Greenhouse & Tunnels
The use of season extension technologies such as high tunnels and greenhouses are important to farmers in our region that want to capitalize on the "eat local" movement. Greenhouses help farmers by extending their season and are great for consumers by keeping a supply of local fruits and vegetables available year-round.
Season extension can also be a tool for pest and disease control.
Relevant Event
2024 Finger Lakes Produce Auction Winter Growers Meeting
January 4, 2024
Penn Yan, NY
Video: Winter Cover Cropping in High Tunnels -- March 2021 Update
Judson Reid, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
To meet the year-round demand for locally produced food, vegetable farmers have embraced protected agriculture to extend their growing season, improve yields, and enhance crop quality. However, a statewide survey found that after several growing seasons, farmers struggle to maintain productivity due to challenges in long term soil health and fertility management. Cornell Cooperative Extension is exploring practices that high tunnel growers can adopt to better manage soil fertility and improve soil health.
One practice is including winter cover crops in rotations as a way to scavenge leftover nitrogen and/or fix nitrogen. In turn, this could lead to less fertilizer use and result in higher crop health, yield, quality, and profitability. As part of this work, we are investigating suitable cover crop species, seeding dates, and seeding rates. This video highlights this project's goals and preliminary updates as of March 2021.
Hot Water Seed Treatment Using a Sous Vide Device
Amy Ivy, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Learn to use a sous vide device to heat treat seeds as a simple, economical way to control diseases.
How to Prune and Train Cherry Tomatoes in High Tunnel Production
Cherry tomatoes thrive in the protected conditions of a high tunnel and are less prone to cracking where water supply is controlled. If left untrained, tomatoes will quickly form a tangled mess that is difficult to maneuver through and harvest. This fact sheet developed by the CCE Eastern NY Commercial Horticulture Program, provides information on how to prune and train cherry tomatoes in high tunnels.
High Tunnel Best Management Practices for Long Term Soil Health and Fertility
Judson Reid, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
These best management practices were selected by experienced high tunnel growers and extension staff as a result of a four year project tracking economic, soil and irrigation water data from high tunnels across New York State. They can be used remedially, or implemented in a new high tunnel system.
Video: New York State Produce Auctions
Currently, there are 8 produce auctions in New York State. These auctions are aggregation points that allow local farmers to sell their produce in wholesale lots to buyers from across the region. To document the economic impact of produce auctions on agriculture, local businesses, family farms, and produce buyers, the Cornell Vegetable Program worked with Harvest New York to survey top sellers and buyers.
A new Cornell Vegetable Program video shares general information about produce auctions, how buyers and sellers use the auctions to expand their businesses, and how local communities benefit from them.
Nitrogen Fertility Options for Organic High Tunnels
Cordelia Machanoff, Program Aide
Cornell Vegetable Program
Several years of foliar sampling in high tunnel tomatoes throughout NYS has shown that organic high tunnel tomatoes generally start out with sufficient or even excess nitrogen, but go into a mid-season dive in foliar nitrogen levels. Given the longer season and higher yields of tunnel tomatoes, a nitrogen fertilizer to inject or side-dress will help prevent mid-season deficiencies.
Best Management Practices for Long-Term High Tunnel Soil Sustainability
Judson Reid, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
A collaboration between Cornell Vegetable Program, the Cornell Student Organic Farm and NOFA-NY resulted in a $10,000 award from the Cornell Towards Sustainability Foundation. The project team worked closely with 10 high tunnel operators across Central and Western NYS, educated farmers and students, and provided technical assistance in managing soil health in high tunnels for long term productivity.
Best Management Practices in High Tunnel Production: Site Selection
Elizabeth Buck, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Deciding where to put a new high tunnel requires careful consideration regarding sun and wind exposure, access to water, drainage and the best possible soil. A good site will set you up for success by avoiding potential problems.
