My Garden tour

This past week was Ag Progress Days here in Central PA. They offer tours showcasing some of the research that Penn State does. I have always wanted to take this "High Tunnel" tour, but having kids and stroller would never lend me to board a bus, let alone entertain them while I tried to listen. So I got a babysitter and headed out by myself to Ag Progress Days.

They had 2 times for the tour a morning and a afternoon tour. I am not a morning person, most mornings I still haven't had my oatmeal by 9:30. I chose the morning tour because it would be easier for a babysitter (no naps involved), thought it might be a little cooler for me, and then I would have the afternoon to recover.

So I get up early, the babysitter arrives early and I get out the door. I knew that I had to park and then walk to sign up for the tour. I didn't expect to hit the morning rush of Ag Progress Days. Of course I am running behind and cutting things kind of close. I didn't want to miss the bus. I only live 15 minutes from Rock Springs, but it is bumper to bumper once I get there. Pick up trucks, vans and car loads of people are flocking to see large tractor displays, eat yummy food showcasing some of PA's best agriculture, and learn more about farming. It was 9:10 by the time that I got my parking space. It took me 10 minutes to walk to the far end for the bus tour. I made it, but really had to walk fast.

Penn State has about 100 acres of land that they use in various areas of research. Our guide was very knowledgeble on the subject. His job to oversee these High Tunnels .

They grow a little bit of everything inside these tunnels. This is what a High tunnel looks like.
This is what I thought was considered a high tunnel.

This is actually a row cover.

It was ok though. The tour was very informative and I enjoyed myself quite a bit. Here is what I learned.

• High Tunnels extend the growing season. The research facility can still harvest tomatoes up until November. They can also get produce earlier than the rest of us.
• The High Tunnel has less problems with Disease, because they are shielded from the elements and rain.
• Rain actually brings with it disease.
• The sides are adjustable to control the amount of heat inside the tunnel. Blankets or solar covers can be added to keep heat in longer (in cooler months) or to shield from the warm sun ( in warmer months).
• They still get weeds inside the tunnels.
• They take a bio friendly approach to dealing with pests. So instead of using pesticides to control bugs, they release other good insects to eat the bad or destroying insects. A fascinating idea. They also have 2 resident cats ( a favorite of mine) to control any rodents. We saw one and he appeared to be well fed.
• Plants get bigger and produce larger size produce because they don't have the effects of wind, sun or rain to beat them up.
• They use a drip irrigation system that can also deliver fertilzer to the plants.
• Penn State harvest the plants and vegatables to sell at a farmer's market down town on Wed. They even grow some more exotic things to cater to the many nationalities present on campus.
• Pressure treated lumber is not as bad as it used to be. They have changed some of the chemicals that used to make it.
• If you use pressure treated lumber for raised beds, just line the bed with plastic or landscape fabric and this will prevent your plants from coming into contact with it.
• Small trees can be grown inside a tunnel. We saw hardy kiwi.
• The ones at Penn State have doors large enough to fit a small tractor in to work the soil.
• High Tunnels are avaialble to the consumer for about $2000.
  

As I went on this tour and realized that the guide gets paid to play in the dirt and experiment with growing different plants it seemed kind of a fun job. Now the documentation that goes along with the experiments might not be the fun part, but that is what provides you and me with the results, what works and what doesn't work. That is just part of research I guess. For some reason I had the mind set that most research was done in a chemistry lab and not outside growing yummy food or beautiful flowers.

I came away inspired to keep gardening and doing my own experiments at home. Trying different varieties or techniques of gardening.