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USA High Tunnel for Kale Growing
A high tunnel for kale is effective in regions where the main challenge is rainfall that physically damages leaves and reduces marketable yield. Open ends provide natural ventilation that prevents the humid conditions where fungal diseases like downy mildew thrive. For growers supplying fresh markets and restaurants, a high tunnel significantly improves the percentage of first-grade leaves per harvest.
Technical Specs
Ideal Temperature
54 to 72 °F
Relative Humidity
55 to 75%
Crop Cycle
55 to 75 days
Yield vs Field
2 to 3×
Higher percentage of first-grade leaves
Overhead rain protection eliminates physical damage and soil splash that degrade kale leaves from first to second grade at harvest.
Downy mildew management
Natural ventilation through open tunnel ends reduces the humidity levels where Peronospora parasitica thrives on kale in rainy seasons.
Extended outdoor season
In regions with early frost or late spring cold, a high tunnel extends the productive kale season by 4-6 weeks on both ends of the calendar.
Agronomist Tip
Install drip tape rather than overhead irrigation in kale high tunnels, wet foliage from overhead sprinklers combined with the high tunnel humidity creates ideal conditions for downy mildew, the primary disease threat in protected kale.
Other crops in High Tunnel
See all High Tunnel crops →Ready to grow Kale in a high tunnel?
Our team will help you design the right structure for your farm, no cost, no commitment.