A temporary agricultural structure with arched or hoop-shaped frames covered with one or more layers of clear plastic. Tunnels are high enough to drive a tractor through. Crops are grown in the ground, usually with drip irrigation. Most high tunnels are solar heated, using no electricity. They can be easily covered and uncovered, and easily assembled and disassembled in order to move to a different field site. High tunnels have a big impact on season crop extension. Also commonly referred to as a hoop house.
Tunnels or hoophouses, are temporary agricultural structures with arched or hoop frames, and are covered with clear plastic. They can be easily covered and uncovered, and assembled and disassembled in order to move to a different field site.
Most tunnels are passively solar-heated using no electricity. High Tunnels are usually high enough to drive a tractor through. Crops are grown in the ground, usually with drip irrigation.
High Tunnels/Hoophouses Resources
- A Pictorial Guide to Preparing and Installing Gothic-framed, Outdoor Winter-ready Mid-Tunnels Step by step instructions and photos. Ohio State University Extension.
- Four Seasons Harvest Provides information on seasonal crop production with the help of hoophouses. Eliot Coleman, Four Season Farm.
- High Tunnel Crop Production Project Overview of high tunnels, including temperature modification. Mississippi State University.
- High Tunnel Discussion Group A USDA-sponsored project to test and promote high tunnel systems in the Central Great Plains. Provides information and links to relevant sites around the world, so that growers and educators have a one-stop source where they can find information.
- High Tunnel Overview Benefits and costs of high tunnels. Links to research studies regarding crop production. The Pennsylvania State University.
- High Tunnel Production Manual Although written for farmers in Minnesota this comprehensive guide is applicable to high tunnels everywhere. Includes suggestions for construction, fertigation, disease management, economics, and more.
- Iowa High Tunnel Fruit and Vegetable Production Manual A manual including worksheets to provide growers with the information and resources to use high tunnels effectively, enhance productivity and net income, and learn from the experience of other high tunnel users. D. Huntrods, ed., Iowa State Coop Extension
- Season Extension Techniques Season extension can enable year-round crop production as well as higher-quality produce. This publication describes season extension techniques and provides sources for equipment, supplies, and further information. ATTRA.
- Season Extension Tools and Techniques Summary of various season extension techniques including plasticulture plus many links for further research. University of Kentucky Extension.
- Season Extension. Advantages and disadvantages of using plasticulture to extend the crop growing season. North Carolina State University Extension.