Locally-grown produce being grown in high tunnels

An increasing number of people in West Virginia are putting up high tunnels to extend the state’s short growing season, reports The Register-Herald. Appearing before the state’s Agriculture and Agri-business Committee, Orland McMeans, dean and director of the Gus Douglass Institute at West Virginia St. Univ., informed a legislative panel that more residents were looking to extend the growing season by erecting high tunnels. McMeans said that 31 structures have been constructed and that the number was expected to increase an additional 15 within 3-4 months. The institute’s associate dean Bill Woodrum told the committee members that the tunnels can be constructed for less than $1,000.

Earlier this year the university initiated a research project designed to increase the use of high tunnels in agricultural production. The goal of the project is to develop an alternative construction solution using locally available materials for growers of specialty crops.

The paper also reported that the institute has implemented a community garden program in which cities provide residents with the land to grow their own vegetables. Currently a dozen gardens have been planted in the Charleston-Huntington area. McMeans said the program is expected to expand into southern counties. 

Pictured: An increasing number of people in West Virginia are looking to put up high tunnels to extend the growing season. Photo courtesy of Iowa State University