Greenhouse TomaToes in a New York High Tunnel

摘要

In New York State's Finger Lakes region, greenhouse tomato production has increased dramatically over the last five years. Most of this growth is the result of an influx of Mennonite and Amish growers seeking alternative horticultural production methods. However, heating a greenhouse through a New York winter requires high-energy input and can be cost prohibitive. An alternative to a fully heated greenhouse is the hoop house or high tunnel. Unlike greenhouses, these structures have no supplemental heat or automated ventilation. High tunnels can be moved, which offers an advantage for rotating into fresh soil for tomato culture, to avoid pest and disease build-up, as well as nutrient depletion.