[Market-farming] Book Info

Sharon and Steve shopkins at tdstelme.net
Thu Jan 24 07:20:44 EST 2008


The Hoophouse Handbook: Growing Produce and Flowers in Hoophouses and High 
Tunnels -- by Growing for Market
     The greatest thing in market farming since the tractor! A hoophouse is 
a low-cost, low-tech greenhouse structure that is erected right in the field 
so plants can be grown in the ground, but with some protection from the 
elements. Hoophouses rely on the sun for heat, and natural ventilation for 
cooling. Because of their low cost to build and operate, hoophouses can pay 
for themselves in just one season.
     Hoophouses are also known as high tunnels, cold frames and passive 
solar greenhouses. They have been widely used in Europe for decades. Now 
growers everywhere are discovering the many benefits of growing in a 
hoophouse: Crops get an earlier start in spring and can be produced later in 
fall; Cold-hardy crops can be grown all winter; Crops that can't be grown 
outside because of wind thrive in a hoophouse; Yield and quality in most 
crops are greatly improved.
     Besides producing great food and flowers over a longer season, 
hoophouses add a measure of predictability that just doesn't exist elsewhere 
in farming. While field crops suffer from excessive rain, late and early 
frosts, hail, windstorms and other natural hazards, hoophouse crops just 
keep growing.
     The Hoophouse Handbook provides an essential introduction to hoophouse 
horticulture. It describes the most profitable crops to grow in a hoophouse, 
including cut flowers, early and heirloom tomatoes, strawberries, 
raspberries, and salad greens. It also offers advice on how to buy, site and 
build a hoophouse. With more than 50 photos and illustrations, this book 
makes it easy to get started with this profitable farm business. Softcover, 
8.5x11, 60 pages, $15.00, GFM Online Store / #BOOKH03





More information about the Market-farming mailing list