Seasonal High Tunnel

Southeast Colorado is an area noted for extremes.  We get as cold as northern climates in the winter, as hot as more southern climates in the summer, with drought and wind events common in-between.

With the intent to be sustainable, we looked closely at optimizing garden production.  In order to accomplish this, we have the following goals:
     1) Improve early growing season conditions; temperatures and high winds.
     2) Improve water use efficiency of limited water resources
     3) Improve plant health and vigor during extreme summer months
     4) Increase late season growing opportunities by protecting from early killing frost

Our goals lead us to apply for a grant offered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service's (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for a Seasonal High Tunnel.  In Mid-May, we found out that we received the grant.  We are very excited as this is expected to really further our operation.

With the growing season underway, timing was of the essence.  Construction began right away! 

We ordered a Clear Span 30' X 48' Economy High Tunnel from Farm Tek.  They were very good to deal with.

Challenges were:
    1) Growing season was under way, so plants had to be transplanted prior to   construction completion.  This proved difficult to work around as construction required a lot of moving around the area with ladders.
    2) High winds required careful consideration
    3) Irrigation differences from High Tunnel vs. outside area
    4) Pests and other animal impacts

A couple good free standing ladders are necessary.  Help is appreciated as there is a lot of overhead work.  Top height is 13'.

Lots of rafter hangers to secure.  A necessary step.



Reinforcing framework added along with anchor post and attached cable to protect against South winds.



Not two weeks after completion, a storm came through with high winds that tore the 6 mil plastic cover off the structure.  This was a major disappointment.  Major structure was fine, but broke minor boards and bent pipe for roll-up sides.  Cover was taped up and other repairs were made to salvage most parts.  Hoping cover will make it through the season.



Inside view of final product.



Outside view of final product.  Note temporary electric fence to keep cows and sheep out.  Also note rope lashings between rafters to better hold plastic down in high winds.