High tunnels and Season Extension
Overview
High Tunnels
Overview
A high tunnel is unheated, plastic-covered structures that provide an intermediate level of environmental protection and control, compared to open field and greenhouse conditions. It is one of the most cost-effective and profitable season extension tools for small farmers. With a high tunnel, the growing season can be prolonged by at least 4 weeks in spring and 4 weeks in fall for warm-season crops. Cold hardy vegetables can grow throughout winter in most regions of Virginia.
Small farmers can often receive a high tunnel up to 1/20 of an acre from NRCS through its high tunnel cost-share program. The net profit from a high tunnel can be $10 per square foot when growing specialty crops such as vegetables, herbs, cut flowers and small fruits.
Add high tunnel pictures (inside and outside)
Program and Resources
On VSU Randolph Farm, there are 21 high tunnels of different sizes that are used for demonstration, research and teaching. At Extension, ongoing research and demonstration projects focus on warm season crops such as ginger, turmeric and tomato; cool/cold season vegetables such as lettuce, bok choi, Chinese cabbage, spinach and carrots; and small fruits such as blueberry and raspberries. We offer training and technical support to growers and extension educators on all aspects of high tunnel production.
High tunnels on Randolph Farm
High tunnel blueberries in pots
Vegetables grow happily even with the presence of snow and ice outside.
Resources
· High tunnel and season extension.
· High tunnel warm season vegetable production.
· Management of summer high tunnel crops and cool vegetable production in high tunnels.
· Winter vegetable production in high tunnels.
Events
High tunnels are integrated into educational events such as farm and project tours as well as specific crops field days and workshops. Please contact us if you want to have a desire to tour our high tunnel facilities and learn more about high tunnels and crops grown in them on Randolph Farm. We will be glad to accommodate your requests.
Publications
The A&T Publication-High Tunnel Farming.
Contact Us
Dr. Sanjun Gu
Peter Coffey
Curtis Childress
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