovering the many benefits of growing in a hoophouse: 1. Crops get an earlier start in spring and can be produced later in fall. 2. Cold-hardy crops can be grown all winter. 3. Crops that can't be grown outside because of wind thrive in a hoophouse. 4. Yield and quality in most crops are greatly improved. The Hoophouse Handbook provides an essential introduction to hoophouse horticulture. It describes the most profitable crops to grow, including cut flowers, early and heirloom tomatoes, strawberries, raspberries, salad greens. It offers advice on how to buy, site and build a hoophouse. With more than 50 photos and illustrations, The Hoophouse Handbook makes it easy to get started with this profitable farm business.