News from the Noteworthy: Sustainable Otsego

Tunnel Vision - Hoop Houses Extend Growing Season

Farmers have sought protection from climate and weather since the beginning of agriculture. Gardeners of Roman emperor Tiberius are credited with creating the first greenhouse “effect” by placing sheets of selenite, a translucent form of gypsum, over winter crops. Now climate change is bringing extremes of heat and cold, rain bombs, blights, and other challenges.

An increasingly popular and economical protection for row crops is the passive solar hoop house (AKA high tunnel). Thousands are being built throughout the U.S. annually, often through federal grants.

Unlike the traditional glass greenhouse—which is usually heated, expensive, rigid, yet fragile—the hoop house is cheap and versatile, and almost always unheated. On average costing between $5.00 and $10.00 per square foot, they are made of anchored metal hoops covered with a plastic sheeting.