MISSISSIPPI STATE – The South’s already long growing season can be extended by high-tunnel production, a low-cost technique that is new to many Mississippians.

Mississippi State University is offering the High Tunnel Field Day on March 11 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Crystal Springs at the MSU Truck Crops Experiment Station. Registration includes lunch and is $15 by March 1 and $25 per person after that.

“This field day will teach participants the basics of producing fruits, vegetables and cut flowers in high tunnels,” said event coordinator and MSU Extension Service ornamental horticulture specialist Mengmeng Gu. “We also will provide tours of high tunnels being used to grow a variety of crops.”

Speakers for the day-long event are Curt Rom of the University of Arkansas, Carl Motsenbocker of Louisiana State University and Dave Dowling of Farmhouse Flowers and Plants of Maryland. Exhibitors will be on hand offering products and services related to high tunnel crop production.

Additionally, growers can learn about a cost-share program for high tunnels that is available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Resource Conservation Service.

The high tunnel field day is sponsored by MSU, the Mississippi Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, and the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce.

The MSU Truck Crops Experiment Station is at 2024 Experiment Station Road in Crystal Springs. Details are available at MSUcares.com. Contact Gu at (662) 325-1682 or mgu@pss.msstate.edu for more information.

Writer: Bonnie Coblentz