What to Grow in a High Tunnel That You May Not Have Thought of

High tunnels protect crops from harsh weather and extend your season. They produce more uniform flowers, fruits and vegetables, boosting market garden income.
Farmers often grow tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, and baby greens in high tunnels. Let’s think outside the box. Growing unique items reduces competition among nearby farmers and diversifies the market offerings.

We asked farmers what crops they’re growing in high tunnels and hoop houses. Here, we’ll discuss five unexpected crops that thrive in a tunnel greenhouse and why you should try them.

Why You Should Grow Uncommon Crops in a High Tunnel 

Many crops thrive in a high tunnel, not just commonly grown peppers and tomatoes. Unique crops on farmers’ market tables are exciting, and you can charge a premium for them. 

Maximize Return on Investment

Fill your high tunnel with early-season crops to get to market earlier for a quick ROI. Select crops with 21-35 days to maturity, like greens mixes and spinach. Add a few unique beds of crops to attract new customers and increase market prices. Let Cornell help you plan for profit. 

Stand Out at the Farmers’ Market

Farmers’ markets are a driving force in thriving communities. Bringing unique, unconventional items impacts patronage, sales, and interest. Competition can be challenging if you’re one of many vegetable growers in a small community. Create a more well-rounded customer experience and reduce competition by expanding niche crop production.

This poll by the University of Wisconsin-Madison revealed that diversity at farmers’ markets has many benefits for our communities. 

Mitigate Risks

Regardless of your hardiness zone, most crops will have a higher success rate in a high tunnel. Diversification enhances resilience and reduces environmental risks associated with field growing. Tunnels protect crops from heavy rain, snow, strong winds, pests, and disease. 

Healthier plants yield higher, more uniform, and more attractive crops. Predictable crops create a more stable income. 

Leverage the Benefits of High Tunnels

• Grow taller varieties 

• Protection from extreme weather and insects

• Push the boundaries of your growing zone 

• Reduce fungal diseases like powdery mildew

• Increased yields

• Stable income

• Extend your season  

5 High-Value Crops Perfect for Your Tunnel Greenhouse

1. Ginger

Ginger is a tropical plant with a high demand for fresh knobs and culinary-grade leaves. Give it the warmth it needs in your tunnel. 

Why Ginger Thrives in a High Tunnel

Ginger originated in maritime Southeast Asia; it thrives in humidity and warmth. The controlled environment allows it to stay healthy, grow fast, and produce more. 

Pest and disease pressure is lower compared to field growing. Plant in loose, well-drained soil for good aeration and strong roots. Apply fertilizer throughout the season. If you’re in zone 4 or lower, grow ginger in fabric grow bags rather than directly in the ground. 

Profit Potential for Ginger

Ginger is a multifaceted product. Sell young ginger, ginger leaves for tea, and the final product, large ginger knobs. Additionally, you can take splits of your plants and sell seed ginger. Encourage customers to grow their own ginger from your organically grown seed.

To impress customers, make ginger candy, soothing throat drops, or syrup for mocktails. Bootstrap tip: Once you can grow ginger, try turmeric next. 

3 Tips for Success

1. Sow seed ginger in 1020 mesh trays and put them on a heat mat. Water occasionally, allowing the soil to dry slightly between sessions. Avoid overwatering and allow up to six weeks for germination. 

2. Use a drip irrigation system for precise watering once transplanted.

3. Harvest young ginger for a tender, less fibrous product. 

2. Specialty Greens and Lettuce Varieties 

Extend your season with cold-hardy greens that chefs love. 

Varieties That Thrive in Temperature-Controlled Environments:

• Radicchio

• Endive 

• Escarole

• Frisée

• Winter purslane 

• Gem lettuces

• Arugula

• Mizuna

• Mustard

You may be harvesting some of these greens in winter!  

Profit Potential for Early Greens

When the snow starts to melt, everyone is ready for something fresh and green. Fill your high tunnel with quick-maturing, cold-hardy greens to fulfill this demand. You can get several successions before it’s time for summer annuals. 

Specialty grocers and restaurants will love your unique, flavorful greens options. Bitter greens are often paired with nuts, cheese, and berries in spring and fall salads. 

