Types of High Tunnels – Terminology

A strict definition of a high tunnel does not exist, and the terminology may change depending on the structure’s use

  • “Hoophouse” and “High Tunnel” are often used interchangeably
  • For example, a market farmer might grow an additional crop of sunflowers in a “High Tunnel” after first frost, whereas a nurseryman could over winter container-grown perennials in the same structure but call it a “Cold Frame”
    • The same structure is also marketed to livestock operations for animal, feed, and equipment shelter

Gutter Connected High Tunnel indicates that two or more bays are connected at the gutters

French Tunnel is the European term for a single-bay high tunnel

Spanish Tunnel is the European term for a multi-bay high tunnel

Examples of types of high tunnels that our project co-operators have encountered or constructed

Gutter Connected High Tunnel
Gutter Connected High Tunnel

Solo Tunnel at Kansas State University Horticulture Research Farm Olathe, KS
French Tunnel

Multi Bay Haygrove Tunnel Kansas State University Horticulture Research Farm Olathe, KS
Spanish Tunnel

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