High Tunnels

Blog Posts

row of green tomato plants in a high tunnel
Read article: Early observations from high tunnel determinate tomato variety trial
Early observations from high tunnel determinate tomato variety trial
Historically, applied fruit and vegetable research conducted at the University of Illinois Dixon Springs Agricultural Center in southern Illinois has...
several green tomato fruits on plant
Read article: From Dixon Springs Ag Center: Demonstration and research crops off to good start
From Dixon Springs Ag Center: Demonstration and research crops off to good start
New plastic was finally able to be installed on the middle high tunnel on May 12. Wind conditions were calm and the process of reskinning took 8 of...
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‑...

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...