Inexpensive Garden Structures

When I'm looking for ideas to solve garden problems, I make a trip to The Natural Gardner in Austin after spending some time seeing what's available on the Net. 

I've been wanting to find a way to shade some of the veggies and really liked this structure which consists of U-posts, bamboo, and twine.   I have some old T-posts which should do just fine and the most expensive item is the shade cloth.  Our winters are pretty mild and can easily see how this can be converted into a winter greenhouse with a different covering. 

I took a lot of pictures so there would be no questions when constructing it.  I've already started collecting materials for this project which will be done in the little garden. 

U-post and bamboo supports are in the middle.

The bamboo vertical supports go all the way to the ground.

This hoop house is constructed with rebar stakes and pvc pipe and ready for a shade cloth.  I found 2' pre-cut rebar stakes at The Home Depot. 

This is a little different hoop house with the pvc joint dry fitted so it can be moved around and/or expanded.

My tomato cages fell over last year from the weight of the tomatoes and plant growth.  I found this set up to be an easy solution but would try using one T-post instead of two.

Ok, the secret is out....The Natural Gardner is my garden guru.  :D  Hope you can use an idea or two.

Until next time, God bless.