High Tunnels - Expanding Your Garden Season!
Above: High tunnels at the Rows for the Hungry
High tunnels, also known as hoop houses, are a type of simple greenhouse that can be used to extend the growing season for a variety of plants. These structures can be built relatively cheaply and easily, and offer a number of benefits for gardeners.
One of the main benefits of high tunnels is that they can be used to extend the growing season for plants. By providing protection from the elements, high tunnels can allow gardeners to start seedlings earlier in the spring and extend the harvest into the fall. This can be especially beneficial for gardeners living in areas with short growing seasons or harsh winters.
Another benefit of high tunnels is that they can provide protection from pests and diseases. By enclosing plants in a high tunnel, gardeners can reduce the risk of damage from insects, birds, and other animals. High tunnels can also provide a barrier against wind and rain, which can help to reduce the spread of disease.
High tunnels can also be used to control the environment inside the structure, which can help to improve the growth and yield of plants. For example, gardeners can use fans and vents to regulate temperature and humidity, or use shading cloth to reduce light intensity (see example below).
To build a high tunnel, you will need a few basic materials:
PVC pipes or metal pipes for the frame
Plastic sheeting or greenhouse film for the covering
Wooden stakes or metal stakes for securing the structure to the ground
Tools such as a drill, saw, and pipe cutter
The first step in building a high tunnel is to select a level site that gets plenty of sun. Next, you will need to layout the frame for the high tunnel. This can be done using PVC pipes or metal pipes, which are bent into arches and then secured to the ground using wooden or metal stakes. The plastic sheeting or greenhouse film is then stretched over the frame and secured in place.
Optional, you can add vents and fans to regulate temperature and humidity inside the high tunnel, as well as shading cloth to reduce light intensity if necessary. This is optional as most high tunnels for home gardeners are successful without vents and fans.
When the weather allows, the cloth can be removed to allow for more sunlight or room for the plants to grow. If the hoops are left in place, the cloth can be reattached when inclement weather arrives.
Above: A raised bed with high tunnels allowing for growth during the cold season.
Overall, high tunnels can be a great addition to any garden, offering a number of benefits and allowing gardeners to extend the growing season, protect plants from pests and diseases, and control the environment inside the structure. Building a high tunnel is relatively simple and can be done with a few basic materials and tools.
