The NDSU Extension Service and University of Minnesota Extension have teamed up to hold a workshop on high-tunnel gardening scheduled for Monday, March 10, at the St. Leo's Catholic Church Spirit of Life Center in Casselton, N.D.
High tunnels resemble greenhouses. High tunnels consist of a single layer of greenhouse plastic covering a frame. These nonpermanent structures have no electrical service or heat. Mulch or row covers protect the plants from frost.
"High tunnels are becoming very popular in the local food production system because they allow both the commercial grower and home gardener to produce an abundance of early produce and also extend the end-of-the-year growing season," says Todd Weinmann, Cass County's NDSU Extension agent for horticulture and one of the workshop presenters. "Fruits and vegetables grown in high tunnels are often of very high quality."
The workshop begins with registration at 8:30 a.m. Presentations start at 9. Terrance Nennich, a University of Minnesota Extension professor, is the keynote speaker. One of his topics will be soil oxygen research in high tunnels.
Other topics include the basics of high-tunnel production, vegetable and small-fruit varieties for high tunnels, Natural Resources Conservation Service programs and experience with high tunnels, vegetable grafting and a high-tunnel disease survey.
Presenters include NDSU and University of Minnesota Extension agents and specialists, a Natural Resources Conservation Service conservationist and NDSU faculty.
The cost of attending the workshop is $25 if you register by March 1 and $35 at the door. The fee includes lunch.
Visit http://tinyurl.com/hightunnelcasselton or contact Weinmann at todd.weinmann@ndsu.edu for more information or a registration form.
NDSU is recognized as one of the nation's top 108 public and private universities by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.