Best Management Practices in High Tunnel Production: Optimal Tomato Spacing
Judson Reid, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Proper spacing is a common concern of high tunnel growers. More plants does not necessarily mean more yield. Determinate varieties are spaced and trained differently than indeterminates, and grafted plants need more room than non-grafted. A well-spaced planting allows room for the grower to move down the aisles for harvesting, training and scouting for pest and disease problems.
Cucumbers in High Tunnels
Amy Ivy, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Cucumbers are an excellent high tunnel crop for spring, summer and fall production in New York State. Grown vertically, cucumbers take advantage of the space and light offered by a high tunnel. Cucumbers grown in this environment are of higher quality with higher yields. Very fast growing and yielding, they fit into crop plans that include winter greens easier than tomatoes, peppers or eggplants.
Tomatoes for High Tunnels
One of the first choices when beginning high tunnel tomato production is the type: determinate or indeterminate. Differences in the growth habits, nutritional needs, disease resistance, and fruit attributes of determinate and indeterminate tomatoes will influence the types and varieties a grower will choose.
Training and Pruning Tomatoes in High Tunnels
Amy Ivy, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Well trained and well pruned tomatoes are easy to work around, have better air circulation, optimum light penetration, and have higher yields since excess foliage is removed to focus plant energy on producing and ripening fruit.
Tomatoes for the High Tunnel: Determinate versus Indeterminate
Cordelia Machanoff, Program Aide
Cornell Vegetable Program
One of the first choices when beginning high tunnel tomato production is variety selection. This comparison guide will help with the decision.
Winter Aphid Management Fact Sheet
Cordelia Machanoff, Program Aide
Cornell Vegetable Program
Aphids can be a major problem in winter greens. This fact sheet outlines our experience with biological and biorational controls over four years of field research.
Reduce Storm Damage to Your Greenhouses
From John W. Bartok, Jr., Agricultural Engineer, Ashford, CT:
Nature seems to be getting more violent in recent years with frequent earthquakes, increased numbers of hurricanes and record breaking snowstorms. Insurance damage claims have increased considerably. The International Building Code has revised upward its wind and snow loading requirements for some areas of the U.S.
Each year there are reports of greenhouses that have been damaged by weather and natural events. Greenhouse design is different than conventional farm buildings in that the structural profile has to be small to allow maximum light to reach the plants. Most farm buildings are over designed to handle severe weather conditions.
Damage to greenhouses can include racking of the frame, bending of the hoops, broken glass or torn plastic and uplifted foundation posts. Preparation ahead of time can minimize the damage.
Salvaging Your Greenhouse After a Heavy Snow Storm
From John Bartok, Agricultural Engineer, Ashford, CT, 11/24/2014:
A quick checklist covering potential hazards and steps to take to salvage your greenhouse after a heavy snow storm.
Grafting Tomatoes Video: The Motivation and Benefits of Grafting
Judson Reid, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
As soil based production of tomatoes continues in tunnels and greenhouses, risk of root-zone diseases, insects and nutrient imbalances increase. Grafting, the combination of two separate cultivars into one plant, is one management approach to these challenges. Learn more about the motivations and benefits of grafting tomatoes in this video of Judson Reid, Extension Vegetable Specialist for the Cornell Vegetable Program.
How to Graft Tomatoes: An Instructional Video and Factsheet
Judson Reid, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Grafting can significantly increase tomato yields and increase plant resistance to soil-borne diseases. Judson Reid, Extension Vegetable Specialist with the Cornell Vegetable Program has developed a step-by-step tutorial for growers on how to graft tomatoes.
Extending the Harvest Season with Fall Production
Robert Hadad, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Late season production starts in mid spring. For a successful crop, start with a detailed plan. Designate an area specific for late season production so that management can take place in one spot rather than all over the farm. This will make cultivation, pest management, using row cover, and harvesting more efficient to manage.
