High tunnel is low-cost version of a greenhouse. The definition of high tunnel was given as a freestanding structure, without heating or electrical power, using passive ventilation for air exchange and cooling, and an irrigation system for crop production. High tunnel (or hoop house) cooling is realized by passive ventilation from the roll-up sides and opening door at both ends. Heating is by naturally trapping heat during the daytime and retaining heat within covered plastic during night. The only external connection is often the irrigation line.

High Tunnels Farming Benefits:

Extended growing season
- The horticultural zone of Eudora, Ks is a zone 6. Which means the peak-growing season is between early May to the end of September under typical conditions.
- The use of high tunnel farming extends the growing season by 2 months in the spring & 1-2 months in the fall. Making the growing season is from early in March through November.

Controlled environment means:
- Less pesticides and herbicides are needed to control/maintain damage to produce due to insect, disease and/or nocuous weeds.
b. Less damage to crops due to predators such as deer, raccoons, opossum, rodents etc.
- Creates a more stable growing environment and protects from frost, drought, damaging storms (i.e. high winds, hail & torrential down-pours of rain), and extreme heat

More consistent quality of fruits and vegetables
- The appearance will create a more marketable product. Less splits, cracks and deformity will occur to fruits & vegetables using the high tunnel method of growing.
- The taste and consistency is said to surpass field grown crops. The sweetness, plumpness and juiciness of both fruits and vegetables are enhanced when grown using high tunnels.

Yield increase as compared to field-grown fruits and vegetables is estimated to be 100-300% based on statistics from regional growers.
-The individual fruit is bigger and the abundance greater in comparison to field grown produce.

Extended season means higher marketability. When field grown crops have finished their season, the high tunnel crops are able to continue production. Therefore allowing for higher market demands for the produce.

Benefits to CLO clients:

1 Working and learning with staff in a safe controlled environment.
2 Learning about horticulture and produce crops
3 Learning about commerce through the use of the produce stand