Cost-Return Projection for 6 square foot spacing of 170 Plants This projection is in the initial phases and we welcome any feedback you may have from your personal experience (contact David Coltrain). The information listed below is in summary form, please link to the original PDF containing details for production expenses, fixed costs, income sensitivities and…
Vacuum seeders can speed the seed sowing process and save tedious work. We really like this seeder for crops like kale, cabbage, broccoli, and basil–species with small round seeds that are hard to handle. It does not work for crops like lettuce, but we have used it with onions. Our home-made version has a wood…
The Amish use a device to inflate the double walls of the plastic on their high tunnels that does not require electricity–it is wind driven. It has a cone or funnel to catch the wind, a pivot, and a vane to keep it directed into the wind (see photo below). The device in this photo does…
[ngg_images gallery_ids=”2″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_basic_imagebrowser” gallery_width=”300″] Soil temperature is more critical for plant growth than air temperature. For example, growth of tomatoes will stall when the soil temperature is 56 degrees F or less, but begin to grow when the soil temperature hits 58 degrees F. Therefore, releasing heat energy at ground level is usually more efficient…
General Is winter production of cut flowers feasible in unheated high tunnels? Is there a growers’ organization for those who produce cut flowers in high tunnels? What is the best stage to harvest cut flowers? Insects and Diseases What controls can I use for blister beetles that are damaging my cut flowers? Are tospoviruses a…
1. What are some warm season vegetables that can be produced within a high tunnel? 2. What are some examples of cropping patterns for a high tunnel? 3. How are tomatoes grown within a high tunnel? 4. How many tomato plants can I plant in a 20’ x 96’ high tunnel? 5. Is pollination of…
I. What is a high tunnel? A high tunnel is a solar heated, manually vented, plastic-covered cold frame that is used to lengthen the traditional growing season for many horticulture crops. High tunnels, often called hoophouses can significantly increase the average daily temperature and protect the crop from wind, rain, snow, hail, insects and diseases….
Introduction: High tunnels are unheated, plastic-covered greenhouses which provide many benefits to vegetable producers: High tunnels lengthen the growing season of many high value vegetable crops such as melons and tomatoes. High tunnels protect the growing crop from extremes in temperature, strong winds, driving rain and destructive hail. High tunnels protect the growing crop from…
Introduction: Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) are high yielding but frost-sensitive vegetables. They yield very well as an early-season crop, but also will produce well during the summer and fall. One method to extend the production season of cucumbers is using a high tunnel. High tunnels are unheated, plastic-covered greenhouses which capture and store solar heat…
Temperature management is one of the most critical factors in successful production of many high tunnel crops. While raising the minimum temperature is important, keeping the maximum temperature from exceeding a range optimum for crop growth is equally important. Since high tunnels are passively vented through sidewalls and endwalls, air temperature and humidity can affect…