For any gardener looking to extend the season, the choice between a hoop house vs greenhouse is a big one. Both structures offer protection from the cold, but they serve different purposes and budgets. Understanding their strengths will help you pick the right tool for year-round gardening.
This guide breaks down the differences in cost, construction, and climate control. You’ll get a clear picture of which structure can help you harvest fresh food all twelve months of the year.
Hoop House vs Greenhouse
At first glance, these two structures look similar. They both use frames and plastic sheeting to create a warm, sheltered environment. The core difference lies in their foundation and permanence. A greenhouse is typically a permanent, heated structure with a solid foundation. A hoop house (or high tunnel) is a semi-permanent, unheated structure that is often used for season extension rather than true winter growing.
Think of it this way: a greenhouse is a dedicated, climate-controlled room for plants. A hoop house is more like putting a warm jacket over your garden beds.
What is a Hoop House?
A hoop house is a simple structure made of metal or PVC pipes bent into hoops and covered with a single layer of clear polyethylene plastic. It’s usually built directly over the ground, with the sides able to be rolled up for ventilation.
Key features of a hoop house include:
* No permanent foundation: It’s anchored directly into the soil.
* Passive heating: It relies on the sun’s heat trapped during the day.
* Manual ventilation: You roll up the sides or open the ends to manage temperature.
* Lower cost: Materials are relatively inexpensive and assembly is straightforward.
What is a Greenhouse?
A greenhouse is a more solid, permanent structure. It often has a framed base (wood, aluminum, or steel), may use polycarbonate panels or glass, and frequently includes active systems for climate management.
Key features of a greenhouse include:
* Permanent foundation: It’s built on a base like a wooden frame or concrete.
* Active heating & cooling: Can include heaters, exhaust fans, and automated vent openers.
* Better insulation: Often uses double-walled polycarbonate or glass for better heat retention.
* Higher cost: Initial investment and operating costs are significantly higher.
Cost Comparison: Upfront and Long-Term
Your budget is a major deciding factor. The cost difference here is substantial.
Building a small DIY hoop house can cost a few hundred dollars. You’re mainly paying for PVC or metal conduit, plastic sheeting, and some basic hardware. Even a large commercial-grade high tunnel might cost a few thousand. Operating costs are near zero, as there’s no power required.
A greenhouse is a bigger investment. A small, quality kit with polycarbonate panels can start in the thousands. Custom glass greenhouses cost much more. You also must budget for running electricity for ventilation, possible heating costs in winter, and more expensive replacement materials like broken panels.
Climate Control and Temperature Management
This is where the two structures truly diverge for year-round use.
A hoop house excels at extending your spring and fall. It can protect from frost and allow you to start seeds earlier and harvest later. In winter, its effectiveness depends on your climate. In zone 7 or warmer, a hoop house can keep hardy greens (like spinach and kale) alive through winter with no added heat. In colder zones, it will go dormant when the sun is weak.
A greenhouse, with its option for added heat, can create a true off-season growing environment. You can grow warm-weather crops like tomatoes in December if you’re willing to pay for the heat. Cooling a greenhouse in summer, however, can be a challenge and often requires active shade cloths and powerful ventilation.
Durability and Maintenance
Consider the long-term workload and resilience.
Hoop houses are vulnerable to strong winds and heavy snow loads if not properly braced. The plastic cover usually needs replacing every 2-4 years due to UV degradation. Maintenance involves checking anchor points and ensuring the plastic is tight.
Greenhouses are built to withstand more severe weather. Polycarbonate panels can last 10-15 years or more. Maintenance includes cleaning panels for light transmission, servicing ventilation equipment, and checking seals. Glass greenhouses are durable but can be damaged by hail or falling branches.
Best Uses for Each Structure
Choosing the right one depends on your primary goal.
A Hoop House is ideal for:
* Extending the growing season by 2-4 months on either end.
* Overwintering hardy perennials and root vegetables.
* Getting a jumpstart on spring transplants.
* Growing cool-season crops like lettuce, peas, and radishes in early spring and late fall.
* Gardeners on a tight budget or who prefer a low-tech solution.
A Greenhouse is ideal for:
* True four-season gardening in any climate.
* Starting all your garden seeds very early in the season.
* Growing heat-loving, tender crops (peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers) through the winter.
* Housing exotic or tropical plants.
* Gardeners ready for a larger investment in infrastructure and utilities.
Step-by-Step: Getting Started with a Hoop House
If a hoop house sounds right, here’s a basic plan to build a simple 10′ x 12′ structure.
1. Choose a sunny, level site with good drainage and access to water.
2. Gather materials: 3/4″ PVC pipes (20′ lengths), 1/2″ rebar stakes (2′ long), 6-mil greenhouse plastic, lumber for base boards, and heavy-duty staples.
3. Build a wooden base frame in a rectangle from 2×6 lumber and lay it on the ground.
4. Drive rebar stakes 12-18″ into the ground along the long sides, every 3-4 feet.
5. Slide one end of a PVC pipe over a rebar stake, bend it, and slide the other end over the opposite stake to form an arch.
6. Secure all arches. Add a central ridge pole for extra support using zip ties.
7. Drape the plastic over the frame, pull it taut, and secure it to the wooden base with battens (strips of wood nailed over the plastic).
Essential Tips for Year-Round Success
No matter which structure you choose, these practices are key for keeping it productive.
* Monitor temperature daily: Use a max-min thermometer. Ventilate when temps rise above 80°F to prevent cooking your plants.
* Manage water: Soil can dry out quickly or stay too wet. Drip irrigation is highly recommended for consistent moisture.
* Improve your soil: Add plenty of compost. In a closed system, soil health is paramount.
* Practice crop rotation: Just like your outdoor garden, rotate families of plants to prevent disease buildup.
* Introduce beneficial insects: Aphids and whiteflies love protected environments. Ladybugs and lacewings can help manage them naturally.
Making the choice between a hoop house and a greenhouse comes down to your climate, goals, and budget. For most home gardeners seeking a significant season extension without a major investment, a hoop house is a fantastic and effective tool. It’s a workhorse that can dramatically increase your harvest.
For those in very cold climates or who wish to garden 12 months a year with no limits, the controlled environment of a greenhouse is worth the investment. It becomes a dedicated plant sanctuary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main disadvantage of a hoop house?
The main disadvantage is its limited winter capability in cold climates. Without supplemental heat, it cannot protect tender plants in deep winter. It also requires more hands-on management for ventilation.
Can you heat a hoop house for winter?
You can, but it’s often inefficient. The single layer of plastic has poor insulation value, so heat escapes quickly. It’s usually more cost-effective to use a hoop house for hardy crops and use a small greenhouse or indoor lights for tender plants.
Is a greenhouse worth it for a home gardener?
It depends on your dedication and budget. If you are passionate about gardening year-round, starting seeds, or growing specialty plants, a greenhouse can be incredibly rewarding. For casual season extension, a hoop house may be sufficient.
What can I grow in a hoop house in winter?
In a unheated hoop house, you can sucessfully grow cold-hardy crops like spinach, mache, kale, scallions, carrots, and some varieties of lettuce. They will grow very slowly but remain harvestable.
How do I keep my greenhouse cool in summer?
Use a combination of shade cloth (draped over the outside), exhaust fans, and open vents. Automatic vent openers are a great investment that use a wax cylinder to open vents when the temperature rises.
Which is easier to relocate, a hoop house or greenhouse?
A hoop house is much easier to relocate. You can unscrew the base, pull up the ground anchors, and move the entire structure to a new site if your soil needs a rest. A greenhouse is generally considered a permanent installation.