Over the last few years high tunnels have started to grow in popularity in Mercer County. High tunnels are primarily use for specialty crop production, including fruit and vegetables, and have been shown to increase quality and yield. One huge benefit is they are able to extend the growing season for small and large commercial growers to provide produce when field production is on the decline or it is too early in the season. Due to this interest in high tunnel production the Mercer County Horticulture Agent partnered with the UK vegetable specialist to offer a class on high tunnel basics.

Participants in the class were made up of producers who had high tunnels, clients who had inherited a high tunnel upon buying a farm or one that was not in use, and clientele who are interested in installing a high tunnel this spring. This class was held at the Mercer County Extension Office but was led via Zoom. The specialist covered topics on general high tunnel structure, site selection, soil management, crop management, season extension, temperature/humidity issues, and using a cover crop within a tunnel. 

Participants were give a pre and post survey and results found increases in participant’s knowledge on high tunnel topics.

• General High tunnel information (27%)
• Site Selection (45%)
• Soil Management (27%)
• Crop Management (54%)
• Temperature Management (54%)

Out of the eleven participants five plan to put up a high tunnel or have one in not current use plan to utilize this information when they get one or start using theirs. The other four participants who have a high tunnel in current use expect somewhat increase/improved productions in their tunnel for the growing season.