Orientation of Small Hobby High Tunnels and Potential Effects on Cut Sunflowers and Fresh Herbs

Abstract

<jats:p>High tunnels are gaining popularity for their use in horticultural crop production. However, little is known about the effect of high tunnel orientation on plant growth and development. In this set of studies, we show tunnel orientation does not necessarily affect the production of cut sunflower (<jats:italic>Helianthus annuus</jats:italic>) and culinary herbs oregano (<jats:italic>Origanum vulgare</jats:italic>), marjoram (<jats:italic>Origanum majorana</jats:italic>), and garlic chive (<jats:italic>Allium tuberosum</jats:italic>). Two high tunnels, one with the long axis oriented north-south (NS) and the other east-west (EW), were used to test the effects of high tunnel orientation on several crops over a 5-year period: cut sunflower (2012 and 2016); marjoram, oregano, and garlic chive (2013 and 2014); and garlic chive (2015). The tunnels are 12 × 16 ft, smaller than those used in commercial production. The size would be appropriate for hobby and seasonal production of horticultural crops for local markets. Cut sunflower stems were similar lengths both years in both high tunnels. Sunflower times to harvest were different between cultivars but not between high tunnels. Oregano fresh weight yields were highest in the NS tunnel in 2013 but similar between tunnels in 2014. Marjoram fresh weights were highest in 2013 in the EW tunnel but highest in 2014 in the NS tunnel. Garlic chive fresh weights were similar between tunnels all 3 years. We show that differences are more a function of innate cultivar characteristics than which way small high tunnels are oriented.</jats:p>

Greenhouse and High Tunnel Production of Specialty Cut Flowers

“…High-tunnel sides were kept open when temperatures increase above 40 F; they were closed when temperatures decreased below 40 F. All plants were grown under natural light and daylengths in the greenhouse and high tunnels. Panter et al (2019) obtained environmental data inside of the high tunnels from 2012 through 2015. The temperature and light data loggers were positioned 12 inches above the ground; the average air temperature ranged from 65.5 to 79.5 F; light readings were higher than those in the greenhouse and differed depending on the time of day (ranging between 0 and %11,984.5 lumens/ft 2 ) (Panter et al, 2019).…”

“…Panter et al (2019) obtained environmental data inside of the high tunnels from 2012 through 2015. The temperature and light data loggers were positioned 12 inches above the ground; the average air temperature ranged from 65.5 to 79.5 F; light readings were higher than those in the greenhouse and differed depending on the time of day (ranging between 0 and %11,984.5 lumens/ft 2 ) (Panter et al, 2019).…”

“…Garfinkel and Panter (2014) demonstrated the successful cultivation of three cultivars of sunflower in yearround greenhouse production. Panter et al (2019) showed that high-tunnel orientation did not affect sunflower growth parameters such as stem lengths and time to harvest and that the differences were the result of specific cultivar characteristics.…”

“…The protection from inclement weather using both of the production methods has shown to increase cut flower stem lengths and prevent chances of disfigurement and disease (Lamont, 2009). Productivity in protected environments needs to be evaluated regionally (Ortiz et al, 2012) in Wyoming of fresh cut sunflower (Helianthus annuus) production (Garfinkel and Panter, 2014;Panter et al, 2019). Garfinkel and Panter (2014) demonstrated the successful cultivation of three cultivars of sunflower in yearround greenhouse production.…”

Effects of Fertilizer Source and Rate on Zinnia Cut Flower Production in a High Tunnel

“…High tunnels have been widely used in Asia, Spain, Italy, and the Middle East for production of horticultural crops since the 1990s [7]. In the United States, high tunnels have been recognized by growers and researchers as important tools to produce vegetables, small fruits, cut flowers, and other specialty crops, and the use of high tunnels has increased rapidly in recent years [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. Compared to greenhouses, high tunnels require lower construction and operating costs, providing growers with a cost-effective way to extend growing seasons and produce quality crops.…”