Season Extension - Purdue Agriculture€¦ · pallets. Bows are in place and covering has begun. Here, 12-ft wide x 80 ft long sections of 6-mil greenhouse film are secured with cement

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Matt KleinhenzExtension Vegetable Specialist

Tunnels:High, Low and in Between

Purdue University ExtensionHigh Tunnels Field Day and Program – Nov 13, 2013

Types of Factors that Affect Crops• genes • microclimates• decisions

integrating 3 major resources key

Season Extension… extend the calendar

period over whichcrop preferencesare achieved

Season Extension• on farms, can be importantin the commercialproduction of nearly everymajor vegetable and othertypes of crops

Season ExtensionTechniques• transplanting• raised beds• mulches, row covers• protected culture

can increase …… yield … ease, efficiency… reliability… market opportunities… profit potential

Season Extension Techniques

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Season ExtensionTechniques• transplanting• raised beds• mulches• tunnel-shaped enclosures

Tunnel-shaped Enclosures• often defined by their

height (e.g., low, high)• variable shapes,

dimensions (volume of enclosed space)

Tunnel-shaped Enclosures• differ in …

… per unit/sq. ft. costs… sturdiness… set of typical uses

Tunnel-shaped Enclosures

• frame, cover are minimum components (many combinations)


• create microclimates around crops for a part or all of the cropping cycle (multiple benefits, some risks)


• used worldwide …… for many years … alone and in combination… at all scales… for multiple reasons

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• a staple‘technology’ formany growers


• Surrounding crops withan enclosed spaceaffects them and thegrower in many ways.

Tunnel-shaped EnclosuresExample environmental factors affected by enclosure:

• light • temperature • wind• moisture (root, shoot)• diseases • insects (good, bad)• other pests


• know and employ keyfundamental principlesto use them effectively

General Recommendations

… many resources available


• start small,can increase userapidly

General RecommendationsSelected examples of the use of low, high and other high tunnels in vegetable crop production and research

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Selected examples of the use of low, high and other high tunnels in vegetable crop production and research

• Ohio only• small to mid scale• conventional, organic systems• 2010 or newer

• low tunnels covered with plasticor fabric (outdoors)… one or more rows covered… vented, non-vented


• spring- and fall-time application… principles and most

materials identical,regardless of season


• spring- and fall-time application … principles and most materialsidentical, regardless of season


sunlight temperatureFALL falling fallingSPRING rising rising

These obvious andother differences

between theseasons require

that seasonextension tools and techniques be chosen and used with the

major trends in mind.

image courtesy Gothic Arch Greenhouses

image courtesy Stewarts Farm

image courtesy pigandegg.com

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vented clear film installed by machine spun-bonded fabric installed by hand

spun-bonded fabric installed by hand and covering two rows

Four rows of tomato topped with floating row cover (moderate to heavy weave). In spring, light is abundant so reducing it is usually not a problem. In fall, cover selection balances providing light for growth while protecting against cold. How to manage this tradeoff?

spun-bonded fabric installed by hand and covering two rows – good seal at bottom but tighter is better

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spun-bonded fabric installed by hand and covering multiple rows – holes can ‘inflate’ cover in high wind

Melon crop: temperatures were likely to approach 100 F under this cover on this day. Farmer unconcerned. “Little money to be made with small first set and severe storm approaching. Prefer to protect and push growth. Will remove cover in 3 days.”

Heat seen as good but when to remove the cover? strong, clear and vented film installed by hand

Covers differ in strength, light transmission, venting, roll width, cost. Choose for your specific application

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• use of plastic mulch verycommon, includingunder low tunnels


… requires drip irrigation

Tunnels are placed over individual crops and plantings depending on expected return on investment. Regardless, if plastic mulch is used, so is drip irrigation.

pepper

tomato

onionmelon

next plantings of melon, tomato (some grafted)

same planting date as adjacent row (uncovered) in next slide

same planting date as adjacent row (covered) in previous slide

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Image taken approx. 12 hr before severe storm expected. Discussed pros and cons of re-covering with grower. Materials being assembled to trellis but process not started.

