For Educators

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…

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…