High Tunnel Greenhouses

Tunnel greenhouses are an efficient way to have control over your growing space. High tunnel greenhouses provide the space you need for tall-growing plants, such as fruit and vegetable trees or cut flower production.

Longer ground posts and the ability to house the plants that need more growing space give high tunnel greenhouses their name.

The structure is also referred to as a hoop house because of its hoop-like frame. They can be a simple structure consisting of a frame with a layer of polyethylene plastic and shade cloth, or one that is more high-tech, featuring irrigation and heating systems.

What Is a High Tunnel Greenhouse?

High tunnels are typically structures made of a curved pipe frame that is typically covered with a single layer of poly film. They’re like cold frames in that they provide heat and protection for the plants.

You can choose from different styles of high tunnels for use as stand-alone houses, such as quonset (semi-circle shape), Gothic-style (pointed arch shape at top), hoop house (rounded top). Multi-bay high tunnels are also available for high-tunnel production.

High-quality cold frames as well as tunnel greenhouses capture solar heat energy for the plants and protect them from threatening conditions with their poly covering. This could be bad weather conditions, such as heavy snow, or threats like disease or pests.

The roll-up side walls of high tunnels are not always very durable; additional bracing and spacing the hoops more narrowly may improve the durability.

At each end of the structure, there is an end wall that typically has sliding or swinging doors, allowing growers to access the tunnel greenhouse, move equipment in and out, and open for natural air circulation.

Why Choose a High Tunnel Greenhouse?

High tunnel greenhouses are a cost-effective way for you to gain more control you’re your growing environment without investing in a full commercial greenhouse.

They offer greater protection than open-field growing, shielding crops from harsh weather while extending the season for high-value crops like leafy greens, tomatoes, and cut flowers.

Growers often use high tunnels to start transplants for field production, get a jump on the season, or hit early markets before their competitors.

Their affordability and versatility make them a popular choice among small-scale produce growers, flower farmers, and small-scale operations looking to improve crop yields or quality.