3 Tips for Success in Growing Specialty Greens

1. Sow a new succession every two to three weeks to ensure a continuous supply. 

2. Install low tunnels with layers of insect netting and row cover. Change them as the weather transitions and pest control is needed. In warmer climates, use shade cloth to prevent bolting. 

3. Plant densely to prevent weeds from germinating.

3. Strawberries 

Local berries always sell, and several varieties perform well across zones. 

Why Grow Strawberries in a High Tunnel

• They enjoy the warm, protected space 

• Earlier plantings = earlier berries to market

• Keep hungry critters and pests away. Set traps if necessary. 

• Berries grown in fields can get diseased from wet foliage, damp soil, and high humidity. A controlled environment can prevent this. 

Profit Potential in Growing Strawberries

Strawberries are a hit at farmers’ markets and farm stands. Chefs, bakers, and bartenders love them too. Charge more for early and late-season blemish-free strawberries. Select a mix of early-, mid-, and late-season varieties to maintain a steady supply. 

Try overwintering fall-planted bare-root strawberries. Mulch them with organic straw or cover them with row cover for protection. 

Bootstrap tip: Snip runners from June-bearing plants, and pot them up in fresh soil. In four to six weeks, you’ll have strawberry plants to offer for sale!

3 Tips for Successful Strawberries

1. Burn holes in landscape fabric at the appropriate plant spacing to reduce weed pressure and prevent runners from setting. 

2. Use heavy row covers to protect early blooms from frost damage. 

3. If you have tunnel space to experiment with, grow figs and blueberries in containers or grow bags. 

4. Flowers for Cutting

Small-scale farmers are known for making the most of their space to get the most out of their acreage. Adding flowers to your lineup can take your business to the next level. 

Cutting Flower Varieties that Thrive in a Hoop House

• Ranunculus 

• Dahlias 

• Anemones

• Snapdragons 

• Sweet peas 

• Lisianthus 

• Tulips 

Flowers enjoy a tunnel’s consistent temperature and protection from pests. Florists and marketgoers appreciate the tall stems and unblemished blooms. 

Profit Potential 

High tunnel-grown flowers will be taller, healthier, and higher yielding. Flowers help attract pollinators and expand your market and farm store offerings. 

Offer a pick-your-own experience for brides and expectant mothers for upcoming showers. Fill buckets with flowers for DIY weddings. Supply value-added corsages. The list of what you can do with tunnel-grown flowers is endless, and the space you need is minimal. 

3 Tips for Success

1. Overwinter ranunculus, tulip bulbs, and anemone corms for early blooms. 

2. Transplant with tight spacing to encourage competition. Competition will force flowers to stretch, resulting in extra-long stems perfect for bouquets.  

3. Use a plastic trellis to offer support as flowers grow. 

Check out our beginner’s guide for cut flowers in high tunnels to get started. 

Honorable Mention: Edible Flowers 

Use vertical space to hang baskets of edible flowers such as nasturtium, calendula, and lemon gem marigolds. This underused space can generate additional income, and the strong scents may deter pests. 

Chefs, bakers, and bartenders love receiving deliveries of fresh, locally grown edible flowers. Offer them alongside microgreens and herbs as a value-added product. A few of these on a delicious plate instantly elevate the consumer experience. Michelle of For the Good Microgreens, in AZ, says they practically market themselves! Read our top tips for growing edible flowers here. 

5. Specialty Peppers

We know sunlight-loving bell peppers and cayennes thrive in the dry heat of a high tunnel. Specialty peppers get you even more bang for your buck. Smaller peppers mature more quickly and sell at a premium. 

Unique Varieties to Try 

• ‘Shishito’ is a prolific and versatile ingredient in Japanese cuisine that has gained popularity in the United States. 

• ‘Aji Dulce’ offers a unique tropical flavor, with little heat. The fruity taste is perfect for Caribbean dishes, jam, and even gelato. 

• Don’t confuse ‘Jimmy Nardello’ with your cayennes. These heirlooms are long and slightly wrinkled, but mildly sweet. Their plants will produce more than your bell peppers and have similar uses. 

Pepper Profit Potential

Become the go-to farm stand for people looking for items they can’t find at the grocery store. The harder an item is to find, the higher the value. This 2022 Michigan State University study discusses various soil treatments, temperatures, and yields of specialty peppers. 

