Customize Your Own High Tunnel with Grow Appalachia
As part of our mission at Grow Appalachia to help families in central Appalachia grow as much of their own food as possible, we are constantly searching for technologies that will enhance vegetable production. One technique we are working with extensively is that of manufacturing and building high tunnels.
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.
High Tunnel FAQs
If we are installing the high tunnels, there is the option of doing payment assignment through the NRCS. This means you will be signing over your reimbursement for the project to Grow Appalachia, and acts as a guarantee of payment. If a payment assignment is not completed for the project, we will require half the total amount of the project upfront, and half on completion of the project.
Yes. Please make checks payable to: Berea College Grow Appalachia, CPO 2122, 101 Chestnut St. Berea, KY 40404.
We generally do not, but if you have no other method of payment, we can make arrangements.
Once an order is confirmed, it typically takes 1-4 weeks to manufacture and deliver your high tunnel(s) if you are within a 250 mile* radius of Berea, KY (*road miles).
When the high tunnel season is active, there might be extended lead times for installation. We recommend that you get your build scheduled up to 16 weeks in the advance. Once we deliver and the build is started, it may take several weeks for the project to be completed depending on the weather, the number and size of high tunnels you have ordered, and distance you are from Berea.
Yes, we can do partial or full installation of your Grow Appalachia high tunnel if you are within a 100 mile (road miles) proximity of Berea. If you are further out, it may still be possible for us to do the installation depending on our availability. If you are beyond 100 miles from Berea and still wish to have the tunnel installed, please let us know in the notes section of your quote.
No, but communication is key for site preparation. If you have concerns about your site, please let us know as soon as possible.
No, we highly recommend that you use microirrigation or soaker hoses to maintain good soil moisture. The use of sprinklers in your tunnel will increase humidity levels which can harm your plants.
No, but you will need to keep a close eye on the weather as there are fluctuating temperatures in late Spring and early Fall. In these instances, you will need to roll up the sides of your tunnel(s).
No, it doesn’t make sense for us to haul or ship lumber, but arrangements can be made if you have challenges sourcing lumber locally.
To date, none of our tunnels have collapsed under slow load and our first tunnels were installed in 2011.
The plastic we use are warrantied for 4 years for manufacturer defects, but will likely last 7 years. The more pressing issue with aging plastic is decreased light transmission, which can make it difficult to have healthy plant growth.
Yes. Each tunnel comes with one, 3ft wide sliding door that can go on either end of the tunnel you choose. If you need a wider door to accommodate larger equipment, please ask us about our add-on options.
Yes, however if you are outside of Kentucky we recommend that you check with your state office for approval.
Yes, there are trusses on our gothic tunnels. The Quonset tunnels do not need wind support because they have a low profile.
Learn How to Install Our Tunnels
High Tunnel Gallery
“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.”
