10 Benefits of Using All-Metal Tunnel Kits for Year-Round Farming
Are you a market gardener ready to boost your income, enhance your high tunnel expertise, and grow year-round? We know you take infrastructure investments seriously, so we created this list of ten benefits of using all-metal greenhouse kits. Whether you need a Quonset (round) high tunnel, a gothic-style hoop house, or a greenhouse for seed-starting, we’ll help you decide if this is the right investment for you.
In this article, we’ll discuss these ten benefits of all-metal high tunnel kits:
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Season extension
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Weather protection
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Decreased long-term costs
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Indoor climate control
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Reduced pest and disease issues
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Improved crop quality
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Water usage
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Modifications available
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Income stability
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Scalability
High Tunnel Kits for Year-round Farming
No matter what region or growing zone you’re in, all-metal high tunnels are more durable than wood frames and will stand the test of time through rain, sleet, droughts, and heavy snow. We’ve seen flimsy structures get blown off farms and outdoor fields of crops decimated by pests and disease nationwide. All-metal kits save you time, money, and worry.
1. Extended Growing Season
Sometimes, there’s still snow on the ground when northern growers sow seeds inside their high tunnels. When you rely on farm income, practical and efficient season extension tools and infrastructure are crucial. Add a metal high tunnel to your farm, and you might also add several weeks or even months to your growing calendar. First to market with spring greens? Yes, please!
In the spring, the ground inside a tunnel warms quickly, allowing you to work the soil, build beds, and sow seeds. You may get two to three rounds of additional quick greens or baby lettuce before your main season crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. Do that a few times and again in the fall, and the tunnel will practically pay for itself.
Install tunnels to boost your income without breaking new ground or buying more land. With the protection of high tunnels, you can grow through all four seasons, even in urban areas where space may be limited. Since crops grow quicker and stay healthier in high tunnels, you’ll get earlier harvests in the spring, and crops will stay strong into the fall. Really go for it by adding a low tunnel inside your hoop house for the ultimate season extension.
2. Superior Weather Protection
All-metal tunnels offer supreme durability, protecting crops against all Mother Nature brings. Gothic-style houses can withstand heavy snow and high winds. Rain will roll off an all-metal hoop house that plastic alternatives would buckle beneath the weight of. And various frost blanket weights will keep your crops frost-free, even on the coldest nights.
Our ridge poles, optional purlins, truss kits, and cross connectors will stabilize hoops on your tunnel for another layer of strength and confidence. Applying for an NRCS cost-share program? Contact your area rep to determine what extras will ensure your high tunnel is compliant to receive funding.
High tunnels don’t just help you grow pristine vegetables. They help flower farmers produce perfect blooms, overwinter corms and bulbs, and reduce pest damage. Read Cut Flowers for High Tunnels: A Beginner’s Plant Guide for tips and tricks for year-round high tunnel flower production.
3. Lower Long-Term Costs
Although investing in a metal tunnel costs more upfront, you’ll save money in the long run. Metal frames require fewer repairs than wooden frames. Wood rots and breaks down over time, requiring repairs and replacements every five to seven years. All-metal frames easily last 20 years or more. To extend the tunnel’s longevity, fix tears in the greenhouse plastic, and tighten hardware as needed.
The materials last longer, your season is longer, and your crops are healthier. The math is simple. Your ROI is quicker when you invest in an all-metal high tunnel or hoop house.
4. Better Temperature and Humidity Control
Managing high tunnel conditions can be tricky. If the humidity is too high, air and waterborne diseases spread quickly. When temperatures skyrocket, plants get stressed and shut down. But when you get humidity levels and the temperature just right, that’s the sweet spot for production. Stable conditions inside your tunnel lead to thriving seedlings and consistent, predictable crop yields.
Tunnel add-ons like ventilation and shutters control humidity and temperatures, while circulation fans keep the air fresh. Circulation fans blend warm and cool air year-round, keeping frost off your plants on cold nights and preventing hot air from stifling them in the summer. The strength of metal framing allows you to install and support vents and fans.
Place exhaust fans strategically to circulate air and reduce crop stress. Crank the sides up to keep the air flowing.
5. Reduced Pest and Disease Issues
There will always be pests on organic farms, but they may have a harder time finding their favorite crops if they’re in a high tunnel. Add insect netting to your walls for maximum protection and ensure no gaps. Rotate crops to keep them guessing. These simple tools and tips will keep crops healthy while saving money on sprays and pesticides.
Mulch in pathways and drip irrigation will reduce water splash and wet foliage, reducing ideal disease conditions. Scout for symptoms often and take quick action.
6. Improved Crop Quality
Plants thrive in consistent conditions and become stressed when they’re constantly changing. Crops in protected spaces are cleaner, larger, more uniform, and have fewer blemishes from weather and pests. It’s every market gardener and homesteader's dream!
Crops grown outdoors can be inundated with too much rainfall or suffer from long drought periods. But indoors, you can provide them with the Goldilocks conditions with drip irrigation and shade cloth. Plus, the soil will retain more moisture, and erosion will decrease.
Wholesale and farmers’ market customers will pay top dollar for your pristine fruits and vegetables and come back each week for more.
7. Efficient Water Usage
Knowing your tunnel’s soil texture will ensure precise watering. Watch our video to learn about your soil structure quickly with an at home test. Drip irrigation allows you to water precisely, even when you’re not around. Add an automatic timer and professional-grade moisture sensors to take the guesswork out of watering.
