• Build a rectangular wood frame with center support to house the hoops and connect to the bed frame with 2 hinges.
• Erect 4 Hoops to support plastic sheeting, resting in 7/8 in sockets embedded in the long sides of the frame.
• Attach a (12×6) piece of plastic sheeting to frame with Wiggle Wire and Track, repeated on all four sides of the frame

Purchase a Season Extension Hoophouse Kit to save time procuring and preparing materials. 

Time to assemble: 1-3 hours
Difficulty Level: Medium/Labor-intensive
# of people needed: 2 is ideal

• Pencil
• Scissors
• Measuring Tape
• Small Wrench
• Power Drill (and an Impacter if possible – one to drill holes and one to screw)
• 3/32 in. Drill Bit
• 7/8 in. x 6 in. Flat Wood Boring Bit
• ¼ in. Brad Point Bit
• 3/8 in. Brad Point Bit
• Jigsaw with metal and wood cutting bits (circular saw may be used for cleaner wood cuts, not metal)

Supplies needed (Most can be found at any nearby hardware store):

• (10) 1 in. #8 Exterior Screws
• (13) 3 in. #8 Exterior Screws
• (6) #10-32 x 2½ in. Zinc-Plated Round-Head Machine Screw and Nut
• (1) ¼ in. x 3½ in. Zinc Carriage Bolt
• (1) ¼ in Zinc Nut
• (2) 2½ in. Zinc Plated Narrow Utility Hinges
  • Quantity depends on the size of the hoop house – 1 per 4ft
• (3) ½ in. x 10 ft. PVC Pipe
  • Quantity: 2 per 4ft + 1 cross beam (the length of bed)
  • Length is determined by bending pipe into a parabola the width of bed. Adjust length of pipe to attain desired height (i.e. 4ft wide bed + 5ft long pipe ≈ 1.5ft tall hoop)
• (4) 2’x2’x8” WeatherShield lumber
• (3) 6’ stainless steel Wiggle Wire
• (2) 8′ 11″ aluminum Wiggle Wire base
• 6 Mil, 12 Ft. x 6 Ft. Clear Polyethylene Sheeting 
  • L = length of bed + 2x’s height of hoop + 1ft bonus material (6in for each side)
  • W = final length of pipe (must determine final height of hoop house first) + 1ft bonus material
  • Bulk size rolls are best deal for multiple hoophouses or replacement plastic

Instructions

*Constructing frame directly on garden bed is preferred. Either way, obtain precise measurements to ensure as tight a seal as possible.

