Polytube or Cloche test case

IMG_1814, a photo by okfuskee on Flickr.

So pvc is very flexible apparantly. I guess I need two more poles of this 3/4" pvc pipe and I will have a decent place to grow lettuce, spinach, swiss chard, etc in the winter. ONly problem...this spot doesn't get much sun in the winter.

The Madness Begins

IMG_1816, a photo by okfuskee on Flickr.

So here's my first PVC structure. The base is clamped to the bed. I will need some adhesive for some of the top pipes; one came loose while I was testing it's sturdiness. What's the purpose you ask? Well...I am thinking that at some point netting will be added to stop squirrels from eating too many tomatoes. I know they can never be totally stopped, but a few years ago I made a much more primitive structure and it actually cut way down on rodent depredations. And then in the fall, some clear plastic can be added to extends the growing season....if the thing lasts that long.

Mostly, it is 3/4" pvc pipe. The longwise top pipes are 1/2". Might be a mistake as they are a smidge wibley. I am picturing some daring squirrels having some fun with those. The only reason that happened was because the three way connectors I used for the corners were 3/4 x 3/4 x 1/2. I probably shoud have made the short upper pieces the 1/2" pipe. Oh well...next time.

Detail of 3/4" pvc pipe clamped to raised bed

Cloche - or PolyTube?

Wow...really good resource from Oregon. The picture is from the article, not my garden, sadly. I need to build one o' these: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pdf/ec/ec1627-e.pdf . So they call it a cloche, which is French I think and comes from these cool glass bell jars they used to grow lettuce in the winter. Personally, I don't think it's a cloche, to me...it is a polytube.

PVC Pipe = Future Greenhouse

IMG_1809, a photo by okfuskee on Flickr.

So here's the stuff I will turn into a Greenhous/squirrel defense system. Only cost about $24 (not including plastic or bird netting.) The materials I bought are for a flat topped structure, and I am already thinking that might be a mistake - the next one will be curved or cornered roof.

Working with the piping was pretty easy, there are all kinds of connectors and adaptors. All I needed for tools was a hack saw and a tape measure.