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 -- Ontario Produce Auction

July 15, 2025
Stanley, NY
This evening meeting will demonstrate pest management in fresh market vegetables in both field and greenhouse (high tunnel) vegetables, primarily for those growing for wholesale auction. A hands-on demonstration of weed, insect and disease identification in vegetables including management options. Details on each topic will focus on field observations at the farm.
Orleans Summer Vegetable Meeting, 2025

July 16, 2025
Waterport, NY
Meeting themes are pest management in a wide array of produce and best practices for pesticide use. Professor Brian Nault will cover allium leaf miner and thrips in onions, garlic, and leeks, and discuss insect challenges in other crops. Bring your questions! We'll also have a field walk that includes high tunnel tomato and cucumber.
DEC credits available: 0.5 in CORE plus either 1.25 in 1a and 23, or 0.75 in 24.
Vegetable Pest and Cultural Management Field Meeting for Auction Growers -- Finger Lakes Produce Auction

July 18, 2025
Penn Yan, NY
This evening meeting will demonstrate pest management in fresh market vegetables in both field and greenhouse (high tunnel) vegetables, primarily for those growing for wholesale auction. A hands-on demonstration of weed, insect and disease identification in vegetables including management options. Details on each topic will focus on field observations at the farm.