3 Tips for Success

1. Start seeds indoors early using a heat mat for consistent temperatures. Up-pot and harden seedlings off so they’re ready for transplant when the weather allows. Space them 18-24 inches apart to maintain healthy airflow. 

2. Deep-water plants with drip irrigation to keep root systems healthy and decrease foliar disease. 

3. Toss a scoop of compost and kelp meal into each transplant hole to boost early-season nutrients. Side-dress them occasionally to enhance their productivity.  

Practical Growing Tips for High Tunnel Success

To keep plants happy and healthy, we recommend the following steps. 

Invest in Key Equipment

• Drip irrigation puts water where plants need it, at the roots. Precise watering keeps foliage dry, roots happy, lowers disease risk, and reduces evaporation. 

• Use vine clips or Qliprs to prevent breakage, support the plant’s weight, and help you manage a two-leader system.

• Invest in an all-metal high tunnel kit for extra strength, durability, and peace of mind. Which one is right for you? 

Climate Control

Ensure ample greenhouse ventilation to prevent disease. Use a simple temperature and humidity gauge and adjust vents and fans. Watch the weather and remove or add row cover and shade cloth as needed. Don’t allow coverings to come into contact with plants to avoid cold and frost damage. 

Focus on Soil Health 

Test your soil every year to ensure it contains the proper nutrients. Rotate crops and amend regularly. Use cover crops between cash crops to suppress weeds, add organic matter, and boost fertility. 

Plan for Market Demand

Sell everything before you put it in the ground, as some seasoned growers would say. If you want to experiment with new crops, devote a small plot. Avoid taking up valuable tunnel space until you know whether it performs well and whether customers will buy it. Ask your customers what they hope to see on market tables and restaurant menus. If there is a market gap, try to fill it. 

Experiment with different timings to meet the demand for seasonal products, such as tulips for Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day. 

FAQs For Unique High Tunnel Crops

What makes certain crops more suitable for high tunnels?

Crops that thrive in a climate-controlled space are best suited for high tunnels. Those who benefit from the added height also need protection from harsh weather, high winds, and damaging pests. 

Are there any challenges to growing specialty crops in high tunnels?

• It may become too hot without the necessary controls and precautions.

• Disease may increase without proper ventilation and airflow. 

• You may get frustrated if you lose expensive seeds.

• Growth can be slow during long spells of cloudy, rainy spring days. 

• Some pests and weeds reproduce quickly.

How do I know if a crop has strong market demand in my area?

Visit local grocers, restaurants, online farm stores, and farmers’ markets. Pay attention to what sells out first. Talk with customers, ask if they want something they can’t find, and fill the demand. 

What are the best tools for managing humidity and heat in high tunnels?

Control humidity and heat with HAF fans, thermostats, roll-up sides, ridge vents, doors, windows, and exhaust fans.

Which crops pair well together for maximizing space in a high tunnel?

A few dynamic duos to try: 

1. Scallions between lettuce, chard, or bunching kale 

2. Radishes and salad turnips with sugar snap peas

3. Carrots with tomatoes 

4. Herbs and flowers

Experiment with spacing your crops and note what works. You might discover a new pair that thrives together and helps maximize tunnel space. 

How can I prevent common diseases in high tunnel-grown crops?

• Space plants properly

• Manage humidity

• Keep temperatures at safe levels

• Vent and circulate fresh air

• Practice good sanitation

• Select disease-resistant cultivars to reduce the risk of common diseases. 

• Scout often and take swift action if you suspect disease. 

What is the ideal planting schedule for high tunnel crops to ensure consistent harvests?

Practice succession planting with crops like arugula, radishes, baby kale, and endive every two to three weeks. Flowers have a longer harvest window, so sow them two to three times a season. 

Make the Most from Your High Tunnel 

Think outside the box and do something different from other nearby market gardeners. Reduce competition and fill demand in your community. To pique customer interest, bring items they don’t see every day to market. 

Maximize tunnel space using drip irrigation kits, practical trellis clips, and an advanced high tunnel kit. Have you had success growing one or more of the crops we discussed in this article, or something else out of the ordinary in your high tunnel? We’d love to hear about it!