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market-farming - Re: Unheated hoophouses

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  • From: "Ted Carey" <tcarey AT oznet.ksu.edu>
  • To: "Market Farming" <market-farming AT franklin.oit.unc.edu>
  • Subject: Re: Unheated hoophouses
  • Date: Fri, 19 Jul 2002 07:24:21 -0500


Hi Jim and Julie,

Single-layer poly is just fine. In an unheated greenhouse you will
expect to get some freezing, but the single layer will provide lots
of frost protection, and this can be complemented by rowcover over
the beds.

Eliot Coleman in Maine keeps growing various cool season
crops throughout the winter. In Tennessee you ought to really keep
growing! In Missouri, Lewis Jett planted tomatoes in his high tunnels
in mid-March of this year and got a great early crop. I think he used
a small kerosene heater on one cold night to protect the crop.

For a good how-to manual on winter production in high tunnels, see E.
Coleman's "Winter Harvest Manual."

All the best.

> How important is two layers of poly for an unheated hoophouse? I know it
> helps insulation values, but our site lacks power for the blower motor.
> Of course the greenhouse salesman is saying one is fine. Will one layer
> work for fall lettuces and early spring tomatoes? First frost is Oct 15,
> last is April 15.
>

Ted Carey
Horticultural Food Crop Specialist
K-State Research and Extension Center - Olathe
35125 W 135th St
Olathe, KS 66061
Tel/fax: 913-438-8762
Tel: 913-322-0937
Mobile: 913-645-0007
email: tcarey AT oznet.ksu.edu




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