Long before the term “sustainable” became a household word, farmers were implementing sustainable practices in the form of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. IPM uses a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and chemical methods to reduce and/or manage pest populations. These strategies are used to minimize environmental risks, economic costs, and health hazards. Pests are…
This publication from ATTRA identifies the unique benefits of high tunnels to urban farmers. It covers the basics of siting and constructing a high tunnel, as well as some of the policy and zoning challenges urban growers face when planning to erect a tunnel. It also discusses high tunnel management, including soil fertility, irrigation, and…
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD COVER CROP CHART The Cover Crop Chart (v. 2.1) is designed to assist producers with decisions on the use of cover crops in crop and forage production systems. The chart, patterned after the periodic table of elements, includes information on 58 crop species that may be planted individually or in cocktail…
The production of raspberries and blackberries in Arkansas is growing as more consumers demand a local supply of fresh, high quality fruit. Demand for these fresh berries still typically exceeds supply in much of the state particularly early and late in the production season. Commercial production with high tunnels offers promise for those producers willing…
High tunnels and season extension allow farmers to increase the availability of their crops beyond the traditional outdoor growing season. Premium prices and an extended income stream are some of the advantages farmers pursue with season extension techniques. High tunnel production has increased rapidly in recent years due to increased crop quality, productivity and their…
Adding a new program to your inventory? Smaller, often-temporary structures can provide the protection of a greenhouse to help jump-start a new line of ornamentals or edibles.
The early onset of high temperatures in June has kept us on our toes as we manage our high tunnel production systems at the ISU Horticulture Research Station. While high tunnels bring many benefits to high value crop production, including season extension and increased produce quality, we find that one major downfall is the increase…
Spinach is a suitable crop for winter production in New Hampshire due to its ability to continue producing saleable leaves at very low-temperatures. Fall transplants into high tunnels can result in winter-long harvests and significant spring yields, providing an avenue for growers to meet strong consumer demand for local greens during the “off” season. With…
In response to high demand for year-round local produce, researchers with the University of New Hampshire report they have successfully grown bulbing onions planted in fall for a spring harvest with the aid of inexpensive low tunnels. The new research, which was funded by the NH Agricultural Experiment Station (NHAES) and by Northeast SARE (Sustainable…
High tunnel (hoop house) production of vegetables has become very common in Kansas as they protect the crop from wind and storm damage in addition to providing season extension. We conducted a variety trial of determinate hybrid tomatoes grown in a high tunnel to determine which cultivar is best suited for hoop house cultivation in…