Low, Quick, and Caterpillar Tunnels: An Overview of Season Extension Techniques
Robert Hadad, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
There are many styles and types of construction available on the internet. The ones mentioned in this presentation cover what is commonly available. Many suppliers carry hoop materials, row covers, and greenhouse film. Ingenuity and imagination creates more effective ways of set up and operation.
The caterpillar example in this presentation is based on low-cost materials. The tunnel is not recommended for handling snow loads. One problem found with it is that rain water can pool pockets of the greenhouse film between the cord/rope. This would require daily observations to push the water out so as not to cause bending of the hoops. Use of the tunnel should be for the extension of the season or getting an earlier start of the season making it easier to work inside. In order for the tunnel to stand up to the winter, daily maintenance is required.
A heavy duty version of the caterpillar tunnel is shown in another presentation listed on this website. It uses chain link fence poles and offers year-round operation with the stronger construction.
Additional resources that may be helpful to you:
Resources and Supplies for Tunnel Construction (PDF; 196KB)
Diggin' Tunnels: Low, Quick, and Caterpillar Tunnels for Season Extension (pdf; 2108KB)
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