Coastal Tomatoes

Hooping It Up: Observations of 3-Yr Study

Hoop House High Value Crop Trials

1997-2007 by The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc.

The 3-year Hoop House Trials proves to be interesting reading.  Yes it is somewhat technical, but worth your time to read.  Especially if you want to learn more about growing in a hoop house. I grew tomatoes in my homemade pvc hoop house this year (2007) in raised beds surrounded by rocks.  The rocks hold heat and will help to keep the hoophouse warmer longer.  The yield exceeded my expectations.  It is now November and I still have tomatoes ripening on the vine.  Yum!

There is something to this hoop house (tunnel) stuff.  The article goes into great detail and is very informative.

Enjoy! The article follows:

Winter Heat Requirements

Energy costs have become an increasingly important issue in production of greenhouse tomatoes. Before lowering greenhouse temperatures to save on fuel bills, consider the effects of low temperature on tomato production.

                      Heat is needed for proper developement.

Greenhouse Production Manual

Greenhouse Production Manual