High tunnels are unheated, plastic-covered structures that provide an intermediate level of environmental protection and control compared to open field conditions and heated greenhouses Cost Unlike commercial greenhouses that cost up to $20 per square foot to construct, high tunnels can cost as little as $0.50 per square foot Greenhouse structures may be covered with glass,…
Season Extension Compared to open field conditions, plastic-covered high tunnels result in a warmer production environment during late fall, winter and early spring seasons This offers the advantage starting crops earlier in the spring and harvesting them later in the fall Production during the winter season is possible, but this is restricted by severity of…
Terminology & Diagram The following diagram denotes basic terminology associated with high tunnel framework. LINK: How to Build a High Tunnel, by Amanda Ferguson, University of Kentucky Rib, Hoop, Arch, Bow Purlin , Ridgepole End Wall Hip Board Side Wall Baseboard Frame & Framing Materials The frame supports the structure and must withstand various stresses…
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…
Introduction A susceptible host may be present, and a virulent pathogen may be right where it needs to be to infect it, but no disease will ensue unless the environment is accommodating. This corner of the disease triangle (the Environment) is key to the development of a serious epidemic. Knowing how to manipulate the environment…
(Includes Hoop House Cost-Share Funds) March 12, 2010 is the deadline for signing up for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 2010 Organic and Transition to Organic Special Initiative under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program in Kansas. Kansas has received $1,416,186 for this initiative in 2010. The initiative can provide up to $20,000 per…
How to build a high tunnel! We put up this hoop house/high tunnel in one day with 5 people, here’s how. Time lapse photography and some fun music show the basics.
Several tomato diseases and disorders cause leaf spots and fruit rots. Typically, these diseases do not kill the plants, but they can lead to significant yield and quality losses. Many disease-causing microorganisms can survive in plant debris, on seed, or in the soil. Proper sanitation is one of the best ways to prevent or reduce…
An introduction to High Tunnel Pest Management in Powerpoint by David Orr. NCSU Entomology An introduction to High Tunnel Pest Management
This 90-minute webinar covers the following topics as they relate to increasing farm profitability and sustainability: season extension of tomato production winter vegetable production in high tunnels small fruit production in high tunnels floral production in high tunnels Watch it now. The webinar was presented by North Central SARE, Michigan State University, Purdue University and…