Production | Center for Crop Diversification

Winter High Tunnel Survival: Snow, Ice, and Extreme Cold Tips for Growers

Alexis Sheffield

Jan 22, 2026

Production

Winter weather can be hard on high tunnels, but a little preparation (and vigilance) can go a long way toward protecting both your structures and your crops. Here are some tried-and-true tips for managing snow load and keeping plants alive during extreme cold. Managing Snow and Ice on High Tunnels One of the biggest causes of tunnel collapse is plastic sagging between the purlins. Snow itself isn’t usually the issue—it’s what happens when the plastic stretches and creates low spots where snow and ice can collect.

Two potted plants showing how calcium moves into plants better under high light than low light

Let's Talk Calcium

Alexis Sheffield

Jan 5, 2026

Production

As we enter what is typically the coolest and cloudiest time of year, growers using high tunnels or greenhouses may want to pay a little closer attention to signs of nutrient deficiency in their crops—specifically calcium.

Cut Flower Train the Trainer County Agent Workshop

Nov 5–19, 2025

In-Person Training, Production

Note: Train the Trainer Event, not open to the public. Time: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM local time

Drip Irrigation & Why You Need It Deliver water and nutrients right to the root zone.

Alexis Sheffield

Apr 7, 2025

News, Production

Let’s Talk Irrigation (Yes, Really) Look, I know irrigation is literally the last thing any of us want to hear about right now, especially considering the recent weather. But if there’s one thing I know about Kentucky weather, it’s that no two weeks are ever the same. Flooding this week? That could easily turn into two months of no rain.

Do You Need PBPT for the Upcoming Season? Produce Best Practices Training for safe food handling

Alexis Sheffield

Mar 11, 2025

News, Production

The Produce Best Practices Training (PBPT) is a Kentucky-specific training and is currently voluntary. Although, some markets and wholesale buyers may require PBPT as an added layer of confidence to know the growers they work with have been trained in safe food handling procedures.

High Tunnel Planting Calendar

Alexis Sheffield

Jan 15, 2025

Blog, News, Production

Some Ways to Use This Calendar - 1. To understand minimum and optimal temperatures for high tunnel crops. - 2. Learn ideal planting and harvest times for high tunnel crops. - 3. Pick crops based on harvest window and how that supports your ideal market.