LESSON ONE: INTRODUCTION TO HIGH TUNNELS High Tunnel Fruit and Vegetable Production

Objectives Recognize the difference between a high tunnel and a greenhouse structure. Identify the advantages of high tunnels. Recall limitations to the use of high tunnels.

High Tunnels vs. Greenhouses High tunnels are also often called “hoop houses” Simple, plastic-covered structures Come in many shapes and sizes Tall enough to walk-in & grow tall, trellised crops No standard dimensions  Range from feet wide by feet long Must be irrigated

High Tunnels

Differences from Greenhouses:  Passive-solar-heated structures, Use no artificial heat  Passively ventilated  Manually roll-up sidelines  End walls can be opened or removed  No artificial ventilation such as fans, tubes or forced air  Plants are grown in the ground  Typically covered with a single layer of plastic Can cost as little as $.50/ft 2 to construct  Commercial greenhouses can cost up to $20/ft 2

Uses and Advantages of High Tunnels Extended Growing Seasons  Beginning 4-8 weeks earlier in the Spring  Continuing 2-5 weeks later in the Fall Weather Protection  Protect from environmental stresses Labor Efficiency  Most tasks can be performed unaffected by weather  Higher labor inputs are required

Uses and Advantages of High Tunnels Environmental Control  Growers can control water, fertility, and temperature  Can result in greater yields of quality produce  Week growth is reduced due to drip irrigation Reduced Incidence of Plant Diseases  Need for disease, weed and wildlife management is reduced  Pesticide inputs are minimized  Significantly reduced incidence of foliar diseases

Uses and Advantages of High Tunnels Improved Quality  Well-managed high tunnels typically produce higher yields of higher quality produce  Compared to field-grown crops Increased Revenue Per Square Foot  Greatest advantage of high tunnel production  Higher premiums from:  Out of season crops  Increased quality and yield  Value in the marketplace  Reduced cost of inputs

Uses and Advantages of High Tunnels

High Tunnel Limitations More attention is required for the whole picture  Water and nutrient management  Temperature control  Crop selection  Continuous production strategies Typically more costly than growing in a field  Capital cost of structure  Increased manual labor requirements

High Tunnel Limitations Initial Cost and Maintenance  Often requires multiple years to pay for itself  Galvanized metal frame can last 30 to 40 years  Plastic covering needs replacement every 4-5 years  Other upkeep costs necessary Different Pest Problems  Fewer disease problems, increased insect pressure  Favorable environment for:  Tomato Hornworm, Cutworm, Thrips, Mites and Aphids

High Tunnel Limitations

Regular Monitoring and Labor  Climate control, especially in Spring and Fall  Additional investments can reduce need for frequent monitoring  Electrical installation and thermostatically controlled side and overhead ventilation Crop Rotation  Limited space makes rotation difficult  Consider proper crop rotations for:  Soil fertility and nutrition, reduction of soil-borne pathogens and pest control

High Tunnel Economics More costly than in a field Growers must carefully choose combination of crops Most crops CAN be grown in a high tunnel, not all make economic sense Growers should consider:  Value of the crop  Length of growing season  Labor required for production  Yield of the crop  Potential market price

Review and Reflection Respond to one of the following questions on a separate, blank sheet of paper:  In your opinion, what is the most interesting thing you have learned about high tunnels so far? Would you be interested in growing fruits and vegetables in a high tunnel as part of your SAE project or for a class? Why or why not?  Scenario: Your agricultural education program has the opportunity to receive a high tunnel. Do you think they should get one? Why or why not? What talking points would you use to convince your school board and agriculture teacher that a high tunnel is or is not a good investment?