High Tunnel Build Workshop: April 1-2 in Jefferson

You want a high tunnel. Maybe you already bought it. You thought you could put it up on your own. Then, like Jeremy (pictured below), you realize you had bit off more than you could chew. You thought, “It’d be great if I could talk to someone who’s done this…” or better yet, “I’d like get some hands-on experience building a tunnel before wrecking my own…” 
Lucky for you, it’s time for another PFI High Tunnel Build Workshop! 

This workshop will be at Deal’s Orchard in Jefferson, hosted by Chris Deal (in the orange shirt, working on the cross purlin, below). His family owns and operates the 45-acre orchard, and Chris is adding a 30 ft x 96 ft Four Season Tools high tunnel to bring some additional crops to the family business. The high tunnel will have wooden sidewalls and end walls, and automated roll-up sides. The workshop will be led by Jeff Mikesell, who has been installing FST high tunnels around the country for the past three years. 

The workshop begins on Saturday, April 1st at 9:00 a.m. and runs until 6:00; then resumes Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. The first day will include constructing the bows, setting them in the ground posts, bracing and purlins, and end wall construction. The second day will be the plastic, installing the roll-up sides and doors. In addition to learning how to do this, attending this high tunnel build workshop will give you an idea of what tools and how many people you will need to successfully construct your own high tunnel.

This workshop is FREE for PFI members; $40 more non-members. Registration is required – email liz@practicalfarmers.org or call the PFI office at 515-232-5661.

Check out some more photos from our last high tunnel build workshop – it was solid (and square!).