Each grower uses their own criteria to determine when to remove cover. In this case, the crop was well established, the frost-free date was approaching, temperatures were warming and other work needed to be done. However, a severe storm was predicted that could cause ‘whipping’ damage.

image courtesy Johnnys Selected Seeds

compared to standard low tunnel bows, larger bows offer more options but are also more expensive

homemadewinter-proof bows

http://hcs.osu.edu/vpslab/sites/drupal-hcs-vpslab.web/files/mid-tunnel-prep-install-tutorial-final.pdf

A ‘mid-tunnel’ frame measuring 45 inches high at its peak and 4 feet wide post-to-post.

Rebar driven into the ground until approx. 1 foot remains exposed has been sufficient to support frames.

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Frames are relatively easy on-easy off and portable. Dec 13, 2012

main season crop = tomato on raised beds

In fall, beds sownwith cold tolerantcrop and coveredwith mid-tunnels.

Combinations of growing systems (tunnels and covers) may be ideal for small-midscale diversified vegetable operations.

Outdoor raised beds were initially covered with light, vented film over u-shaped bows in early fall. Here, the u-shaped bows are being replaced with gothic-framed bows which will be covered by heavier film and remain in place over-winter.

Of course, u-shaped bows topped by light, vented film can remain in place over winter, covered by taller and wider gothic-framed bows topped by heavier film.

Bow spacing must be narrow enough and plastic must be of the proper strength and be properly secured to withstand wind and snow loads. These hoops are placed every 5 feet. Snow in 2011-2012 was lighter than normal. However, these mid-tunnels have withstood winds of at least 40 mph and snowfalls of up to 6 inches.

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These frames cover wood-sided raised beds. Plastic shown here is secured with only sandbags. Simple, inexpensive steps can be taken to tighten the plastic, which is recommended. For example, it is possible to secure the plastic with wiggle wire on one or both sides of these wood-framed beds.

The gothic-framed bows are wide enough to cover a standard raised bed common in vegetable production. Here, though, the bows cover an unconventional growing system comprised of containers held on standard-size pallets.

Bows are in place and covering has begun. Here, 12-ft wide x 80 ft long sections of 6-mil greenhouse film are secured with cement blocks. Additional steps are required to secure the plastic where high wind and heavy snow is expected.

These beds are 30 ft long. Opening the ends has been sufficient to vent heat on most fall-to-spring days. However, this ‘chimney’ action is probably unreliable for much longer enclosures.

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PSU

high tunnelThese frames have a width:wall height:peak height ratio of 2:1:1.9. In that respect, they do not create miniature gothic-framed high tunnels.

2 ft

3 ft, 9 in

4 ft

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6 ft

14 ft

30 ft

The width:wall height:peak height:length ratio of this high tunnel = 5:1:2.3:13.3.

4 ft, 2 in

10 ft

21 ft

The width:wall height:peak height:length ratio of this high tunnel = 5:1:2.4:11.5.

High Tunnels:• protect crops• save days• complement

open-fieldproduction

What is aHigh Tunnel? What is it not?

Major HT Characteristics• metal, wood, and/orPVC frame

• clear plastic cover (1-2 layers)

• soil floor, usually• peak height at least 8 ft

Major HT Characteristics• sometimes heated, usuallytemporarily

• sometimes electrified• rely on sunlight only

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Major HT Characteristics• usually un-insurable• usually not taxed

(varies with local laws)Large enough to walk and work in.

