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Floral Production in High TunnelsFloral Production in High TunnelsChris MullinsChris MullinsVirginia State UniversityVirginia State University

Presentation Plan

Go over the “basics”Flower examplesTunnel examplesTips/toolsSources of materials

What is a High Tunnel?Resembles a conventional greenhouse Crops are grown in the p gsoil Season extension

Spring earlinessFall extension

Protects crops from adverse environmental conditions

Some Benefits of High Tunnel Crop Production

Extension of the spring and fall growing seasons 5-8 ̊ F

Reduced temperature and moisture fluctuations pduring the growing seasonReduced disease pressure Ability to use biological pest control More precise water and nutrient application through drip irrigation

High Tunnel vs. GreenhouseSimilarities

Quonset shapeMetal frame componentscomponentsCovered with plasticGrower is attempting to modify the environmentBoth require water service

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High Tunnel vs. GreenhouseGreenhouse

Electrical inputExhaust fans, evaporative cooling,

High TunnelNo electricity

No automated systems -no fans, heater, controls

heater, circulation fans

Crops usually grown in containersUsually permanentCost $$$Crops grown year-round

Crops grown in the ground, conventionallyTemporaryCost $Functions to extend the growing season, limited

High Tunnel

Single and multiple bay types

Frame ComponentsMetalBowsPurlinsPurlinsGround StakesHardwareEndwall bracesTrusses

Purlin

Bow

Brace

GroundStake

Baseboard, Hipboard, and Plastic Attachment

Baseboard attaches to ground stake and bowMakes seal against groundHipboard acts as base for poly attachment material

Polyethylene Covering6 mil1 or 2 layers4 year UV protected4 year UV protectedGreenhouse grade not construction gradeReplaced every 4-5 years

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EndwallsCoverFramingEquipmentEquipment movementPeople movement

Side CurtainCoolingRoll up or drop downUsually 4-6’ManualLeaks

Cut Flowers:Field vs. High Tunnel Why Grow Cut Flowers in a High Tunnel

Protection from rain, hail, and windSeason extensionCan shorten production timeCan shorten production timePossible stem length manipulationUsually better quality

“Hardening off” bedding plants

Cut Flower Examples

SnapdragonsLisianthusStockStockAnemoneSweet peaRanunculusDutch Iris

SnapdragonCan withstand cool temps.Winter and spring groupsgroupsHarvest with 1/3 stalk open6-8 weeks from transplantDon’t lay on their sidePotomac series

David Huffman

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Tom Campbell

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LisianthusKeeps well for customersThink about buying plugsNeed a layer of nettingMariachi and Echo seriesMariachi and Echo seriesMaintain adequate moistureAdd water soluble fertilizer through irrigationHarvest with 2-4 flowers open

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Tom Campbell

Tom Campbell

StockCool temps.FragrantCheerful seriesCheerful series

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Sweet PeaCool temps.Vertical trellisDirect seedDirect seedHarvest with 1/3 of florets openWinter Elegance series

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AnemoneJerusalem series4/5 and 5/6 sizeDay temps. <70º FCan handle slightly g ycooler temps. than ranunculusFrost fabricWell drained areaPre-germination treatmentApproximately $0.20 per corm

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RanunculusLa Belle seriesWell drained bedsDo best with daytime temps. <70º Ftemps. <70 FPre-germinate cormsPlant corms with “fingers” downFrost fabricApproximately $0.35 per corm

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Dutch IrisBlue and white varieties‘Ideal’ and ‘White Wedgewood’Wedgewood’Cut when “showing color”Want 20”+ stem lengthLittle fertilization needed

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Bedding Plants Haygrove Tunnels

Haygrove

Shade ClothLisianthus50%Possible stemPossible stem elongationApproximately $0.25/SF

Support NettingDavid Huffman

David Huffman

Tom Campbell

David Huffman

Harvest/Post-Harvest

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Irrigation

Now I’ve grown them…Think about:

Farmer’s market (stems and bouquets)bouquets)CSACut-your-ownFood serviceLocal retail shopsChurchesHotels/B&B’s

Internet Resources

http://www.hightunnels.org/ http://plasticulture.cas.psu.edu/

http://www.ascfg.org

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Book Resources

Lynn Byczynski, The Flower FarmerAllan Armitage, Specialty Cut Flowers

SuppliersFred C. Gloeckner & Company – 800-345-3787 – www.fredgloeckner.com

Gro’N Sell – 215-822-1276 – www.gro-n-sell.com

Atlas Greenhouse - 800-346-9902 - www.atlasgreenhouse.com

Berry Hill Irrigation 800 345 DRIP www berryhilldrip comBerry Hill Irrigation - 800-345-DRIP - www.berryhilldrip.com

Farmtek - 800-327-6835 – www.farmtek.com

Griffin Greenhouse - 804-731-0067 - www.griffins.com

Haygrove Tunnels - www.haygrove.co.uk

Ledgewood Farms - 603-476-8829 - www.ledgewoodfarm.com

Puckett Greenhouses – 800-782-5388 - www.puckettgreenhouses.com

Contact: Chris MullinsVirginia State UniversityPO Box 9081PO Box 9081 Petersburg, VA 23806(804) 524-5834cmullins@vsu.edu

Thank You.

Questions?