The high tunnels occupy the area on our farm that used to be the dairy barn and cow yard.  Just like then, this area is now the center and heart of the farm! 

Minnesota springs are often unkind and the high tunnels provide a warm and friendly environment to plants.  It allows us to extend the season greatly.

HIgh tunnels open the door for experimentation.  We just finished a three year study looking for crops that could be successfully grown alongside the primary crops of cucumbers, tomatoes and pole beans.  We found the crops that can be harvested quickly in June to be the best.  So romaine lettuce, spinach and kohlrabi were excellent secondary crops.  Green beans, peppers and eggplant did not do as well because they wanted to produce all season and were dwarfed by the primary crop.  Cabbage grew very well but took too much energy from the primary crop.  Cabbage will be grown on the side of the high tunnel next year.

We also did an experiment last year where we covered the trellis with plastic in April and May.  It provided longer lasting heat at the end of the day and heated up more quickly in the morning.  During the day, this plastic had to be raised some to let the extra heat escape.  Another benefit was that less space was heated when emergency heat was needed.

Enjoy the slideshow!!