High Tunnels

Blog Posts

Tomatoes growing inside high tunnel with two different types of trellising methods shown
Read article: From Dixon Springs Ag Center: High tunnel trials are underway
From Dixon Springs Ag Center: High tunnel trials are underway
Tomato and pepper variety trials are being conducted in one of the high tunnels at DSAC, with a planting date of April 6. Tomato variety trials will...
A finger holding a branch with green leaves emerging from fruit bud
Read article: From Northern Illinois (Rockford): Springtime bloom
From Northern Illinois (Rockford): Springtime bloom
Bloom PeriodBy the time you read this, most fruit trees in northern Illinois will have bloomed. When I visited an orchard in mid‑...
white flowers on an apple tree branch
Read article: From Dixon Springs Ag Center: Storm damage from early March changes research plans
From Dixon Springs Ag Center: Storm damage from early March changes research plans
The mid March cold snap brought temperatures in the 18 to 22 degree range across southern Illinois. Double row covers on plasticulture strawberries...
Hundreds of white dimples on clear plastic stretched over a high tunnel caused by the impact of hail.
Read article: Extreme weather events: What to do when hail strikes
Extreme weather events: What to do when hail strikes
On the night of March 4, a severe storm system came through southern Illinois which consisted of high winds, hail, and very heavy rain. That system...

News Releases

Bronwyn Aly and Kacie Athey in high tunnel
High tunnels extend growing season and benefit farming operations
SIMPSON, Ill. - More Illinois specialty crop growers are planting in high tunnels to extend their growing season, increase crop diversity, achieve higher yields, and improve quality. However, high tunnels come with unique challenges, including deciding on the layout and structural design, which...