I have noticed my plants under my bug netting do better and my pepper plant in the ground under it doesn't have sunrot. I think it would also let me keep my pots longer in fall since in in zone 7 and cold snaps happen.

So.... Any thoughts? Tips? Etc?

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) (1 children)

The store-bought(/online-purchased) ones actually tend to have metal frames. Plastic(PVC, usually) strong enough to support even a flimsy structure tends to be more expensive(although more flexible and weather-proof) than metal tubing, particularly when you consider increased weight and volume requirements, increasing both packaging and shipping costs.

My wife recently ordered a 6.5ft x 6.5ft x 10ft one for about $80, shipped. Biggest concern we have so far is the need to strap it down so it doesn't blow away. It came with double-layered sheeting with a built-in airgap(think doubled-up bubble-wrap, only it feels like vinyl).

[–] [email protected] 2 points 5 months ago (1 children)

Oh neat. I saw a lot of PVC pipe options and it kinda makes me wish I had a 3D printer and a much craftier mind.
But I think metal would really win out in the end after dealing with my plastic clips and stakes ground cover. It wobbles and pulls free so much.

But that seems like a great deal. I'd be interested if it feels roomie in there.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago)

The extra material/weight needed for the same/better strength in PVC becomes an advantage vs wind. The fittings do seem expensive until you compare the cost to 3D print equivalents. Any joints you don't want to wobble, you cement.

She was joking about putting a cot in it, after shelving and plants, and yeah, it seemed roomy enough to me.