EarthBox – Shade Cloth Hoop Houses

by A.J. Coltrane

It’s supposed to get warm the next few days, possibly into the high 70’s at our house. Today seemed like a good day to put the shade cloth over the cool-weather vegetables.

I’d previously purchased the shade cloth. The bag said it was 6′ x 50′. I unfolded the cloth into what looked like a 6′ x 25′ length and cut. The intention was to get two 6′ pieces off of one end. What I got was two 9′ pieces. No idea why. 9 doesn’t divide evenly into 50..

As it turns out, I only had enough dowels to do two boxes, so I did this:

The shade cloth is held in place by large binder clips.

(L-R)

Half-barrel Container:  Shallots, Arugula, Fernleaf Dill

Left EarthBoxes:  Little Gem Romaine Lettuce, Spinach

Center EarthBoxes:  Parsley and Cilantro (both mostly hidden) and more Spinach.

Right EarthBox:  Tulle covered, formerly home of the Pak Choi before it bolted.

I was feeling pretty clever! We’ll see if it actually helps.

Related posts here and here.

Bonus girl cat pic.