Low Cost High Tunnel Construction - eXtension

High tunnels are becoming increasingly popular for use by small farms who ften market directly to consumers. Although they have proven to be economically advantageous to farmers who wish to capitalize on high prices obtained either early or late in the growing season, permanent high tunnel structures do represent a significant capital investment. The cost for a standard size tunnel, including plastic (two layers) and all the materials required for construction can range from $1.50-$2.50 a square foot without labor and freight charges. This represents an initial investment of several thousand dollars, which is simply too much for some small farms. Although most growers are able to pay for their tunnels within a few growing seasons, others cannot justify the investment. For this reason, extension and research personnel at the University of Kentucky have been working on developing a low cost high tunnel covered with a single layer of plastic that can be assembled or moved in an afternoon. ...