I wanted to build a hoop house, but I need to be able to drive stakes or 1 5/8" pipe into the ground to hold the hoops (pvc or 1 3/8" top rail.) From all I have read, these ground pipes or stakes need to be 2' in the ground. The problem is I am on a septic system, and I don't know if there are lines I could be driving the stakes/pipes into and breaking my septic system field lines.
Is there a way to secure a hoop house other then driving posts into the ground? I considered a greenhouse on piers, but I don't think it will be secure either. Foots are probably too permanent and require permits.
The problem is the wind on any of these structures, as I see it.
Edit: The ground is clay. I could probe it by slowly putting a stake of some sort in the ground. I am guessing if I hit gravel, stop, move over, try again?
Edit: The hoops will be top rail fencing and will be bent at the time. They are then put in the post in the ground and have a bolt through both pieces and a wood frame along the bottom.
Edit: It is at the bottom or near bottom of the leach field, and I don't know if I could hold the structure down with sandbags. I can look at it. I have a lot of cinder blocks sitting around.
Best Answer
Line up a set of "Jersey barriers" on each side. Some come with holes precast for putting fenceposts in that might work for the hoops, or you can drill through them to anchor the hoops via u-bolts on the face.
They are heavy enough to not go sailing. They are also heavy enough that you need equipment to set them. But you don't need to go down.