Nothing says Thanksgiving like fresh, local strawberries...well maybe not, but we have them! From the solar tunnels of Lewis Farms, strawberries are available again in North Carolina. Solar tunnels, also known as hoop houses, are a simple construction of thin tube framing and a plastic covering. No heat or energy is required, the plastic simply traps sunlight in the tunnel, raising the temperature and speeding growth, flowering, and fruiting. The system requires careful management. The tunnels can get too hot, in which case they need to be opened up so that the heat can escape. Obviously, freezing nighttime temperatures also have to be managed carefully, which is often done through the use of cover blankets. However, despite the challenges, these tunnels are proving themselves quite successful, and may even be used to extend the growing season on other North Carolina fruits and vegetables into the winter. As early as next year, some growers we have talked to are expecting bell peppers, cucumbers, and other summer crops by April by using solar tunnels.

Rob M. (Nov 23, 2011 at 6:10 pm)
Betty, I'm glad you are enjoying them! They actually use a different variety of strawberry than is typically used for field strawberries in the Spring. This variety was rarely used before in North Carolina, because for whatever reason it doesn't do well in traditional fields here. However, it seems to produce much better in the solar tunnels, which is great because it's a very consistent variety when it grows like it should!

Search:
Browse all recipes