By Scout Nelson
The University of Minnesota Extension and Renewing the Countryside are organizing two special high tunnel field days this June. These events are designed to teach attendees about trellising and pruning techniques for crops grown in high tunnels.
The field days will be held at the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul campus. Attendees will visit a working high tunnel where tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers are grown using different trellising systems. This offers a practical and visual way to compare the methods side by side.
The trellising systems featured include nets, basketweave, single leader, double leader, and the lower and lean method. Participants will not only observe how each system is used but also learn about the benefits and challenges associated with each other.
This educational opportunity includes hands-on practice. Attendees will try pruning techniques themselves, learning how pruning supports healthy plant growth and improves yields. This is a great way to gain confidence in crop care inside high tunnels.
Two event dates are available:
- Monday, June 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Saturday, June 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
These events are free to attend, but registration is requested in advance to help organizers prepare supplies and snacks.
Directions: To reach the high tunnel, go to The Bee Lab at 1634 Gortner Ave, St. Paul, MN 55113. Look for the field road 200 feet north of the Bee Lab heading east. Follow it until it ends. The high tunnels are located to the left.
For questions, contact Natalie Hoidal at hoida016@umn.edu. Funding for these field days was provided by the USDA OREI program.
Photo Credit:university-of-minnesota
Categories: Minnesota, Crops