Best Plants to Grow Under Hoop House Structures

Hoop houses, also known as high tunnels, have become increasingly popular among gardeners and small-scale farmers looking to extend their growing season and protect crops from adverse weather conditions. These simple, cost-effective structures create a microclimate that can significantly boost plant growth by providing warmth, shielding from wind and pests, and retaining moisture. Choosing the right plants to grow under hoop houses is essential to maximize their benefits and achieve a bountiful harvest.

In this article, we will explore the best plants to cultivate under hoop house structures, taking into account temperature preferences, growth habits, and the ability to thrive in protected environments. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced grower, this guide will help you make informed decisions to get the most out of your hoop house.

Understanding Hoop Houses and Their Benefits

Before diving into specific plants, it’s important to understand what hoop houses are and the advantages they offer:

Structure: Typically constructed using metal or PVC hoops covered with polyethylene plastic, hoop houses create a tunnel-like environment.
Climate Control: They trap solar heat during the day and minimize heat loss at night, raising internal temperatures by up to 10-15°F compared to outside.
Extended Growing Season: By protecting plants from frost, snow, and harsh winds, hoop houses allow earlier planting in spring and later harvesting in fall or even winter.
Better Pest Management: The enclosed nature can reduce insect damage and animal interference.
Moisture Retention: Reduced evaporation helps maintain soil moisture levels.

Given these features, hoop houses are ideal for cold-sensitive crops as well as those that benefit from a controlled environment.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Plants for Hoop Houses

Choosing the best plants is not just about what grows fast but also about matching species with the microclimate inside a hoop house. Here are key factors:

Temperature Requirements: Some plants thrive in warmer conditions; others prefer cooler temperatures.
Light Needs: Make sure your hoop house provides sufficient sunlight; shading or supplemental lighting may be needed.
Growth Duration: Some crops mature quickly; others require longer seasons.
Space Utilization: Vertical vs. horizontal growing habits determine how densely you can plant.
Humidity Preferences: Hoop houses can be humid; some plants tolerate this better than others.
Seasonality: Decide if you want early spring crops, summer heat-lovers, or fall/winter greens.

With these in mind, let’s explore specific plants that excel under hoop house conditions.

Best Cool-Season Crops for Hoop Houses

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are among the most successful crops grown under hoop houses due to their fast growth and cool-weather preference.

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa): Thrives in cool temperatures (45–65°F). A hoop house allows you to start lettuce earlier in spring and continue growing it into late fall. Varieties like romaine, butterhead, and leaf lettuce respond well.
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea): Prefers cooler climates; sensitive to heat. Grows quickly inside hoops during early spring or fall.
Kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica): Cold-hardy and benefits from protection against wind and frost; tastes sweeter after exposure to slight cold.
Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris cicla): Can tolerate moderate heat but grows best in cool conditions. Thrives with steady moisture inside a hoop house.
Arugula (Eruca vesicaria): Fast-growing with a spicy flavor; continuous sowing inside hoops provides a steady harvest.

Root Vegetables

Root crops appreciate the extended season provided by hoop houses because they have variable maturation times.

Carrots (Daucus carota subsp. sativus): Hoop houses protect young carrots from frosts and allow for earlier seeding. Loose soil inside makes for straight roots.
Beets (Beta vulgaris): Like carrots, beets benefit from warming soils inside hoops early in the year.
Radishes (Raphanus sativus): Very fast-growing root crop perfect for quick succession plantings.
Turnips (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa): Can be planted early in season for spring harvests or late for fall storage.

Brassicas

Members of the cabbage family enjoy the moderated climate of hoop houses.

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica): Does well with protection from wind and cold snaps.
Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis): Sensitive to temperature fluctuations; benefits from stable conditions under hoops.
Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata): Like broccoli, it grows better when shielded from harsh weather.

Best Warm-Season Crops for Hoop Houses

While many think of hoop houses as primarily useful for cool-season crops, they can also nurture warm-season vegetables during early spring or late fall when outdoor temperatures are still low.

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)

Tomatoes benefit greatly from the warmer microclimate inside a hoop house. Early starts indoors combined with transplanting into the tunnel can yield fruit weeks ahead of outdoor planting. Consider determinate or indeterminate varieties that suit your space.

Peppers (Capsicum annuum)

Like tomatoes, peppers require warmth and benefit from higher nighttime temperatures that hoop houses provide. They flourish when planted early in protected environments.

Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus)

Cucumbers love warmth and high humidity inside hoop houses but require good air circulation to prevent fungal issues. Trellising inside the structure maximizes vertical space.

Eggplants (Solanum melongena)

Eggplants need consistent warmth and do very well under protected conditions where risk of cold damage is minimized.

Herbs Suitable for Hoop Houses

Herbs often thrive indoors or in controlled environments where temperature and humidity can be managed tightly.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum): Requires warm temperatures; perfect for summer growth under hoops.
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum): Prefers cooler weather; can be grown almost year-round in mild climates with protection.
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum): Hardy biennial that appreciates consistent moisture levels inside tunnels.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) & Oregano (Origanum vulgare): Perennials that do well with protection from extreme cold.

Specialty Crops That Benefit From Hoop Houses

Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa)

Growing strawberries under hoops protects them from rain damage that causes rot while also extending their harvest season. The warmer environment speeds up fruit development.

Melons (Cucumis melo) & Watermelons (Citrullus lanatus)

Though these require ample space and warmth, hoop houses can extend their growing window in cooler climates significantly if managed carefully with ventilation.

Microgreens and Sprouts

Microgreens grow quickly under controlled conditions like those of a hoop house. Their short cycle means multiple plantings per season are possible.

Tips for Successful Growing Under Hoop Houses

To maximize productivity when growing these plants:

Ventilation Management
Regularly open sides or ends during warm days to prevent overheating and reduce disease risk caused by excess humidity.
Soil Preparation
Use well-draining soil amended with organic matter to promote healthy root systems.
Watering Practices
Consistent moisture is crucial but avoid overwatering that fosters fungal problems.
Pest Monitoring
Even though hoop houses reduce pests, vigilant monitoring helps catch issues before they spread.
Crop Rotation & Succession Planting
Rotate families of plants yearly inside structures to maintain soil health; practice succession planting for continuous harvests.
Supplemental Lighting & Heating
In regions with limited sunlight during winter months, consider artificial lights or heaters to support growth of more demanding crops.

Conclusion

Hoop house structures offer an excellent opportunity for gardeners and farmers aiming to extend seasons and improve crop yields by creating favorable growing environments. Cool-season leafy greens, root vegetables, brassicas, warm-season fruiting plants like tomatoes and peppers, herbs, berries, and even specialty crops like melons all perform well when grown under hoops—provided their specific cultural needs are met.

Selecting appropriate crops based on your local climate, desired harvest times, and structure capabilities is key to successful production. With careful planning and management practices tailored to a hoop house environment, you can enjoy fresh produce almost year-round while protecting your investment from unpredictable weather extremes.

By integrating these plant choices into your hoop house gardening strategy, you’ll be well on your way to a thriving garden full of healthy plants harvested over an extended growing season. Happy growing!