The following resources can help you manage the temperature inside high tunnels and other season extension structures to provide an optimal growing environment for crops.
High Tunnel Temperature Management
Temperature management is one of the most critical factors in successful production of many high tunnel crops. This West Virginia University fact sheet includes recommended temperature ranges for common crops. Download File (152.42 kB)
Kansas State High Tunnel Video Series
This video series was developed by Kansas State Research and Extension, and includes segments on the following topics related to commercial high tunnel or hoop house production:
Overview | Design | What to Plant | Basic Management Considerations | Intensive Management | Resources
Managing the Environment in High Tunnels for Cool Season Vegetable Production
Light, temperature, and relative humidity influence how crops grow and develop. With support from SARE, Purdue University Extension developed this publication, which introduces important factors to consider during design, operation, and daily management of high tunnels, and explains plant responses to the environment. Download File (1.16 MB)
Temperature Management in High Tunnels
Understanding a crop's temperature requirements is the key to high tunnel management. This Utah State University fact sheet spells out temperature considerations and how these are best addressed using high tunnels and other season-extending technologies. Download File (364.57 kB)
Energy Conservation
Developing an Energy Efficient, Solar-Heated Greenhouse in Maryland
This project investigated the effectiveness of energy-efficient greenhouse design and the ability of water-heating solar panels to heat a greenhouse as a propane alternative. Download File (695.90 kB)
Greenhouse Energy Conservation Strategies and Alternative Fuels
Includes curriculum materials, extension bulletins, resource lists, and a greenhouse energy model that were developed with the intention that educators can use the materials in full or part to deliver programming on energy management and conservation for greenhouse production.
Alternative Energy Strategies
Developing an Energy Efficient, Solar-Heated Greenhouse in Maryland
This project investigated the effectiveness of energy-efficient greenhouse design and the ability of water-heating solar panels to heat a greenhouse as a propane alternative. Download File (695.90 kB)
Thermal Banking Greenhouses
Steven Schwen uses thermal banking to significantly reduce the energy costs of running a greenhouse for cold-season production.
Additional Resources on Temperature Management
The following resources, which were not funded or produced by SARE, contain valuable information.
Building a Passive Solar Greenhouse (a University of Missouri webpage with design specs and other information)
Double-layer Plastic Inflation with No Electricity (a University of Missouri fact sheet)