Growing in a high tunnel, part 2

Growing in High Tunnels 101 Part 2

Jay Sleichter Jay’s Jellies Produce and More Clay Center, Kansas

Growing in High Tunnels 101 Part 2

This presentation and additional information can be found at www.jaysjellies.com

Growing in a High Tunnel • Fertilizer Use • Insect Control • Repair and Maintenance

Fertilizer use • Soil Test First!

– Use lots of compost and specific fertilizers – Calcium Nitrate for Tomatoes – Fertigation through drip tape – Cover crops – We don’t use manure or manure based compost due to the 120 day rule.

Insect Control • Perfect environment for pests 1.

2.

3.

4.

APHIDS Spider mites Cucumber Beetles/Squash bugs Cabbage Loopers

Insect Control APHIDS- Ladybugs and Predatory Wasps

Insect Control Spider Mites-Beneficials Cucumber Beetles –Exclusion –Spray Cabbage Looper –Bt spray

Greenhouse Plastic Maintenence • Most buildings are covered with a single layer of 6 mil plastic.

• You can cover with two layers and inflate with air. This is better for insulating and for wind.

• When buying plastic, shop around • When covering endwalls, check out www.farmtek.com for odd sizes, closeouts and end of roll pieces.

Repair and Maintenance • Always close during a storm • High wind, close wind side, leave other side open, if you must vent.

• Snow, Sweep of • Periodically check bolts and tape tears asap, both sides is best.

• Keep plastic tight

Repair and Maintenance

Repair and Maintenance

Wind video

Repair and Maintenance

Weather Concerns Snow and Wind

http://www.happyhollowfarm-mo.com/

Weather Concerns Snow and Wind

10-12 inches of snow

January 10th, 2011

Sweeping Snow

Growing in a High Tunnel • Fertilizer Use • Insect Control • Repair and Maintenance