Winter High Tunnel Gardening

Are you looking for ways to keep your garden producing even when the Midwest winter sets in? 

Curious how some growers are able to harvest fresh greens and herbs while others’ gardens lie dormant under frost and snow? 

High tunnels are the secret to extending your growing season, protecting crops from harsh weather, and maintaining fresh, nutrient-rich produce throughout winter.

What to Plant in a High Tunnel in Winter

While winter in the Midwest is harsh, high tunnels make it possible to keep producing. Focus on cold-

hardy crops that thrive in lower light and cooler temperatures.

• Leafy greens: Spinach (a standout for overwintering), kale, mache
• Brassicas: Mustard greens, Asian greens (tatsoi, mizuna)
• Herbs: Parsley and chives can often survive through winter in tunnels

Planting Timeline (Midwest, Winter):

• November – December: Sow spinach, and baby greens  and mache for harvest in late winterearly spring
• December – January: Protect existing crops with row covers to maintain growth
• February – March: Transplant kale, swiss chard, and head lettuces Start cool-weather seedlings inside the tunnel for an early spring harvest
• April–May: Transplant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and cucumbers, in the hoophouses under row covers or low tunnels to get an early start on the summer harvest

Learn more about the best times to plant in your high tunnel in our latest article! 

Keep Your Winter Harvest Thriving with a High Tunnel

Don’t let winter slow down your harvest. With the right cold-hardy crops and proper planning, your high tunnel can keep producing fresh, healthy vegetables all season long. If you’re ready to get started, get your high tunnel quote on our website! 

Fall Planting in a High Tunnel

Are you wondering how to keep your high tunnel productive as summer winds down? 

Curious which crops thrive in cooler temperatures and can withstand the first frost? 

If you’ve been looking for ways to extend your growing season and enjoy fresh produce well into fall, you’re not alone. Midwest growers rely on high tunnels to outsmart unpredictable weather and maximize their harvest, and with the right fall planting plan, you can too.

What to Plant in a High Tunnel in Fall

As summer winds down, it’s time to transition your high tunnel to cool-weather crops. Here are the best
options for Midwest growers:

• Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, lettuce, Swiss chard
• Root vegetables: Carrots, beets, radishes, turnips
• Brassicas: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, bok choy
• Herbs: Cilantro, parsley, dill

Planting Timeline (These Fall date-ranges are for lower Michigan - adapt them to your climateMidwest, Fall):

• Mid-Late August – Early September: Bunching kale, swiss chard, spinach, beets, carrots
• September – October: Head lettuce, spinach, radishes, turnips, herbs
• October – November: Direct-seeded baby Cold-hardy greens like lettuce, mizuna, mustard, and kale. (Spinach and kale for overwintering.)

Learn more about crop rotation and best planting timing in our latest article! 

Extend Your Fall Harvest with a High Tunnel: Plan Your Planting Today!

With the right crops and timing, your high tunnel can keep producing fresh, healthy vegetables well into the cooler months. Don’t let the season slip by—plan your fall planting today!

Get your high tunnel quote! 

What to Grow and Where You Grow Matters

Are you trying to figure out which hoop house size will work best for your garden?

Not sure how your climate—or your favorite crops—might influence your setup?

When it comes to choosing a hoop house, there’s more to think about than just dimensions. The types of crops you want to grow and the region you live in both play a huge role in determining the right size and structure.

Let’s walk through how your crop list and local weather conditions should guide your hoop house planning.

What Do You Want to Grow?

The type of crops you plan to grow can significantly impact the size you’ll need. 

• Tomatoes need about 4 square feet per plant, especially if you're staking or trellising them.
• Bunching greens like kale or swiss chard prefer to have around 2 square feet per plant.
• Head vegetables like lettuce or pac choi are compact and only need around a square foot per plant, making them great space-savers.
• Peppers need about 2 square feet per plant.
• Cucumbers, especially if you trellis them, need around 2 to 3 square feet per plant.
• Root vegetables can be tightly planted and work well in smaller beds.

If you plan to grow a mix of crops—or want to leave room for crop rotation and succession planting—consider adding an extra 25–35% more space than the minimum. A little extra room now gives you more flexibility later.

Where Are You Growing? 

Your local climate will also affect the ideal hoop house size. In colder regions, a larger hoop house helps retain heat, which can be essential for early spring or late fall growing. In warmer zones, you may not need the extra space for heat retention, but you’ll need to prioritize ventilation to keep plants from overheating.

The more you can tailor your hoop house to your local environment, the more successful your growing season will be.

Learn more about planning ahead for your hoop house in our latest article! 

Optimize Your Space by Planning Ahead with a Hoop House

A successful growing season starts with smart planning. By thinking through what you’ll grow, and where, you can choose a hoop house that meets your needs now and gives you room to expand in the future.

Need help matching a hoop house to your crops and climate?

We’d love to help you design a setup that works with your space, goals, and growing conditions.

Let’s bring your garden goals to life—reach out today! 🌱

Thinking About Starting a Hoop House? Here's What You Need to Know First

Are you dreaming of homegrown tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and vibrant peppers just steps from your kitchen?

Curious about how much space you’ll need—or which hoop house size is right for your growing goals?

