High Tunnels are for Everyone
By Jessica Butters, Farm Bill Biologist, KS
You may have noticed that the NRCS has a new table at the Oberlin Farmers Market, showing a mini version of a high tunnel!
But what the heck is a high tunnel, and what is the NRCS?
What is a high tunnel?
Also called a “hoop house”, a high tunnel is simpler version of a greenhouse. It has no floors, heaters, lights, or fans. It is instead a plastic-covered frame made of metal and wood that protects plants from wind, hail, snow, and the cold. Shade cloths reduce heat when needed, and the plastic covering can roll up and down to control air circulation. Inside the high tunnel, plants are planted into the ground, not in pots or on tables. You can also add mulching and watering systems to the tunnel, along with cover crops and compost to improve your soil!
What do high tunnels provide?
High tunnels are for everyone, and can be built anywhere from backyards in town to old crop fields (depending on zoning laws). They provide a protective shell that extends the growing season of your garden, allowing you to harvest more fresh food for a longer period. Growing your own food, or selling it here in town, provides a local food market and keeps dollars spent on fresh food in our local economy. A high tunnel can also keep pesticides and fertilizers from drifting away, or it can shield your plants from others that use chemicals if you’re growing organic! High tunnels are truly for anyone, in nearly every situation! They can be larger than 2100 square feet or as small as 600 square feet (20 x 30 ft).
What is the NRCS?
The NRCS is a government agency that provides many programs, including one for high tunnels! The NRCS serves everyone, whether you live in town or in the country. Anyone with questions about the environment, wildlife, crops, and conservation can contact us for free information! Originally called the “Soil Conservation Service” (SCS), The NRCS was created by congress in 1935 in response to the severe soil losses of the Dust Bowl. It is the NRCS mission to conserve not only soil, but water, land, and wildlife. To do this, the NRCS works with folks interested in improving the health of their water and land to create conservation plans and explore funding opportunities for land improvement.
Is a high tunnel right for me?
Come speak with us and we can go over your specific situation. Advice from the NRCS is always free. We can also provide anything from science-backed plant lists if you’re planting a butterfly garden to designing a windbreak around your house, all for free. The cost comes in when you start buying materials to actually start those projects, of which the NRCS may cover a portion through funding opportunities. It does not cost anything to ask us a question or visit our office, so feel free to call, email, or better yet drop by and talk to us!
How do I get a high tunnel?
There are a few requirements to receive funding for a high tunnel. To know exactly what you need to qualify for financial assistance with a high tunnel, talk to your local Farm Bill Biologist or USDA Service Center.