US (WA): WSU to host workshop on high tunnel vegetable production

In order to raise high quality tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, and other salad crops, rural landowners can put up a high tunnel greenhouse that will ensure that their crops are protected from excessive rains and cold temperatures. On Sat., Nov. 2, WSU Extension Clark County will offer a 5-hour workshop that will cover everything one needs to be successful with this agricultural venture.

Dr. Charles Brun, WSU Horticulture Advisor, will cover the science behind tunnels, and will discuss all the different possible crops that one might consider in a protected structure. Participants will be provided with supporting WSU Extension publications on vegetables grown in tunnels.

Chris Gunterman from Horticultural Services Inc. will cover all the different types of high tunnels available from suppliers in the North Willamette valley of Oregon.

Anitra Gorham will describe how one can obtain a USDA grant for the total cost of a new 3,000-square-foot-high tunnel. Taylor Murray from the Farm Service Agency will cover the new microloan program that farmers can use to develop their vegetable operation.

After the provided lunch, there will be an in-depth tour of StoryTree Farms operated by Ann Lawrence in Vancouver off of Manor Highway. Lawrence has offered numerous classes at her farm which is also a Community Supported Agriculture operation.

This class has a registration fee of $30 per person which covers refreshments, lunch, and handouts. Class size is limited to 50. To register online, go to http://ocrs.wsu.edu/Signup/?eventid=920.

The meeting will be held at the American Legion Smith Reynolds Post at 4607 NE St. James Road, in Vancouver. It will start at 8:45 a.m. and end at 2 p.m. at the farm tour site.

For further information call Charles Brun, WSU horticulture advisor at (360) 397-6060, Ext. 5701, or e-mail at: [email protected]; or Erika Johnson, coordinator, at (360) 397-6060, Ext. 5738, or e-mail at [email protected].

WSU Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. Person requiring special accommodation should call WSU Clark county Extension at (360) 397-6060, ext. 0 two weeks prior to the event.