1. Cut (1) 2x2x8 in half to make (2) 2x2x4 (if garden bed is not exactly 4ft wide, adjust accordingly)
2. Cut (1) 2x2x8 into a 4ft 10 ½ in. piece (Center Support) and a 4ft 9 ½ in. piece (Kickstand)
3. To construct the base frame, Place (2) 2x2x8s on long side of garden bed frame and (2) 2x2x4′s on the short sides.
4. Square the ends, line up with garden bed, and have someone hold (or clamp) 2×2′s.
5. Using 3/32 bit, drill (2) 2in. deep pilot holes though to opposing 2×2, ½ in apart, centered diagonally ½ in from edge
6. Drive (2) 3in screws into pilot holes securing corner joint
7. Repeat on 3 remaining corners
8. To add Center Support, Measure and mark midway point of each long side of frame with pencil
9. Place 4ft 10 ½ in. Center Support evenly inside of the frame, lining up with midway marks
10. Drill (2) 2in. deep pilot holes into Support, ½ in apart, centered diagonally ½ in from edge
11. Drive (2) 3in screws into pilot holes securing one end of Support into frame
12. Repeat on opposite length
13. To build hoops, Measure and cut (4) 10ft PVC pipes in half
14. Measure and cut remaining 10ft PVC pipe into 7ft 7in length
15. Measure and mark mid-point of (2) 5ft pipes
16. Using 3/32 bit, drill a hole straight through mid-point, making a hole on both sides of pipe
17. Repeat for 2^nd pipe.
18. To mark location for hoops, Measure and mark the top of 8ft 1½ in. length of frame at 4in, 34in, 63½in, and 93½ in
19. Starting from same end of the frame, repeat on opposite 8ft beam to ensure evenness
20. To find angle for drilling sockets for hoops, Bend 5ft PVC pipes to fit inside frame near markings on either side.
21. Using the PVC as visual cue, use the 7/8 boring bit to bore a 1in deep hole at the 4in mark on either side of frame.
22. Slide PVC into sockets to ensure a snug fit
23. Repeat for remaining 3 hoops
24. To attach hinges, Measure and mark outline of the (2) hinges on back end of the frame (29in and 68½ in. work). Be sure to use the flat side of the hinges against frame.
25. Drive the (3) included screws into each hinge
26. To size and attach Wiggle Wire Track, Measure and mark 8ft 11in track at 2ft 6in. Ensure remaining piece is 6ft 5in
27. Use jigsaw and metal bit to cut track into two pieces
28. Repeat for 2^nd track
29. Drill (3) evenly spaced pilot holes into each 6ft 5in piece of track and (2) pilot holes into each 2ft 6in piece. Ensure the center hole doesn’t line up the screws holding the Center Support in place.
30. Measure and mark outside of frame at 9in from the corners of each side. May be 9½ in. on long sides.
31. Line up and center each track and drive 1in screws through pilot holes into frame. Track should be slightly less than flush with the width of the frame.
32. Repeat for remaining track
33. To attach Kickstand, Measure and mark Kickstand 1in from one end, mark Center Support 1¾ in. from front end of the frame (side without hinges) and 2in from back end
34.  Place next to and flush (width-wise) with Center Support, lining up markings. This leaves a ¾ in. gap from front end of the frame and ¼ in gap from back end.
35. Using 3/8 in. Bit drill a hole straight through both the Center Support and Kickstand.
36. Place ¼ in. x 3½ in. Zinc Carriage Bolt through holes and fasten ¼ in Zinc Nut. Tighten slightly with wrench
37. To create a resting space for Kickstand, Lift Kickstand to expose the marking 2in from back end of the Center Support.
38. Drill (1) 3in screw 1in deep, ½ in. from bottom of Center Support.  
39. To cut Wiggle Wire to size, Measure and mark Wiggle Wire at 2ft intervals (dividing into thirds).
40. Use wire cutters or jigsaw to cut Wiggle Wire into 3 pieces. May require some bending back and forth to snap wire as it can be tough to cut.
41. To attach Plastic Covering, Cut 6 mil plastic into 12x6ft section.
42. Lay plastic length-wise over hoophouse frame, leaving 6in extra on each side
43. Starting with long sides, fold plastic once or twice (to prevent tears) and center over tracks.
44. End to end, run 6ft Wiggle Wire pieces over plastic and into tracks (using the wire’s signature up and down wiggle to lock into place). Ensure folds in plastic remain lined up with track and don’t pull from the other side of the frame
45. Repeat on opposite side of the hoophouse.
46. For the short sides, fold plastic once double over each corner.
47. Using the gift-wrapping technique, make cover somewhat taut
48. Fold extra plastic ends once or twice and center over tracks
49. Run 6ft Wiggle Wire pieces over plastic and into tracks entered
50. Repeat on opposite side of the hoophouse.
51. Trim any excess plastic, if so desired. Ensure that excess is unnecessary to future adjustments before cutting.
52. To attach hoophouse to garden bed frame, Align frame, particularly to back end, ensuring hinges are open and aligned
53. Using ¼ in. bit, drill into the center hole of the 1^st hinge straight through garden bed frame.
54. Place 2½ in. Machine Screw through hole and secure with Nut
55. Repeat for remaining 2 holes.
56. Re-align frame and hinges again and repeat for remaining hinge.
57. Enjoy!

• Where to store the hoop houses during the warmer months?
• How to take hoop house off in the summer?
• Wear and tear and how to repair?

RAW! Comfort Foods 

Explore the power of Raw! Learn about the benefits of not cooking all the nutrients and flavors out of our food, starting with comfort foods!
Friday, February 1st, 5:30-7:30p
http://rawcomfort.eventbrite.com/

4-Season Gardener - HoopHouse Workshop

Learn how to build a hoophouse to place on your raised-bed garden. Help some of your crops thrive through the winter and get a big headstart for Spring.
Saturday, February 2nd, 2:00-4:00p
http://agriculturehoophouse.eventbrite.com

Introduction to Skillsharing

Explore the basics of skillsharing with a facilitated skillshare between attendees.
Monday, February 4th, 6:00-7:30p

How to Start a Community or Guerilla Garden

Learn about the paperwork, the how-to’s, including involving the neighbors.
Monday, February 11th, 6:00-7:30p

RAW! Breakfast

There’s much more to a Raw Breakfast than just juicing and smoothies. We’ll show you a handful of tasty and healthy recipes to get your morning started right!
Tuesday, February 12th, 5:30-7:30p
http://rawbreakfast.eventbrite.com

Winter/Indoor Gardening: Seed Starting & Countertop Herb Gardening

Get an early start with seedlings for your vegetable garden or get your fix with indoor herbs. We’ll show you how to do both in this hands-on workshop.
Wednesday, February 13th, 5:30-7:30p
http://seedherbgarden.eventbrite.com

Composting in Chicago

Learn the importance of composting for different sized households and businesses, along with safe/sanitary methods of storing and donating it.
Monday, February 18th, 6:00-7:30p
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5132222616

Jumpstart your garden: Garden Defrost 101

We’ll cover best practices for season extension, bed preparation, seed starting and organic growing techniques just as your garden begins to thaw.
Wednesday, February 20th, 5:00-7:00p
https://dabble.co/courses/chicago-the-green-exchange-jumpstart-your-garden-garden-defrost-101/schedules/68471 

WeFarm Winter Workshop Multi-Pass

Want to attend a few WeFarm Winter Workshops and save money at the same time? Buy a 3-Workshop Mutli-Pass by Feb 11 and get access to any (3) $10-20 workshops during 2013! Prices are set on our sliding scale and by having your pass, you simply RSVP and show up!
http://workshopmultipass.eventbrite.com/ 