Defining HT Characteristics

• shape • size (width)• moveable • year-round• number of bays• electrified • soil floor

• enclosures within hightunnels are very common


covers over single rows (‘glove’)

covers over >1 row or bed (‘mitten’)

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courtesy A. Montri courtesy A. Montri

courtesy A. Montri

SUMMARY

Tunnel-shaped Enclosures• scalable, multi-functional,

proven, easily accessible, cost-effective tools for enhancing year-round profit potential

Big Picture• which tools and tactics

meet your and yourcrops needsmost effectively?

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QUESTIONS?

THANK-YOU and

GOOD LUCK!

Dr. Matt KleinhenzProfessor, Extension Vegetable SpecialistDept. of Horticulture and Crop ScienceThe OSU-OARDCPhone: 330-263-3810E-mail: [email protected]: hcs.osu.edu/vpslabFacebook: www.facebook.com/osuvpslab

The Ohio State University Extension embraces human diversity and is committed to ensuring that all research and related educational programs are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or veteran status. This statement is in accordance with United States Civil Rights Laws and the USDA.

Use of trade names does not imply endorsement of the products named nor criticism of similar ones not named.

11/12/2013

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Getting Started with a High Tunnel: Tips and Clues for a Successful Beginning

Kinsman FarmDoug and Valerie KinsmanArchbold, OhioCopyright 2013

TIPS AND CLUES

• Whole Farm Planning‐How Does the High Tunnel Fit In?

• Irrigation Zones and Layout• Choosing Crops and Varieties• Planting Dates for Winter Harvests • Uses for Row Cover• Marketing and Supplying the Local Food System• Determining Pricing and Value• State Food Safety Laws, GAP• Supplies and Resources

WHOLE FARM PLANNING

• How does the high tunnel fit into the farm production plan? How does the produce trickle into the local food system?

• What other infrastructure is needed in conjunction? Packing shed, walk‐in cooler, irrigation, etc…

• Figure out which crops are most profitable per square foot for Winter AND Summer production.

IRRIGATION ZONES,

LAYOUT, AND TIMERS

CHOOSING CROPS AND VARIETIES

• Recognize seasons‐match crop compatibility‐ there will be season “crossovers”

• Push the limits of crop season compatibility‐ Plant winter crops in August, summer crops in February‐April

• Search seed catalogs from Northern states for short season maturity varieties for winter growing‐ (faster growth rates)

• Remember the high tunnel gives you one zone warmer temperatures and row covers inside tunnels will give you almost two zones‐(experiment a little)

CHOOSING CROPS AND VARIETIES• Search seed catalog descriptions for terms such as “this variety takes stress well” or “does well in all weather conditions” or “cold hardy”, and even “slow to bolt”

• Look for descriptions that refer to resistance to different races of mildew

• Look for mention of fast regrowth after harvest or words like “precocious” for faster winter growth

• Crops like radishes and bok choy with high water content get “spongy” by late December ‐show poor texture ‐but experiment with different varieties

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SEEK VARIETIES FOR COLD NOT JUST VEGETABLES

– Spring salad mix‐baby lettuces, red beet tops, radicchio

– Asian greens‐ bok choy, mizuna, tatsoi, mustards

– Kale, Swiss chard, parsley, winter leeks

– Carrots (harvest by mid‐Feb for quality)

– Spinach, maiche

– Radishes, scallions

– Beets, turnips

– SOME ARE HARDIER THAN OTHERS

Leafy Greens for Winter Harvest• Cut and come again leaf lettuce or greens are

recommended for going into deep winter• Keep leaf size smaller than 5‐6 inches to

prevent cell damage• Cut off to maintain size even if you do not

have a market – maybe you will later when it regrows

• Plant early to mid‐September• Warm September may push it—cut it off or

cool weather may slow it down‐shut up the tunnel

• Always throw in a little romaine to transplant later for heads in February

Planting Root Crops for Winter Harvest

• Root crops like carrots and beets need to be 75% mature by November 15th

• Plant by mid‐August• Use row covers to help lower heat in tunnels to keep moisture in the rows for good germination

• Root crops should be harvested before new growth resumes in Spring‐ (probably late February) the roots turn bitter with new growth

