High Tunnels vs Fields as Growing Environments: Temperatures

The figure below compares temperatures in the field with those in "managed" or "unmanaged" high tunnels. Definitions of "managed" and"unmanaged" follow:

"Unmanaged": Our 'control' high tunnel which is never ventilated

"Managed": A high tunnel managed for the crop it is producing; vented by opening sides in high and closing them in cool temps and adverse weather (high winds, rain, etc.)

"Field": Temperatures recorded ouside of the high tunnel.

The above figure demonstrates the benefits of management for avoiding excessively high midday summer temperatures, as well as their effectiveness in maintaining warm nocternal temperatures in the fall.

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