Contact us at info@WeFarmAmerica.com with any questions or concerns

A Greener, Not Guiltier, Lifestyle

Learn about Chicago’s energy, food, and environmental alternatives
Session 1: Monday, January 28th, 6:30-7:30p Session 2: Monday, February 25th, 6:00-7:30p
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5132274772 

Fermentation

Learn how to make great fermented treats like Kombucha, Water Kefir & Yogurt at home. Sample some of each and leave with starters to get the process started.
Wednesday, January, 30th 6:00-7:30p
https://dabble.co/courses/chicago-the-green-exchange-fermentation-101-creating-goodness-with-cultures/schedules/68801

WeFarm Winter Workshop Multi-Pass 

Want to attend a few WeFarm Winter Workshops and save money at the same time? Buy a 3-Workshop Mutli-Pass by Feb 11 and get access to any (3) $10-20 workshops during 2013! Prices are set on our sliding scale and by having your pass, you simply RSVP and show up!
http://workshopmultipass.eventbrite.com/ 

Contact us at info@WeFarmAmerica.com with any questions or concerns

The Winter season is a perfect time to learn new DIY healthy cooking, community building, and gardening skills! While the vegetable gardens are hibernating, we are offering indoor workshops that give you exciting recipes to try in your own kitchen and methods of greening your house and neighborhood, all that are hands-on and interactive. Come check them out! RSVP with ticket purchase or email to info@wefarmamerica.com .All workshops are $10-$20 donation (no one will be turned away). Please email us to discuss other payment/exchange options. All workshops will be taught at The Green Exchange, 2545 w. Diversey, Conference Room, but can be taught at other venues. Let us know if you would like us to visit! 

Here’s a sampling of the workshops we’ve already planned:
Illegal, Addictive, and Cheap: Composting in Chicago
Learn the importance of composting for different sized households and businesses, along with safe/sanitary methods of storing and donating it, despite the legislation!
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5132222616
Session 1: Monday, Jan 21, 6:30-7:30p
Session 2: Monday, Feb 18, 6:00-7:30p

Raw! Comfort Healthy Cooking Workshop
Learn about the benefits of not cooking all the nutrients and flavors out of our food, starting with comfort foods! Burgers, soup and dessert are on the menu!
http://winterwonderfoods.eventbrite.com
Thursday, Jan 24, 5:30-7:30p
A Greener, Not Guiltier, Lifestyle
Learn about Chicago’s energy, food, and environmental alternatives that can make a big difference in the lives of a household, the neighborhood, and the city as a whole.
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5132274772
Session 1: Monday, Jan 28, 6:30-7:30
Session 2: Monday, Feb 25, 6:00-7:30

Give and Let Give: An Introduction to Skillsharing
Explore the basic principals of skillsharing with a facillitated skillshare between all attendees.
Monday February 4th, 6:00-7:30

How to Start a Community Garden or Guerilla Garden
It can be difficult to grow your own food in Chicago, especially if you live in an apartment complex with only a patch of turf! Thankfully, there are still other alternatives–come learn about the permission, paperwork, all the how-tos, plus planning the garden, managing the harvest, and involving the neighbors. And, learn some fun alternatives!
Monday February 11th, 6:00-7:30

For more, sign up for our mailing list and if you would like to host or have an idea for a workshop you’d like to see, email us at info@wefarmamerica.com. Check our calendar (link) for updates, like us on facebook and stay tuned for more info

Read More…

Join the Young Aggies facebook pg: http://www.facebook.com/YoungAggies

+Two documentary film screenings and panel discussions
+Participatory skill-shares and workshops
+Tour Benton House
+Live Music
+Engaging art from local talent
+Potluck and locally procured food!
+We are hoping to provide free childcare, so make it a family affair!

1/26/2013 – Noon to 10PM
@ Benton House – 3054 S. Gratten Ave, Chicago 60608
***There is limited street parking. We strongly encourage carpooling, public transport, biking, etc. 

$10 per person
or
$7 if you…
a) bring a generous potluck dish to share with the community
b) contribute to the Benton House food pantry.

FREE entry for volunteers! (contact jenna.giandoni@gmail.com)
Fresh Coffee and Tea generously provided by Bridgeport Coffee Company

Spread the word, bring some friends and get ready to Celebrate!

Please contact us at growaschool@wefarmamerica.com to join the effort.

Inspired by a healing winter tonic, these sprouts will warm up your Winter days.

1 pound brussels sprouts
3 cloves garlic, diced
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
Cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper
1 tbsp coconut oil (can be substituted with your preferred oil)

Rinse the brussels sprouts, slice off stem end and chop roughly (or into halves or slices). In a separate bowl, mix together apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic, and however much cayenne pepper you can handle (at least a dash or two).

Put oil in a pan on medium heat, add brussels sprouts and leave a few minutes until brown, stir slightly and add apple cider vinegar mixture, stir, reduce heat to simmer and cover for a few minutes until the sprouts are slightly softened.

Add salt and pepper to taste.