Vegetable Protector

A shade-house for the protection of vegetables, built with 40% shade cloth and gum poles.

1. Measure an area approximately 10 ft (3m) x 20 ft (6m).

2. Dig a hole in each corner 12 inches (300mm) deep. Place the poles in the holes and refill with ground.

3. Anchor the corner poles, choosing one of the three methods already provided. The support-wire method is recommended. This method requires 8 pieces of wire (20"33 ft (6,10m) long to be used double). Attach each wire to the pole as shown in the diagram (using wire staples), while also wrapping it around the tyre at approximately 7"6 ft (2,3m). Join the two wire ends, then twist to lightly tension the structure as shown in the diagram.

4. Cut the ends of the two crosspieces and attach to the corner poles, as shown in die diagram. (This shows two methods to choose from).

5. For the top and sides, cut 6 pieces of wire (22"66 ft (6,8m) long). Thread the wire through the eyelets of the shade cloth, and attach to the poles as shown in the diagram.

6. Tighten the top and side pieces of shade cloth, and attach to the poles with cover strips and nails as shown in the diagram.

7. Tension the support wires once again until the structure is rigid.

8. Attach the two end pieces of shade cloth (10 ft (3m) x 6"8 ft (2m)) to the end support wires with lacing-cord.

9. Tighten the shade cloth and then attach to the cross-poles with cover strips and nails, as shown in the diagram.

Three ways to anchor your corner poles.

A. Dig a hole about 3"4 ft (1m) from the corner pole, tie your support-wire around a car-tyre and refill the hole with ground.

B. Tie your support-wire around a thick metal peg, then hammer the peg at an angle until it is below the level of the ground.

C. Dig two holes at about 3"4 ft (1m) on either inner-side of your corner poles and cut small wedges out of each pole. Nail your support-poles (± 3"2 inches (80mm) wide pole) into the wedge, place the other ends in the holes and refill with ground.