6 Factors To Consider When Constructing High Tunnel End Walls

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When asking other growers if there is a “best” way to create high tunnel end walls, you will get one of two types of answers. The “no” answer usually comes from growers that have tried many different types and have experienced success and failures along the way. If a grower gives you an answer on what they believe to be the best type, it means they’ve have had more success with one design than they have had failure.

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Why do you use high tunnels?

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High tunnel structure at the U of I St Charles Research Center with zippered fabric ends. Photo Credit:  University of Illinois, St Charles Horticultural Research Center

High tunnel structure at the U of I St Charles Research Center with zippered fabric ends. Photo Credit: University of Illinois, St Charles Horticultural Research Center

Whatever end wall design you choose, it should be based on a number of site-specific factors, but all end walls should have the following six attributes:

  1. The end wells should be able to be sealed securely and have a minimum of gaps.
  2. They should be structurally sound. The end wall takes a lot of abuse, and should be secured to the rest of the structure and not be “free-standing.” For example, they should be connected to at least one of the bows with braces.
  3. The wall opening should be only big enough to get your specific equipment inside the structure. Don’t construct a 20 foot wide end-wall opening if the only piece of equipment you have is 4 feet wide. Larger equipment may be purchased in the future, but the end wall structure can be changed down the road at that time. Plus, the fabric will need to be changed at some point anyway.
  4. Secure the end-wall post into the ground preferably with concrete. If you can’t use concrete, use ground anchors large enough to secure the structure to the ground during wind events.
  5. Consider using anchor blocks or anchor bolts on the bottom of the end-wall posts before securing them with excavated earth or concrete.
  6. Make sure you can easily enter the structure. Have a walk-in door in addition to any other entrance points. You want to make access to the structure as easy as possible as you will be entering it many times a day.

Source: Kyle Cecil, Illinois Fruit and Vegetable News

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