High Tunnel Fruit and Vegetable Production

1. High Tunnel Fruit and Vegetable Production Lesson One: Introduction to High Tunnels

2. 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.

3. 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 14-30 feet wide by 30-96 feet long • Must be irrigated

4. High Tunnels

5. High Tunnels

6. 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/ft2 to construct • Commercial greenhouses can cost up to $20/ft2

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. Uses and Advantages of High Tunnels

11. 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

12. 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

13. High Tunnel Limitations

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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?