Drip irrigation in a tunnel will:
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Get water straight to the roots
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Retain soil moisture
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Conserve water
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Combat the effects of climate change
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Improve crop quality
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Increase yields
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Decrease the risk of fungal and foliar disease
Getting ample water to your crops is crucial, especially in a high tunnel where rain doesn’t fall. Plants will be stressed if moisture dips below a specific threshold and may not recover. This 2021 publication from the Utah State University Cooperative Extension breaks it down for us. You can use a moisture sensor to help you learn just when to water.
8. Quick Assembly and Modifications
We designed our all-metal tunnel kits with busy professional farmers in mind. Our instruction manuals are easy to follow, and only basic tools are required for the build. At Bootstrap Farmer, we’re all farmers, and our high tunnel kits are tested nationwide.
Our kits include everything you need to build an all-metal greenhouse, including USA-made pipes, UVA-resistant greenhouse plastic with a four-year warranty, and pre-bent hoop material. Grab a few helpful friends and plan on spending a few days installing your metal tunnel. Plan extra time for siting the area, reviewing package contents, and taking breaks between intensive labor.
Bootstrap tips: Once your tunnel is up and running, use ground covers to suppress weeds and silage tarps to help with germination and bed prepping. Frost blankets will help prevent early and late-season crop loss.
9. Year-Round Income Stability
Due to frost and harsh conditions, high tunnels are the only way to grow year-round in most parts of the country. The protected culture of all-metal tunnels will help guarantee healthy plants and the stable income you rely on. We have lots of resources for growers transitioning to year-round market garden growing.
Spend less time worrying about whether your tunnel can withstand the coming storm, and more time farming. When your crops are healthy, production and sales are steady.
Related: Top Seasonal Produce to Sell at Your Farm Stand: 2025 Guide
10. Scalable Growing System
As you expand your farming business, you can add more high tunnels. Start with one high tunnel to learn how to site an area, install it, control conditions, and deal with seasonal fluctuations. Their scalability makes it easy to increase your year-round offerings, like winter spinach and herbs in grow bags.
High tunnels allow you to expand production quickly, experiment with early hybrids, and diversify your offerings. With an all-metal structure, no dream is too big.
FAQs: Year-Round Growing in All-Metal Tunnels
What types of crops can I grow using all-metal high tunnel kits?
You can grow anything in all-metal high tunnels if the conditions are right.
Spring: cold-hardy leafy greens, radishes
Summer: heat-lovers like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, eggplant, herbs, roots
Fall: Brassicas, herbs, roots
Winter: onions, flowers, spinach, frost-tolerant greens
How long do all-metal tunnel kits typically last?
With proper upkeep and repairs, metal frames can last indefinitely. Typically, on an active farm they will last around 20 years.
Are metal frames expensive compared to other options?
Metal frames are more expensive upfront than plastic or wood frames. But, the ROI is much higher when you consider the lifespan of the metal for its strength and durability.
What maintenance do these kits require over time?
Annual maintenance should include:
✔ Repair plastic tears and check for air gaps
✔ Replace damaged screws and tighten loose bolts
✔ Adjust doors that heaved in frost
✔ Clean and check that cranks, vents, fans, etc., are in working order
✔ Test the soil and add amendments as needed
✔ Critter control
✔ Clean surfaces inside
How do I prepare the ground for installing a metal tunnel kit?
Grade and level the ground to prep your hoop house site. Proper leveling and location improve drainage and watering and encourage consistent growth.
Can all-metal tunnels handle extreme snowfall?
All-metal kits, especially the gothic-style versions, can withstand a high snow load. Snow quickly falls from the pointed rooftop, but removing it regularly is a daily maintenance task during the winter.
What size tunnel is best for small-scale market gardeners?
A 50 or 100-foot-long high tunnel is best for small-scale market gardening because they’re easy to maintain. Choose a tunnel width that aligns with your standardized bed size system. Consider your region’s weather, the optimal tunnel space on your property, and whether you’ll heat inside when choosing your kit size.
How does ventilation improve tunnel performance in summer?
Proper ventilation regulates temperature, controls pests, maintains fresh air flow, and aids pollination. Both passive and active ventilation are essential. A controlled growing space will make plants healthier and more productive.
Are tunnels suitable for organic production methods?
Organic growers can use high tunnels for production.
What accessories are essential for maximizing tunnel efficiency?
Available add-ons include:
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Roll-up side kits
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Double layer with an inflation blower
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Insect netting
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Shade cloth
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Double doors
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Extra doors
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Weed barrier ground cover
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Ventilation, fans, and shutters
Still Not Sure if an All-Metal High Tunnel Kit is Right for You?
If you’re on the fence about investing in an all-metal high tunnel kit, get off it and go for it! The durability of all-metal tunnels will quickly prove their worth as an efficient and long-term business investment. Be the first and last at the market with consistently beautiful produce. Grow confidently all year and make a stable income.
Whether you're leaning toward a caterpillar tunnel or a full hoop house, we've got resources to help you choose the setup that fits your farm and growing goals. Start with a breakdown of the differences between a caterpillar tunnel and a hoop house, then dive into the pros and cons of a gothic versus round hoop house to find your best match.