Tunnels are a greenhouse type structure used to protect high value crops such strawberries, raspberries, and cherries. A roof, raised beds, and drip irrigation allow growers to raise crops in a more controlled environment. Many times high tunnels pay for themselves by saving a crop from late a freeze, heavy rain, hail, etc. Tunnels were first used in Spain; then, later redesigned as High Tunnels in the UK. By making them higher and wider, tractors can be used in soil and bed preparation; rolling carts can be used for harvest, adding up to huge cost savings, greater reliability, and unblemished fruit.
Another way tunnels add crop value is with season extension. By closing doors at night, summer produce can be grown for several months earlier and later each season, using trapped solar heat. This allows a grower to produce more common vegetables such as squash and tomatoes earlier and later than those grown outdoors. For customers, supplies of fresh local produce are not interrupted by late freezes, storms, or rain. Pickers always have access, so things get to market as planned. And fresh fruit and vegetables are available locally for many more months than is possible with outdoor growing. And because plants are not exposed to uncontrolled moisture from rain and dew, pest and disease problems are minimal. In six years of growing strawberries in tunnels, we have never sprayed anything on them. This could be luck or it could be the results of covered growing, ether way, we eat strawberries from the field with out any cares about pesticide residue.
The Growers Exchange operates one acre of high tunnels. In them he grow a varying array of crops for the local market. We were the first in Virginia to use high tunnels, they are used widely in areas north of us, but are just catching on here. Supplying local farmer markets, super markets, and CSA’s, we grow strawberries, selected seasonal vegetables, and cut flowers. The Growers Exchange ships plants all over the U.S.; but because we are also a farm, we feel strongly about being apart of to “ loca-vore” movement. Our high tunnels allow us to be a reliable supplier with only top quality produce, with out that roof we are vulnerable to anything the weather sends our way. Tunnels can and do get knocked down sometimes, but for the most part have allowed us to grow thing not possible with out them. We see them a very important tool in securing local sources, allowing local growers to compete with the reliability of grocery stores.

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