High tunnel growing is a popular gardening technique used by farmers, homesteaders, and gardeners to increase their crop yields and extend their growing seasons. These structures are an excellent way to protect your plants from harsh weather conditions, pests, and diseases.
But, as with all gardening techniques, there are some dos and don’ts that you need to keep in mind to ensure success. In this blog post, we will explore the essential dos and don’ts of high tunnel growing.
DO: Select the Right Location
One of the essential factors that you need to consider when setting up a high tunnel is the location. You should select a spot that receives ample sunlight and is sheltered from strong winds. Additionally, avoid areas that have poor drainage as this can lead to waterlogging and root rot. Choose a location with easy access to water as you will need to irrigate your plants regularly.
One thing to consider is how you want to grow. Installing a high tunnel on level land is vital if you choose to do an in-ground garden. However, while a sloped land may complicate your installation, it is not a huge factor if you choose to grow in raised beds.
Due to the slope of our land as well as the rockiness, raised beds were the right fit for us. It also saves our backs when it comes to harvest and sowing.
DON’T: Overcrowd Your Plants
It’s tempting to plant as many vegetables as possible in your high tunnel, but this can be counterproductive. Overcrowding your plants can lead to competition for resources such as water and nutrients. It also increases the risk of pests, diseases, and mold.
To avoid overcrowding, plan your layout and ensure that you leave enough space for each plant to grow fully. Tomatoes need room to stretch out, while peppers prefer to “hold hands.” Companion planting with basil can be beneficial in reducing pest pressure while intercropping allows your crops to thrive in a small space.
What is intercropping? Intercropping is the practice of growing two or more crops in close proximity, allowing them to benefit from each other’s presence. For example, beans are good nitrogen fixers and can help improve soil fertility for other plants nearby.
DO: Practice Good Pest and Disease Control
A high tunnel provides an environment that is conducive to the growth of pests and diseases. While your crops may be protected from the rain and overhead watering in such a controlled environment, without proper ventilation, diseases can run rampant.
Diseases common in high tunnel environments include damping-off, root rot, and powdery mildew. Proper mitigation of pests and diseases requires the use of integrated pest management (IPM) techniques which include cultural controls such as crop rotation, sanitation, and resistant varieties in addition to chemical control.
As far as infestations go, you need to be vigilant and take measures to prevent damage. Introducing beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings can help control pests such as aphids and mites. Additionally, practice crop rotation and sanitize your equipment regularly to prevent the spread of diseases.
DON’T: Neglect Irrigation and Ventilation
Proper irrigation and ventilation are critical for the success of your high tunnel. While you should water all of your plants regularly, high tunnels do not get the benefit of receiving rain. It’s best practice to water on a schedule and water deeply every few days instead of taking the time to water every day.
Overwatering, on the other hand, can lead to fungal diseases and root rot, which may spread more readily in a high tunnel’s humid environment. Most plants benefit from receiving water at the root. Avoid foliage, which, if damp, can cause fungal infections and diseases.
You should also ensure that your high tunnel is adequately ventilated to prevent the buildup of moisture, which can lead to mold growth. Most high tunnels have sidewalls which can be easily rolled up to provide cross-ventilation and prevent humidity from building.
DO: Implement a Good Fertilizer and Watering Program
A good fertilizer program is essential for the growth of healthy plants in your high tunnel. You can use organic or synthetic fertilizers, but it’s crucial to ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying them. Additionally, you should test your soil regularly to determine its nutrient content and adjust your fertilizer program accordingly.
One thing most people don’t talk about? Watering and amending your soil even when you aren’t growing crops. Soil is a living microbiome and needs to be nurtured. That means adding organic matter as well as fertilizers, in addition to watering regularly. This keeps your soil healthy and alive.
DON’T: Grow Outside of Your Season
It’s a common misconception that you can use high tunnels to grow non-seasonal produce. This is only true to an extent. In order to determine what you can grow and when, you need to know your growing zone.
To put it simply, if you live in zone 6b, you are not going to be able to grow tomatoes in December without heating your high tunnel. Most warm-weather crops, such as squash, tomatoes, and peppers, cannot survive or thrive in temperatures that drop below 35 degrees. A high tunnel can provide your produce with some protection but will not prevent plants from freezing in cold climates.
DO: Choose the Right Crops
Choosing the right crops for your high tunnel can make or break your harvest. The plants you select should be tolerant of hot weather, as well as hardy enough to withstand temperature fluctuations in a high tunnel environment. Additionally, you should choose vegetable varieties that are suited to your location and growing season.
It’s also important to note that some vegetables do better than others in this controlled environment. There are several hybrid varieties of tomatoes, such as the Triple L Crop and Peron Sprayless that were created to thrive in high tunnel/greenhouse environments and are disease resistant.
DO: Mentor With Other Growers.
Finally, if you are looking for additional tips on high tunnel growing, consider joining a local gardening group or finding an online community of gardeners who specialize in this technique. This way, you can get advice from experienced growers and learn from them, as well as share your own knowledge.
The Dos and Don’ts of High Tunnel Growing
High tunnel growing can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s essential to follow the dos and don’ts outlined above to ensure success. Always select the right location, avoid overcrowding your plants, practice good pest and disease control, don’t neglect irrigation and ventilation, and implement a good fertilizer program. With the right approach, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of healthy and vibrant vegetables throughout the year. Happy gardening!
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