• Search for varieties with high Brix levels‐cold enhances sugar changes in roots to make them extra sweet

Transplanting Cole Crops for Winter Harvest

• Sow transplant seed by August 1st in the field, August 15th in the tunnel

• Space out transplants in tunnel by October 1st

to allow good root development• Broccoli, kohlrabi will mature• Still experimenting with cauliflower head size• Still experimenting with cabbage head size• Will not winter over well after cutting‐stem

rot due to humidity‐ pull in January and use space for other things

USES FOR ROW COVERS

• Maintain temperatures

• Maintain humidity

• Prevent insect population access

• Use lightweight 2.5 oz. to allow sunlight access

• Reduce sunlight and heat in summer

MARKETING AND SUPPLYING THE LOCAL FOOD SYSTEM

• Are you direct marketing to customers or selling wholesale to restaurants, stores, or institutions? Or using multiple outlets?

• Is your focus local or regional?

• Do you have enough product to meet demands? (Winter production is slower than summer production.)

• Do you understand standard weights, measures and packaging for your produce?

• Do your buyers require proof of food safety training or practices or GAP?

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Determining Pricing and Value

• How do you decide what your product is worth?• Check wholesale terminal prices for your region

Check retail prices (see resource list for websites)• Factor in organic• Is it in high demand?‐ (out of season)• Is there a premium because it is local?‐ (chefs)• What is the quality? Grade A or over ripe?• Do you have an abundance you need to move?• Can it be stored for sale later?

STATE FOOD SAFETY LAWS AND GAP

• Become familiar with your state department of agriculture food safety laws

• Understand temperature sensitive rulings for cut greens in holding and transit

• Acquire refrigeration units and packaging as needed‐ “coolbot” technology

• Determine if compliance with these rulings will be cost affective for your farm

GAP‐Good Agricultural Practice

• Too important to ignore• Get certified• Determine important practices on your farm and follow them

• Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands

• Leafy greens most common contamination? Norovirus (flu)‐don’t harvest if you are sick!

• Wash your harvest containers and knives on a regular schedule

SUPPLIES AND RESOURCES

• INFORMATION• http://njsustainingfarms.rutgers.edu/PDF/HT‐Resources/High‐Tunnel‐Small‐Farm‐Profit‐Contribute‐Hamm‐MSU‐2011.pdf

• http://www.uvm.edu/vtvegandberry/Tunnel_Conference_2012/PaulWinterGreensProduction.pdf

• http://www.csacoalition.org/resources/growers/production/

• http://www.csacoalition.org/wp‐content/media/pdfs/2010CropPlanningSession.pdf

• http://www.veggiecompass.com/tools/spreadsheet/


• http://sfc.smallfarmcentral.com/dynamic_content/uploadfiles/942/Crop%20Manual%202012%20Version.pdf

• http://hightunnels.cfans.umn.edu/• http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/pubs‐and‐papers/2010‐01‐iowa‐high‐tunnel‐fruit‐and‐vegetable‐production‐manual

• http://njsustainingfarms.rutgers.edu/hightunnels.html• http://www.hoophouse.msu.edu/index.php?q=resources

• http://extension.psu.edu/plants/plasticulture/technologies/high‐tunnels


• WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

• http://www.todaymarket.com/tmp_refe.htm#NetWeights

• CoolBot

• http://www.storeitcold.com/

• Organic Sprays and Supplies

• http://www.7springsfarm.com/

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• WHOLESALE PRICING

• http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateO&navID=ViewU.S.TerminalMarketPriceReports&rightNav1=ViewU.S.TerminalMarketPriceReports&topNav&leftNav&page=FVMarketNewsTerminalMarketReportsMore

