Growing Under Cover 2 is here!! Written by Tom Buller, Kansas Rural Center; Dr. Cary Rivard, Kansas State University, Fruit and Vegetable Extension Specialist; and Kim Oxley, Research Extension Associate, Kansas State University, Growing Under Cover: A Kansas Grower’s Guide, provides success stories from Kansas farmers who use
The early onset of high temperatures in June has kept us on our toes as we manage our high tunnel production systems at the ISU Horticulture Research Station. While high tunnels bring many benefits to high value crop production, including season extension and increased produce quality, we
Shows the hours of daylight received during the year for an observer at a given latitude. This is an important factor contributing to the seasons. flash animation
Polytunnels, such as high or low tunnels, offer growers innovative tools to extend the growing season, help reduce risk, and increase yields, while mitigating extreme and “normal” Kansas weather conditions across all seasons. However, plastic-covered tunnels are no silver-bullet solution. They require significant financial investment, can be
Introduction A high tunnel is not, by definition, a permanent structure. Nonetheless, site selection will play an important role in its performance. Considerations in siting a high tunnel include orientation, airflow, shading, windbreaks, drainage, soil quality, weeds and other pests, and purpose. Purpose The purpose of the
By the Iowa State University Extension Office This program describes how to build a system to catch, store and reuse the rainwater for irrigation in a high tunnel. Shawn Shouse, ISU Extension and Outreach ag engineer, runs us through the process. The cost of installing rain gutters,
Roll-up sides and drop-down curtains are low-cost vent systems that can be installed in most high tunnels. These systems operate on the principle that heat is removed by a pressure difference created by wind gradients, so no energy is required to operate fans to move air. A
Terminology & Diagram The following diagram denotes basic terminology associated with high tunnel framework. Rib, Hoop, Arch, Bow Purlin , Ridgepole End Wall Hip Board Side Wall Baseboard Frame & Framing Materials The frame supports the structure and must withstand various stresses or “loads” To add strength
Jane Drake, owner of Full Moon Farm, is an organic vegetable grower in Riley County, Kansas. In the past the outlet for her produce has been local farmers’ markets and wholesale sales to small retail markets in the surrounding area. This year Jane intends to start
Light Shadows are cast by the structure’s frame Orientation to optimize for light is not as critical for a high tunnel as it is for a greenhouse structure that will be used for winter production and has a more substantial frame Above 40°N latitude, orient the length
