The Social Enterprise emerged in 2014 after determining the need for smaller high tunnel designs and organic growing supplies for our small-scale farmers. From 2014 to 2025, Grow Appalachia’s Social Enterprise manufactured and installed 182 high tunnels in the region, primarily in Kentucky.
Starting in fall 2025, after carefully assessing needs of farmers and services provided by regional high tunnel builders, the Social Enterprise decided to close the chapter on full high tunnel builds and pivot to focusing on high tunnel repair, maintenance, irrigation, and water catchment systems. We continue to sell high quality, organic growing supplies, and you can still place an order through our online catalog.
High Tunnel Services
A high tunnel is a season extension tool that facilitates the production of fresh vegetables twelve months a year. The benefit comes from the ability to manage the growing environment – temperature, irrigation, light (to some extent) and weather extremes. This element of control provides an opportunity to grow quality vegetables in a more consistent and planned manner.
We offer the following services related to high tunnel systems: repairs (e.g. replacing components), replacing plastic, adding new components (e.g. shade cloth, inflation blower), consultation & education (e.g. site selection, year-round maintenance), and water catchment and drip irrigation systems. We no longer offer full high tunnel builds from start to finish.
End Wall Upgrade Options for Gothic High Tunnels
Your needs as a grower may have evolved since you first purchased your high tunnel. For small (15-16′ wide) gothic high tunnels, we can replace and upgrade end walls to meet your current needs. Options include our basic wooden end walls, an equipment door end wall, and a more robust galvanized steel end wall.
Optional Components
High Tunnel Water Catchment & Drip Irrigation Systems
A covered high tunnel creates a dry environment requiring irrigation. Water can be collected from your high tunnel ‘roof’, stored in catchment tanks and used for irrigation. Recycling collected water through an irrigation system requires catchment tanks, a filter, a pump to pressurize the water (electric hook up necessary), a pressure reducer to stabilize pressure, a check valve for backflow prevention, a header line, and drip tape with ‘drip’ emitters.
We sell a variety of water catchment & irrigation materials, design functional systems, and provide installation services. All of our installations and materials meet NRCS standards.
Field Irrigation Installation
Our Social Enterprise team also offers installation services for field irrigation projects, including establishing separate irrigation zones with solenoid valves and automating your irrigation system with timers.
Contact Kayla Preston (prestonk@berea.edu) to request a quote or consultation.
Gallery
High Tunnel Service Request
“Our Grow Appalachia high tunnels have leveraged our ability to provide fresh, local produce year round. Back to the Garden Farm has become known as the go-to provider of winter greens.”
“The high tunnels have not only provided season extension, but they protected our crops from flooding and storm damage. I would recommend Grow Appalachia’s high tunnels to all, from small gardens to large farms.”
“We love our hoop house at Appalachian Sustainable Development’s teaching garden. We use it to extend the lettuce season, in the spring and fall.
“The Grow Appalachia high tunnels work best for us. The smaller structures hold up better under the snow. The high tunnels have extended our growing season tremendously.”
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