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 structuresCome in many shapes and sizesTall 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
High Tunnels
High Tunnels
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
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
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 fieldGrowers must carefully choose combination of cropsMost crops CAN be grown in a high tunnel, not all
make economic senseGrowers 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?