Get to Know the Columbine

• 2-inch square steel bows and 1½” square purlins
• Mounted with 2¼” square ground stakes that can be raised up to 3’ sidewall height
• 2¼” steel bow connector
• Wood or galvanized-steel baseboard
• Standard 44′ wide poly will cover the roof with standard 3′ sidewalls
• Non-load-rated house; check local codes for load requirements
• Lengths can be either 4′ or 6′ bow spacings
• Can be fitted with gable ends, flashing, and bow supports

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a hoophouse?

A hoophouse is a curved, tunnel-like structure (often unheated) constructed with tubes or round-/arch-shaped frames used to protect plants and extend the growing season. You might also hear a hoophouse greenhouse referred to as a ground-to-ground or a high tunnel.

What can I use a freestanding hoophouse greenhouse like the Columbine for?

Hoophouse or ground-to-ground greenhouses are ideal for:
• Winter greenhouse protection
• Early spring starts
• Season extension
• Inexpensive greenhouse expansions
• Rain protection

Our Columbine freestanding greenhouse can be used for multi-tier production with hanging baskets overhead and containers or flats below and along the sidewalls.

Do hoophouses stay warm in the winter?

Hoophouse greenhouses typically do not stay warm on their own in the winter, depending on the area. They are often covered with a double layer of polyethylene film. An inflation fan is used to create an air space between the two layers that acts as insulation.

Depending on their design, many hoophouses or ground-to-grounds can be equipped with supplemental heating equipment like forced-air unit heaters to help maintain above-freezing temperatures.

Growers also use unheated ground-to-ground greenhouses to maintain plants like perennials in a dormant state or to grow cold-hardy winter crops.

Our Columbine freestanding hoophouse adapts to polyethylene and polycarbonate coverings and can be retrofitted to accept corrugated polycarbonate.