"High Tunnel Workshop for Home Gardener & Commercial Growers" is set for Thursday, March 7, 2013 at St. Leo's Catholic Church Spirit of Life Center, 211 Langer Ave. N. Casselton, ND from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Our workshop presenter will be Mr. Terrance T. Nennich, U of M Extension Professor, Vegetable and Small Fruit Production.
High tunnels are a completely separate production technology compared to regular gardening or field production. At its simplest, a high tunnel is a non-permanent structure with no electrical service and no heating. A single layer of greenhouse plastic covers the frame, is left on year-round, and lasts two or three years. Vents are opened and sides rolled up manually. Plants in the tunnel are protected from frost by mulch or row covers.
High Tunnels are becoming very popular in the local food production system as they allow both the commercial grower & home gardener to produce an abundance of early produce and also extend the end of the year growing season. Fruits and vegetables grown in high tunnels are often of very high quality.
High tunnels require a substantial capital investment up front, but sometimes can pay for themselves in the first year and even return a profit, if managed properly. Although high tunnels are simple in nature they are deep in understanding. This workshop will cover the basics of installing & operating a high tunnel.
This workshop will also feature presentations on climate change, marketing produce, wind generators, and EQIP high tunnel program.
The registration fee is $25, which includes lunch, course materials and refreshments. Participants can call Todd Weinmann at the NDSU Extension Service, Cass County at 701-241-5707 or Randy Nelson at the UMN Extension Office, Clay County at 218-299-7338 for more information. Registration after March 1 is $35.
County commissions, North Dakota State University and U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. North Dakota State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, status as a U.S. veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, or public assistance status. Direct inquiries to the Vice President for Equity, Diversity and Global Outreach, 205 Old Main, (701) 231-7708.
The University of Minnesota, including the University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
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