High tunnel strawberries can be profitable but require careful management. One Missouri grower has grown strawberries in a high tunnel for several years. He harvests an average of 1500 quarts per year, grossing around $6000 annually after $1200-1400 in expenses. However, most growers who tried high tunnel strawberries quit after a few years due to issues like soil problems, pest pressures, and a preference for more profitable crops. While strawberries may work in rotation, growers need to consider their market and whether the crop will provide sufficient return per square foot compared to alternatives. Close attention to site, varieties, and pest management is necessary to successfully grow strawberries in high tunnels.

1. PROFITABILITY OF HIGH TUNNEL STRAWBERRIES
Baker,* T.P. 1; Fowler, T.R. 2
1. Regional Horticulture Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, Gallatin, Missouri 64640
2. Regional Horticulture Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, St. Joseph, Missouri 64507
Abstract Initial Considerations
Interest in high tunnel production of vegetables and small fruits remains at a • Growers are looking for profitable crops to place in high tunnels
high level among Extension horticulture clients. Frequently, growers will ask • Many growers express interest in strawberries for high tunnels
about strawberries in high tunnel systems. High tunnel crops should usually be
• Other crops are more profitable per square foot
those producing the greatest return per square foot, in order to more quickly pay
off the investment in the tunnel. While strawberries are not the highest yielding • Some researchers are discouraging high tunnel strawberries
crop per square foot, there may be a place for them in a high tunnel system
under some circumstances. Strawberries would certainly work well in a crop
rotation scheme, for example. They also may be a personally preferred crop for Experiences in Jamesport, Missouri
some growers, which will work if the selling price remains high from year to year.
• In 2006, five growers decided to try high tunnel strawberries
The experiences of a producer growing high tunnel strawberries are given,
showing how the crop is grown through the year. Profitability and other • Strawberries were planted in September, 2006
considerations are shown to help Extension agents guide their clients when • Harvest started in April, 2007, and continued into July
questions about high tunnel strawberries are raised. • Currently, only one of these growers still grows high tunnel strawberries
(Left) Strawberries can be easily overwintered in a high tunnel. (Left) As soon as flowers can escape most frosts, they are allowed to fruit. Before
(Right) Row covers are critical for temperature control in high tunnels. Photo shows that time, flowering should be discouraged through temperature management.
temperature immediately after row cover removal. Note snow on side of tunnel. (Right) Outdoor berries on the same day. High tunnels are great for early crops.
Reasons growers quit Production experiences Recommendations for
raising high tunnel berries of remaining grower high tunnel strawberries?
• One grower had soil problems – high salts • Year Harvest Gross • The grower needs to weigh all factors
• 2007 2015 quarts $5200
• One grower preferred tomatoes • Profitability per square foot vs. other crops
• 2008 2997 quarts $9100
• One grower needed more return per square foot • 2009 1637 quarts $5900 • Growers need to pay particular attention to their
• The last grower to leave stayed with it for several • 2010 681 quarts $3161 potential market… will it pay enough?
years, but after site problems and not being able • 2011 1908 quarts $7666 • Strawberries are a high labor crop, but growers
to find high quality transplants, he quit as well • Average expenses $1200-1400 should be aware that there are additional
• All growers had bad spider mite problems (not counting greenhouse & plastic) management considerations in a high tunnel
• Some growers were unable to successfully • Growers need high-value crops for high tunnels,
manage diseases (mainly gray mold) but will need to rotate
• A few insects, such as aphids, caused problems • Strawberries may make a good rotation if the
• Managing curtains and row covers was more market prices support them
labor than expected • Good information at hightunnels.org