Can a simple plastic tunnel extend your growing season?
In short: While commercial greenhouses use fuel to battle freezing temperatures, high tunnels offer a more streamlined alternative. By creating a protective environment over the soil, these structures allow gardeners to plant earlier in the spring and harvest later in the autumn, effectively shielding crops from the elements without the need for complex heating systems.
Understanding the distinction between a greenhouse and a high tunnel is essential for any gardener. A commercial greenhouse is designed to be heated with fuel, serving the dual purpose of retaining heat during the night and allowing sunlight to enter during the day. However, without an active heat source, a greenhouse can lose heat rapidly once the sun sets, eventually reaching temperatures nearly as cold as the ambient air.
In contrast, a high tunnel is a structure built directly over the soil. These can be either heated or unheated. Their primary function is to extend the growing season by allowing for earlier planting or later harvesting than would be possible in an unprotected outdoor setting. In certain climates, such as New Hampshire, the soil within a high tunnel may not freeze during the winter, which allows for the cultivation of cold-tolerant crops throughout the winter months when paired with specialized frost blankets.
Construction requires specific materials to ensure durability and functionality. To complete a basic garden task like Roger Cook's Biloxi, Mississippi demonstration, one could use 1-inch PVC pipe (20-foot sections), 4 mil plastic sheeting, and pressure-treated 2x4s. These materials are commonly available at home centers and provide an affordable way to create a functional growing environment. However, gardeners must also account for ventilation; because these structures are efficient at letting sunlight in, they can heat up to damaging levels during the day, even on cold days, necessitating a way to release excess heat.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: How to Build a High-Tunnel Greenhouse | Ask This Old House
- Also: Constructing a Greenhouse or High Tunnel [video]
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