Most of our summer vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, etc. are frost-sensitive. High tunnels protect plants from early season frost, warms the soil, increases ambient temperature and enhances crop growth. Extending their growing season using high tunnels is gaining popularity in the state. Our high tunnel research program focuses on extending growing season of cucumber, tomato, lettuce, and other vegetables. The high tunnel research is investigating the use of colored plastic mulches to modify root temperature and integration of cover crops to improve soil quality and health inside high tunnels.
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