A low tunnel is an unheated hoophouse made from 10 foot lengths of 1/2 inch galvanized electrical conduit (EMT) that are installed over a garden bed and covered, first with spun- bonded row cover fabric, then with clear greenhouse film when winter sets in. The EMT is bent into the perfect shape using a Quick Hoops Low Tunnel Bender we purchased from Johnny's Selected Seeds .
Phil and Chris bending the EMT using the Low Tunnel Bender. Phil mounted the bender to the picnic table using the hardware provided. The bender is available to fashion either 4 foot or 6 foot beds- we chose the 6 foot size.
Meanwhile, Chris' fiance and now Shenandoah Growers Basil Queen(!) Meg Willard helped me plant leeks in another garden bed.
The instructions recommend that the EMT be buried 10 inches, but Phil wanted to make sure that they stayed put and so he cut lengths of rebar that Chris pounded into the ground at 5 foot intervals. Chris then slid the EMT over the rebar.
We will cover this bed in the next few weeks, once the spinach and mache have grown a bit more. Our ubiquitious yellow bags of rocks will hold the row cover and plastic down, and the greens will grow in their cozy cocoon and provide us with an early spring harvest.
Phil and Chris at the end of a very successful day. Chris, you make a great farmer- a million thanks!
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