• RETAIL PRICING

• http://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/fvwretail.pdf

Seed and Nursery Catalogs

• Johnny’s Select Seed• High Mowing Organic Seeds• Territorial Seed• Pine Tree Seed Company• Baker Seed Catalog• Seeds of Change• Raintree Nursery• Burpee• Park Seed• Jung Seeds and Plants• Seeds From Italy• Stark Bros Nursery• Nourse Berry Farm

Books

• Winter Harvest Handbook by Elliot Coleman ISBN 978‐1‐60358‐081‐6

• Four‐Season Harvest by Elliot Coleman ISBN 978‐1‐890132‐27‐9

• The Vegetable Growers Handbook by Frank Tozer ISBN 978‐0‐9773489‐3‐0

THE ENDTHE END

Kinsman FarmDoug and Valerie KinsmanArchbold, Ohio

Copyright 2013

HIGHTUNNELRESOURCEREFERENCE

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INFORMATION

• http://njsustainingfarms.rutgers.edu/PDF/HT‐Resources/High‐Tunnel‐Small‐Farm‐Profit‐

Contribute‐Hamm‐ MSU‐2011.pdf

• http://www.uvm.edu/vtvegandberry/Tunnel_Conference_2012/PaulWinterGreensProduction.p

df

• http://www.csacoalition.org/resources/growers/production/

• http://www.csacoalition.org/wp‐content/media/pdfs/2010CropPlanningSession.pdf

• http://www.veggiecompass.com/tools/spreadsheet/

• http://sfc.smallfarmcentral.com/dynamic_content/uploadfiles/942/Crop%20Manual%202012%

20Version.pdf

• http://hightunnels.cfans.umn.edu/

• http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/pubs‐and‐papers/2010‐01‐iowa‐high‐tunnel‐fruit‐and‐

vegetable‐production‐manual

• http://njsustainingfarms.rutgers.edu/hightunnels.html

• http://www.hoophouse.msu.edu/index.php?q=resources

• http://extension.psu.edu/plants/plasticulture/technologies/high‐tunnels

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

• http://www.todaymarket.com/tmp_refe.htm#NetWeights

COOLBOT

• http://www.storeitcold.com/

ORGANIC SPRAYS AND SUPPLIES

• http://www.7springsfarm.com/

WHOLESALE PRICING

• http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateO&navID=

ViewU.S.TerminalMarketPriceReports&rightNav1=ViewU.S.TerminalMarketPriceReports&topNa

v&leftNav&page=FVMarketNewsTerminalMarketReportsMore

RETAIL PRICING

• http://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/fvwretail.pdf

http://www.uvm.edu/vtvegandberry/Tunnel_Conference_2012/PaulWinterGreensProduction.pdf

http://sfc.smallfarmcentral.com/dynamic_content/uploadfiles/942/Crop%20Manual%202012%20Version.pdf

http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateO&navID=ViewU.S.TerminalMarketPriceReports&rightNav1=ViewU.S.TerminalMarketPriceReports&topNav&leftNav&page=FVMarketNewsTerminalMarketReportsMore

HIGHTUNNELRESOURCEREFERENCE

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SEED AND NURSERY CATAGLOGS

Johnny’s Select Seed

• High Mowing Organic Seeds

• Territorial Seed

• Pine Tree Seed Company

• Baker Seed Catalog

• Seeds of Change

• Raintree Nursery

• Burpee

• Park Seed

• Jung Seeds and Plants

• Seeds From Italy

• Stark Bros Nursery

• Nourse Berry Farm

BOOKS

• Winter Harvest Handbook by Elliot Coleman ISBN 978‐1‐60358‐081‐6

• Four‐Season Harvest by Elliot Coleman ISBN 978‐1‐890132‐27‐9

• The Vegetable Growers Handbook by Frank Tozer ISBN 978‐0‐9773489‐3‐0

Documents

Season Extension - Purdue Agriculture€¦ · pallets. Bows are in place and covering has begun. Here, 12-ft wide x 80 ft long sections of 6-mil greenhouse film are secured with cement