Low-cost high tunnel

construction workshop, May 5

A "Low-Cost High Tunnel Construction Workshop" will be held from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at Winona County's Stone Point Market Gardens.

This will be a public workshop to share the knowledge and experience of constructing a season-extending high tunnel greenhouse.

Season-extending high tunnels, also called hoop houses, provide the opportunity to start crops earlier and extend the harvest later.

These structures, made from galvanized steel posts and polyethylene film, trap solar energy and provide protection from wind and rain.

Construction will be led by Charley Hatch of the Women's Environmental Institute in North Branch, MN.

The workshop will start with an overview of high tunnel construction to provide attendees with schematics and all the information needed for construction of their own high tunnel.

Every step in the process, from pounding posts and bending hoops to constructing end pieces and installing plastic film will be demonstrated and participants are encouraged to take part to have a hands-on learning experience.

Pre-registration and a fee of $20 are required to cover food and material costs.

For details and registration information, visit www.co.winona.mn.us.