Using Low Tunnels to Extend the Growing Season for Organic Strawberries in Alabama

This project was designed as a demonstration project to determine if the strawberry harvest season could be extended, potentially allowing farmers to get their strawberries to the market early for premium prices. Low-tunnel production can provide an opportunity for local organic growers to economically produce early berries, particularly if they do not have the resources for production in a greenhouse or high tunnel. The project coordinator compared raising strawberries using various combinations of matted rows, black plastic mulch and low tunnels. The three varieties tested were Allstar, Camarosa and Chandler.

This project took place in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8a.

Want more information? See the related SARE grant(s) FS08-224, Organic Strawberry Production: Extending the Season with Low Tunnels.