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I need to build a framework to net my Brassicas about 3-4ft high and 10 feet long. Previously I have used semi-rigid plastic piping hoops with bamboo canes in the end pushed into the ground but found it rather "floppy" . Anyone got any better ideas? I've heard of the blue water pipe but am not sure it will work for this length and height.
By the way I am not very good at DIY!

one of ours is an old small frame tent  :)

I built a structure a couple of years ago for covering in plastic in blue water pipe, put two canes up the end of each pipe worked very well until the wind blew, but it would have supported netting easily, about six foot high.  I did put extra canes up the middle and along the top.  Piping stiff.

well i have a similar problem but i was planning on using 2x2 wood (£25 what enough to do what i need) and make the frames only 5ft long as i did not think i could lift it if it was 10ft long

Was looking for some suitable ironmongery to connect it all apparently i need a gusset but cant find one one screwfix :(

Quote from: cambourne7 on July 16, 2011, 22:24:12
well i have a similar problem but i was planning on using 2x2 wood (£25 what enough to do what i need) and make the frames only 5ft long as i did not think i could lift it if it was 10ft long

Was looking for some suitable ironmongery to connect it all apparently i need a gusset but cant find one one screwfix :(

Just knock up some right angle triangles from thin (marine would be longer lasting) plywood.  Cheers,   Tony.

You need Shirlton to come along and explain how she used Wilko's rose arches - superb structure very durable and great life expectancy, give her a nudge  ;)

One of the easiest and i found the best is if you can 6ft scafhold poles and roofing lats. Hammer two foot of the pole into the ground then hammer in a rounded piece of wood in the top then screw the roofing lats into it. If you want to put a base arround it then just top and tail a tin, cut it half then open it up, Shape it arround the pole and screw it to the base wood.

Blue pipe, debri net and a bit of 2x1. Learned by my mistake last winter, the snow collapsed it so it now has props in.

thanks tony :) brilliant idea :)

I use some plastic guttering with some holes drilled in to attach bamboo cross poles it's easily taken apart and moved for the next year. Cover with debris netting and it works fine.

Very nice muddylou :)

Although not going to work for me as mine need to be toddler proof :(

Good thread - I'm looking to make some brassica frames that are easy to move round or take own / put up. My canes cans and netting just aint working as the blooming pigeons sit on the netting and squash it

Some good ideas on here as usual

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Try making small ones, these are 7' long and 2' high. they can be tipped up to weed and easily moved around.

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I have 6 of them aswell as the big one for brussells.

Amazingrotavator(Derby) they look like what i am planning except mine will be square and no blue pipe  :) can you cover in plastic to warm up the soil for spring planting?

Can't see why not. You have come up with a good idea there. Thanks.

Oh good glad to see i have 1 or 2 working brain cells in there :)

I am looking at pricing up the cost of plastic sheeting this was the cheapest i found so far :)

http://www.davpack.co.uk/polythene-packaging/polythene-plastic-sheet/polythene-plastic-sheet.htm

If the beds empty you just need to cover bed and put the frame over it but i though as i am building the raised beds early next year some well rotted manure might warm the soil and covering the frame in plastic would trap the heat and create mini greenhouses :)

Just a but worried about what the manure might bring to the soil :( so i think i will just delay the delivery of the soil improver from the recycling place this will be hot when it turns up... :) and maybe some hops from the brewery might also help as a dressing to keep the heat in..