Grafting of Tomatoes for Soil-based Production in Greenhouses & High Tunnels
Judson Reid, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
In 2012, the Cornell Vegetable Program conducted trials of grafted cucumbers and tomatoes. We grafted 2 tomato scions (Panzer and Big Dena) onto 3 different rootstocks (Arnold, Colossus and Maxifort). We also grew out ungrafted control plots for comparison. Tomatoes were grafted using the 'tube-graft' method. Detailed information on our materials and methods can be found in the full report.
SARE Season Extension Topic Room: Current Research from Across the Nation
A section of the Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) website, the season extension topic room provides nationwide research in the areas of variety trials, fertility management, pest management, water management, energy, and marketing and economics.
High Tunnel Cucumber Trial, 2012
Judson Reid, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Greenhouse cucumbers, if marketed successfully, can be a high revenue crop in tunnels. Advantages include high quality fruit, decreased downy mildew, and quicker yields than tomatoes. Disadvantages include powdery mildew, spider mites, and higher labor than tomatoes. The Cornell Vegetable Program worked with several seed companies to conduct a variety trial of high tunnel cucumbers in 2012.
Low, Quick, and Caterpillar Tunnels: An Overview of Season Extension Techniques
Robert Hadad, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Season extension offers growers expanded times for growing produce. Getting an early jump or holding crops later into the sales season can really increase profits when the techniques are used and costs taken into account.
There are many styles and types of construction available on the internet but this presentation covers what is commonly available. Many suppliers carry hoop materials, row covers, and greenhouse film. Ingenuity and imagination creates more effective ways of set up and operation.
Home High Tunnel Construction
Elizabeth Buck, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Are you interested in building your own high tunnel? Bowman and Hill Micro Farm hosted an October 18, 2012 Cornell Vegetable Program workshop in which participants learned to build a tunnel - onsite, in one day. This full color, step-by-step workshop transcription includes pictures, helpful hints, and notes about common mistakes.
Quick Tunnel Instruction Guide - Johnny's Selected Seeds
Instruction manual for Quick Hoops Low Tunnel Benders by Johnny's Selected Seeds.
Zero Disease Tolerance in High Tunnels
Printed in American Vegetable Grower, October 5, 2012:
Keeping crops free of disease is the goal of all growers, including those producing in high tunnels. Download the PDF file to learn about 20 practices that will reduce the chances of pathogens taking over when growing under cover.
Greenhouse Cucumber Variety Trial (2011)
Judson Reid, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
The unheated greenhouse, or high tunnel, offers a vertical production environment suitable for crops such as indeterminate tomatoes and cucumbers. As it is a soil based system however, and passively heated, greenhouse cucumbers must be transplanted later in the spring than tomatoes, due to their intolerance for low root zone temperatures. However, cucumbers can provide good returns when grown in a high tunnel, given consistent pest control and matching variety performance with market demand. A variety trial of four greenhouse cucumbers was established in a cooperating high tunnel in the spring of 2011.
High Tunnel Tomato Trial 2011 (determinate varieties)
Judson Reid, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
High tunnel tomatoes continue to grow in popularity with New York vegetable growers for disease control, earliness and fruit quality. Variety selection is one of the most important management decisions for tunnels. The decision between determinate and indeterminate varieties depends on grower preference and market demand. Total yield must be balanced with fruit quality and disease resistance
High Tunnel Pepper Variety Trial, 2011
Judson Reid, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Peppers offer a viable option to tomatoes for commercial production in high tunnel greenhouses. In 2011 the Cornell Vegetable Program partnered with Harris Seed, Inc. to evaluate five varieties in a cooperating grower unheated high tunnel.
The peppers evaluated in 2011 performed very similar in total yield per plant as measured by pounds. When we look at fruit size and weight we do find differences that can help growers make choices in variety. When selling by the piece, in a retail setting, varieties such as Yellow Crest would work well. For wholesale accounts varieties such as Gordo will fill bushel boxes faster. Sandpiper, a slightly smaller fruit than the other bell peppers is this trial, gave very good yields and offers a nice color spectrum. High tunnels are a great tool for vegetable growers to increase quality and color of bell peppers. Total economic performance per square foot is much less than tomatoes. However, labor inputs are also lower. Although not a perfect rotational crop with tomatoes, peppers are not a host for Fulvia Leaf Mold, and are less likely to harbor Two Spotted Spider Mites. We encourage growers to consider peppers in high tunnels for increased quality and yield.