Starting your hoop house journey is exciting but knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming.

What Are Your Growing Goals? 

If you're growing food for your family or experimenting with season extension, our 16-foot-wide hoop house is a great entry point. It's ideal for smaller garden plots or backyard spaces but still provides room
for serious production, especially with proper planning and crop rotation.

If you’re looking to grow a wider variety of crops, a 22.5-foot-wide hoop house gives you more space, without being overwhelming. It’s perfect for hobby farmers or those looking to supply friends, family, or a small CSA.

For growers interested in scaling up for market sales, restaurants, or larger community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, our 30-foot-wide models provide the volume and versatility needed to grow efficiently and maximize your harvest. These hoop houses retain heat better than narrower structures, and can support large planting areas, walkways, and multiple growing zones.

Learn more about things to consider when selecting what to grow in your hoop house here! 

Ready to Take the First Step Toward a More Abundant Garden?

Starting your hoop house journey is more than just picking a size—it's about creating a space that supports your goals and lifestyle. With the right setup, you can enjoy a longer growing season, higher yields, and the satisfaction of knowing exactly where your food comes from.

Let’s build something that grows with you.

Soil Prep for a Happy Hoop House

Think your hoop house will guarantee success no matter what’s underneath it? 

Wondering why some farmers see lush harvests while others struggle with unhealthy plants—even inside the same sturdy structure?

The truth is simple: your hoop house is only as good as the soil you build it on. Don’t let poor soil preparation sabotage your investment. By tackling compaction, adding amendments early, and prepping your perimeter, you’ll give your crops the best possible start inside your new hoop house. Here are a few of our tips: 

🌾 Loosen it up. If your ground has been compacted by years of foot or vehicle traffic, run a chisel 
plow or subsoiler before building. Your plants’ roots will thank you.

🪴 Add amendments early. It’s infinitely easier to spread compost or soil conditioners before construction begins than after. Once the hoop house is up, you’ll be stuck moving every load by wheelbarrow or tractor bucket.

🔨 Rototill the perimeter. This small but mighty step makes trenching and installing baseboards easier—saving you time and sweat during your build.

Learn more about how to set up your hoop house to thrive in our latest article! 

Ready to Give Your Hoop House the Perfect Foundation? Let’s Get Growing!

Healthy soil is the key to a thriving hoop house—and your plants deserve the best start possible. Contact us today for expert advice on prepping your soil so you can enjoy stronger plants, bigger harvests, and a happier growing season. Let’s build your farm’s future, one bed at a time!

Choosing the Right Site for Your Hoop House

Ever wonder why some hoop houses thrive while others struggle? 

Curious how to pick the perfect spot to maximize sunlight, drainage, and efficiency for your crops?

Selecting the right site is the first—and possibly most important—step to building a successful hoop house. Even the strongest structure won’t reach its potential if it’s set in the wrong place. With smart planning and a few key considerations, you can set yourself up for long-term productivity and healthier harvests.

🌱 Flat ground helps—but don’t stress if your land slopes. A little natural tilt can save you big 
bucks on excavation, but beware: too much side-to-side slope can cause snow to pile up unevenly or not slide off.

🚜 Accessibility is everything. You’ll need room for a truck and trailer to deliver materials—and 15 feet of level, clear space at each end of the hoop house for ladders and safe endwall installation. Trying to work on a cramped or inaccessible site can quickly turn a one-day build into a multi-day slog.

🌞 Soak up that sun! Choose a spot with full sun exposure all year, remembering that winter shadows stretch long. A hoop house tucked next to a tall tree or building might end up dark and chilly just when you need light and warmth the most.

Learn more by checking out our latest article! 

Let’s Pick the Perfect Spot for Your Hoop House Together!

Ready to choose the best site for your hoop house and give your farm the advantage it deserves? Don’t go it alone—reach out today for expert help and let’s make sure your hoop house starts off on the right foot. Together, we can grow stronger, smarter than ever!

Looking to Expand Your Farming Operations?

Ready to scale up your growing capacity with a structure that works as hard as you do?

Whether you're expanding into new crops, extending your season, or upgrading from smaller tunnels, this large polytunnel delivers performance and protection—no matter the weather.

🚜 30’ Wide –  For High-Volume Production and Maximum Versatility

Best for: Large farms, wholesale producers, and year-round growers who need strength, efficiency, and 
adaptability.

The 30-foot-wide gothic high tunnel is our flagship structure, built for serious growers who need a rugged, walkable, and accessible system that supports intensive crop production.

These structures can range from 36’ to 192’ in length and are packed with professional-grade features that make farming easier and more productive—especially in northern climates.

Want to see one of our 30’ wide polytunnels built in just a day? Watch our full step-by-step build videos to see exactly how efficient and streamlined our process is.

Learn more about our other polytunnel options in our latest article! 

🌱 Choosing the Right Polytunnel for Your Farm’s Future

If you're serious about expanding your growing operation, a 30’ wide polytunnel offers the space, strength, and flexibility you need to increase yields and protect your crops year-round.

Still weighing your options? We offer a full range of polytunnel kits designed for everything from backyard gardens to full-scale farms.

Contact our expert team today for a custom quote, support with your design, or to explore more solutions built for every scale of farming.