How to Make Hoops for Your Garden Low Tunnel

David Epstein: Hi, I am David Epstein with Growing Wisdom. Today we are at Johnny’s Selected Seeds. I will be in main and we’re walking in front of a low tunnel with Anthony Stevenson and Anthony is going to tell us about how you make one of these but first thing Anthony, why make one? Anthony Stevenson: The benefit of the low tunnel is that it gives you insect and frost protection as well it allows you to over winter your crops. David Epstein: And Anthony I noticed we have this agribon on top. Is it the same agribon for all those uses? Anthony Stevenson: We have different weight agribons for different applications. We have lighter ones for the warmer months and heavier ones for the colder months depending on your zone and climate. David Epstein: Where do you get the supports for the agribon? Anthony Stevenson: You can’t actually get the supports but you can make them with our tool. Let me show you. Johnny’s is constantly expanding our product line. One of our newest innovations is the quick hoops bender to help you have more successful growing season. David Epstein: Cool. So this is actually going to make those hoops that you’re showing me before right? Anthony Stevenson: It will make these. David Epstein: All right. So, you said you needed some help. Anthony Stevenson: That’s right. David Epstein: All right. So, I’m yours, what do I do? Anthony Stevenson: Okay, first what we’re going to do is we’re going to take one of these ten foot lengths. This one happens to be half inch galvanized—electrical conduit or EMT. David Epstein: So this is the stuff that you buy just anywhere that electricians would put the wires through, right? Anthony Stevenson: That is correct. Okay David, to start, you slide the pipe right in here, even with the end. David Epstein: That’s right. Anthony Stevenson: You just bend it down toward yourself into about 46 inches away and this is where I need you. David Epstein: Okay. Anthony Stevenson: Right here. Bend it again. If you stabilize, you’re going to get the best here. David Epstein: So, ideally two people. Anthony Stevenson: Ideally two people. It can’t be done with one. Then to finish it off, you take this accessory that comes with this. Stick it on over the end and then this time for the end you pull all the way. David Epstein: Oh so that’s so, you don’t get your finger stuck in there. Anthony Stevenson: That is right. David Epstein: So you guys—and this comes with this tool? It comes in one set. David Epstein: Oh awesome, that is great. Anthony Stevenson: Then if you’ll pull it on through. David Epstein: Wow. Anthony Stevenson: And here is the finished product. David Epstein: So we took one of these straight guys which are 10 ft., put it to this in just a matter of a minute. Anthony Stevenson: Right. David Epstein: Anthony, do I need to trail here or could I just mount the quick hoops bender on something else around my house. Anthony Stevenson: Yup. With two bolts, you can mount it to anything. A picnic table, work bench, wherever works for you. Okay David, let’s go do the low tunnel. David Epstein: All right. Anthony Stevenson: See it’s in? David Epstein: Yup, sure I do. Thanks Anthony. The quick hoops bender, another innovative tool from Johnny’s selective seeds. Come back every week for all of our tips and some help here at Growing Wisdom.