Grafting Cucumbers in High Tunnels
Judson Reid, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Soil based greenhouse and high tunnel production of vegetables has risen dramatically in New York recently. This season extension technology offers farmers an opportunity to target market price peaks and capitalize on rising demand for locally grown produce. Considerable attention has been given, justifiably, to tomatoes in these settings. Trials by the Cornell Vegetable Program confirm that cucumbers can also be grown at a profit in tunnels.
As production continues in the same soil beds, risk of root-zone diseases and soil nutrient deficiencies increase. Grafting, the combination of two separate cultivars into one plant, could be a solution to these challenges. Evaluations of grafted tomato by the Cornell Vegetable Program revealed several advantages. This project endeavored to graft cucumbers onto a fig leaf gourd (Cucurbita ficifolia) for increased yields and cold hardiness.
High Tunnel Hanging Baskets, 2010
Judson Reid, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Although Cornell Vegetable Program research from 2009 showed a net positive impact of hanging baskets of petunias on tunnel economic performance, tomato yields were decreased. In 2010 the project team repeated research in an unheated high tunnel, representing a dramatic decrease in fuel inputs compared to a heated greenhouse for hanging baskets. A lower density treatment was used, compared to 2009, and light intensity data was collected. Risks of shading an in-ground tomato crop and spread of insects and diseases between the flowers and vegetables were investigated.
Grafting of Tomatoes for Soil-based Production in Protected Culture
Judson Reid, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Soil based greenhouse and high tunnel production of tomatoes has risen dramatically in the Finger Lakes Region within the last 5 years. This season extension technology offers farmers an opportunity to target market price peaks and capitalize on the rising demand for locally grown produce. Tomatoes from these protected culture systems have proven profitable in wholesale auction settings as well as farmer's markets and CSAs.
As production continues in the same soil beds, risk of root-zone diseases and soil nutrient deficiencies increase. Grafting of desirable fruiting varieties onto vigorous, disease resistant rootstock has become a standard production technique in hydroponic facilities throughout the world. This project seeks to evaluate the potential of grafting for small scale farmers in New York and demonstrate its advantages.
Asparagus
Beets
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Cucumbers
Dry Beans
Eggplant
Ethnic Vegetables
Garlic
Horseradish
Kohlrabi
Leeks
Lettuce / Leafy Greens
Melons
Onions
Parsnips
Peas
Peppers
Potatoes
Pumpkins / Gourds
Radishes
Rhubarb
Rutabaga
Snap Beans
Squash - Summer
Squash- Winter
Sweet Corn
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Turnips
Upcoming Events
2023 Potato Advisory Meeting
December 12, 2023
Canandaigua, NY
This year's Potato Advisory Meeting will include talks from Cornell faculty on insect pest and weed updates, as well as updates from this year's potato variety trials. Following lunch, there will be a round table discussion with fellow potato growers and industry members. DEC credits: 2.0 credits in 10, 1a, 23. This meeting is FREE to attendees and includes lunch!
2024 Finger Lakes Produce Auction Winter Growers Meeting
January 4, 2024
Penn Yan, NY
This annual meeting will present information on insect and disease management in fresh market vegetables in both field and greenhouse (high tunnel) vegetables, primarily for those growing for wholesale auction. Grafting, biological and, where appropriate, conventional spray options will be discussed. Berry production updates will be provided. A general session will include updates from the Food Safety Modernization Act. Judson Reid, Senior Extension Associate with the Cornell Vegetable Program along with CCE staff will instruct participants and facilitate peer-based learnings. DEC recertification credits will be offered.