Home High Tunnel Construction
Elizabeth Buck, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program

Part I
Part 1 introduces the farm, lays out the background information, gives specifics on tunnel dimensions, lists all materials needed and includes construction instructions from site preparation to ground post installation.
Part II
Part 2 continues outlining the construction process. Includes information on bending, installing and anchoring hoops.
Part III
Part 3 concludes the construction process, covering ridge-pole installation, plastic attachment, end wall construction and photos of finished tunnels. It also contains links to additional resources.
Additional resources that may be helpful to you:
Quick Tunnel Instruction Guide - Johnny's Selected Seeds (PDF; 2701KB)
Zero Disease Tolerance in High Tunnels (PDF; 216KB)
Part I: General Info from Site Preparation to Ground Post Installation (pdf; 2760KB)

Upcoming Events
Vegetable Pest and Cultural Management Field Meeting for Auction Growers -- Seneca
July 29, 2026
Romulus, NY
A field walk will demonstrate pest management in fresh market vegetables in both field and greenhouse (high tunnel) vegetables, primarily for those growing for wholesale auction. CCE Cornell Vegetable Program Specialist Judson Reid will identify weeds, insects and diseases in vegetables and will go over management options such as inter-row cover crops, grafting, and where appropriate, spray options.
DEC recertification credits available: 2.0 in categories 10, 1a, 23 and 24.
Vegetable Pest and Cultural Management Field Meeting for Auction Growers -- Yates
July 31, 2026
Himrod, NY
A field walk will demonstrate pest management in fresh market vegetables in both field and greenhouse (high tunnel) vegetables, primarily for those growing for wholesale auction. CCE Cornell Vegetable Program Specialist Judson Reid will identify weeds, insects and diseases in vegetables and will go over management options such as inter-row cover crops, grafting, and where appropriate, spray options.
DEC recertification credits available: 2.0 in categories 10, 1a, 23 and 24.
Chipping Potato and Field Crops Twilight Meeting
August 27, 2026
Dansville, NY
This year, our field meeting is bringing together field crops and chipping potatoes. SWNY Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Specialist Katelyn Miller will lead a field crops management discussion. Hear the latest updates in potato disease control and see the Cornell chipping potato variety trial run by Walter De Jong. Dinner follows the educational event.
1.5 DEC credits available in 10, 1a, 21, and 23.