Event information
Date and time
Location
Online course
Contact
Natalie Hoidal, Extension educator, [email protected]
Erik Heimark, [email protected]
Introduction to high tunnel vegetable production
Join us for a 9-week online course to learn the fundamentals of high-tunnel vegetable production. By the end of the course, you'll have an actionable high-tunnel plan to guide you through the season.
Topics
- Choosing crops to grow
- Designing an irrigation system
- Managing soil fertility and soil health
- Managing weeds, insects, and diseases
- Planning for pruning and trellising
- Harvest and postharvest handling
- Basic maintenance
The course meets weekly online from February 2 to March 30, 2027. We will offer a series of optional field trips in the summer, including visits to farms that successfully use high tunnels, as well as hands-on workshops in St. Paul.
Instructors: Natalie Hoidal, Extension educator, Erik Heimark of Maple Ridge Produce and Renewing the Countryside, and farmer co-presenters
Farmers who complete the course will be eligible to receive a $300 scholarship to implement their high tunnel plans. These scholarships are made possible through the generous support of a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture's Organic Research, Education, and Extension Programs.
Audience
This course is intended for growers who are in their first 1-2 years of high tunnel production, or who plan to build a high tunnel this year. If you do not yet have a high tunnel, this course may be too technical or specific to meet your needs.
Cost
$75
Limited scholarships are available. Please email Natalie at [email protected] for a scholarship code before you register.
Registration
Registration closes on January 15, 2027, or when enrollment reaches 30 participants. This course is delivered on Zoom and uses the Canvas course tool.
Accommodations
University of Minnesota Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. To request accommodations for persons with disabilities, reach out to the event contact two weeks before the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.
Language
This offering is delivered in English. Interpreter services may be available with an advance request.