Growing season extended by tunnels

High-tunnel farming is allowing more north country farmers to plant earlier, harvest longer and bring in more revenue after regular growing and harvesting seasons end.

Many north country farms use high tunnels, large metal-framed structures covered in plastic, to get the most out of a short growing season. The tunnels allow farmers to plant earlier, which is ideal, especially for those who sell at farmers markets.

"It's good to get something out on the market that early," said Almeda M. Grandjean, who has been using a tunnel since 2004.

Mrs. Grandjean begins planting her crops, including peppers and tomatoes, in April. Her season usually is extended by two months.

Plants grown under high tunnels are more protected than field-grown crops. The plastic shields plants from adverse weather, pests and excess moisture.

"It's definitely helping, especially in these northern climates where our vegetable season is limited," said Jay M. Matteson, Jefferson County agricultural coordinator.

This was the first year M. Chris Loy, co-owner of Bush Gardens, 10371 State Route 26, Carthage, attempted high-tunnel farming.

"Our tomatoes are much nicer," she said.

She started peppers, tomatoes, beans, Brussels sprouts and cucumbers in April. Since then, she has transplanted some plants to the ground.

Ms. Loy noted some of the advantages of beginning plants in a high tunnel as opposed to starting them indoors. Plants grown indoors, for instance, become lopsided, while high-tunnel plants grow straight up, making them stronger, she said.

High tunnels allow farmers to work their crops during any weather conditions, with minimal annoyance.

"When it's pouring rain outdoors, you can work out there," Mrs. Grandjean said.

Ms. Loy said she plans to plant spinach and lettuce after the market season to grow during the winter.

"And you don't have to heat it, which is good," Ms. Loy said.

Rhonda V. Lamont, Back Woods Greenery, Glenfield, doesn't have a high tunnel, but relies instead on greenhouse farming for an extended growing season. The greenhouse allows her to begin planting in February, churning out tomatoes by June 1.

With so many farmers having an extra-long growing season, Mr. Matteson said, some participating at the farmers market in Salmon Run Mall have asked that it stay open past Oct. 28.

"People start producing in April and still have fruits well into October," he said.