High tunnels are passively heated and ventilated, plastic-covered structures that provide an intermediate level of environmental protection and control compared to open field conditions and heated greenhouses.

High Tunnels

Simple-low cost structure

Passively heated and ventilated

Usually one layer of plastic

Used for season extension

In-ground production

Low operating cost

Site may or may not need leveling

Greenhouses

Higher initial investment in structure utilities and equipment

Heaters, fans and cool cells

Higher R-values – Glass, multi layers of plastic with inflation

Year round production

Typically container production

High energy consumption

Higher maintenance operating cost

Site will likely need leveling and/or construction of a pad

Advantages of high tunnels relative to field production

Season extension/off season production

Reduced moisture on foliage from rainfall and dew – Lower disease potential

Increased growth rates and production

Increased heat unit accumulation and retention

More even light distribution – Reduced plant stress

Exclude insect pests and some animals – Plant health and food safety

Controlled water application

Higher quality products

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