Consider benefits of high tunnel production

A good-quality high tunnel can be built for $1.50-$2 per square foot of production area, and payback can be short if there is a market for the flowers produced in it.

The benefits of using high tunnels were discussed at a program this summer for cut flower growers sponsored by University of Maryland. A high tunnel is a reasonable investment if a grower is looking to serve early and late markets and produce a better-quality product during the rest of the season. A grower can generally generate more cash from cut flowers in early spring or from October through December compared to summer sales.

Depending on the crop, high tunnel production benefits can include longer stem length, less disease occurrence, decreased pest pressure and better overwintering.

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For more: University of Maryland Cooperative Extension, Central Maryland Research and Education Center, (301) 596-9413; www.agnr.umd.edu/ipmnet.