Farmers usually plant in the spring and harvest through the summer and fall, then take the winter off.
Some local farmers have found a way to grow year round.
It’s called High Tunnel Farming.
You might have noticed, driving around the rural areas of Southern Illinois, some small or large hangar-looking structures covered in clear plastic.
They're not greenhouses. they're called high tunnels or sometimes hoop houses.
Greenhouses are temperature controlled and high tunnels are not.
They’re heated from the sun and ventilated by opening the sides.
“High tunnels come in all shapes and sizes. Part of the reason for having a tall high tunnel is because you’re growing taller crops. You can make use of the vertical space so this is a gothic design with a 14 foot peak.”
Shade Tree Farm owner Ed Hickam is on his third year - not season - of using a high tunnel.
“You can begin earlier and you can grow later and because we grow things year-round, the season never really ends.”
Growing in a 24 by 72 foot high tunnel also gives Hickam more income year round.
“We produce almost as much revenue from the high tunnel as we do from the outside areas.”
What makes it so effective is the control the farmer has.
“It provides a protective environment to grow the plants in so some plants are less prone to foliar diseases because you can control the water.”
And having that protective environment means Hickam can farm in any kind of weather.
“It’s my favorite place to be on the farm, you can go to the high tunnel on a rainy day and be productive instead of watching it rain from inside.”
High Tunnels are sold in kits and some grants are available through the USDA and other agricultural programs.
