Problem #1: This simple little gadget isn't cheap. At roughly $70, it might be a good investment if you can get a bunch of gardening friends to go in on it together. However, you'll still need to purchase the actual conduit to bend, row covers, and clips, so keep that in mind when deciding how much you want to spend.
Here's another video that might help make the investment a bit more appealing since it allows you to "raise the roof" so to speak...
Problem #2: Now it's starting to get my attention a bit more. However, here on the mountain, I have to consider snow. This really isn't going to take more than a light dusting of that lovely white powder. But if you live where rain is more of an issue, this might be a great inexpensive solution.
On the flip side, it has my mind thinking of ways to modify it further and add extra support. I've been looking at a lot of posts written by other bloggers who deal with snow and most suggest a support down the middle of some kind. David LeFerney has a detailed post on his hoop house at The Door Garden. You must read this second post (here) to find out how he solved a collapse issue when snow accumulated on it.
I'll keep you posted if I get to this project this fall. It's on the to-do list, but there's no guarantee it will materialize this season. In the meantime, I'd love to hear any suggestions you have for making a similar structure that will withstand at least 6 inches of snow!
