The 2011 ASHS Annual Conference

Objective(s):
1. To share examples of high tunnel use in schools, community gardens, inner city projects, etc. 2. To discuss obstacles to the promotion of high tunnels in these settings 3. To determine funding sources for work on ‘public high tunnels’ 4. To explore the possibility of joint projects /grant applications on public high tunnels.

Interest in gardening in schools and communities in the United States has burgeoned in recent years with increased interest in local production of horticultural products. In northern areas, the limited overlap of the gardening season and the school calendar has constrained the gardening activities of school classes. Season extension techniques, such as high tunnels and low crop protection devices, are widely used in commercial horticulture and are becoming more popular in school and community garden projects. The workshop will share the experiences of horticulturists working with these groups, and illustrate techniques that have greatest usefulness for school and community garden groups.  Sources of funding for such projects will be shared, and the possibilities of joint projects explored.