High tunnels focus of Dec. 1 Purdue Extension open house
November 20, 2012
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Produce growers interested in continuing crop production into the winter months can attend Purdue Extension's High Tunnel Open House on Dec. 1 in Wanatah.
The open house will run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (CST) at the Pinney-Purdue Agricultural Center, 11402 S. County Line Road. Participants will have the opportunity to look at crop production in a movable high tunnel. They also will hear from Purdue Extension experts and experienced grower Kevin Cooley about tunnel construction, crop production and insect management.
"A hard freeze signals the end of the outdoor growing season, but vegetable farmers who take advantage of unheated greenhouses and row covers can protect crops into the late fall and winter for nearly year-round harvest," said Liz Maynard, Purdue Extension vegetable crops specialist.
Crops well suited to high tunnel production systems include spinach, kale, beets and carrots.
"High tunnels can give producers opportunities to provide customers with fresh-picked produce long after leaves have fallen and snow is on the ground," Maynard said.
The open house is free. More information is available by contacting Maynard at 219-531-4200, ext. 4206 or emaynard@purdue.edu
Writer: Jennifer Stewart, 765-494-6682, jsstewar@purdue.edu
Source: Liz Maynard, 219-531-4200, ext. 4206, emaynard@purdue.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Keith Robinson, robins89@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page
