Season extension brings advantages such as possible year round income, higher prices, and extended employment for workers. From mulches to row covers, high tunnels and greenhouse, there are many ways to extend your growing season. Many consider high tunnels to be essential to their farm’s success. Explore the different options for season extension and if it’s the right fit for you and your farm.
Overviews of Season Extension Techniques
- This page from NMSU has loads of resources on season extension, including several that are specific to growing in the desert.
- The following are several similar guides to season extension:
- https://www.sare.org/resources/high-tunnels-and-other-season-extension-techniques/
- https://growingsmallfarms.ces.ncsu.edu/growingsmallfarms-seasonextension-intro/
- https://attra.ncat.org/publication/season-extension-techniques-for-market-gardeners/
- https://nesfp.nutrition.tufts.edu/sites/default/files/resources/season_extension-small.pdf
EQIP — Financial Assistance with Season Extension
High tunnels can significantly increase your profit potential, especially with smaller tracts of land, but they do require a pretty hefty investment. The Natural Resources Conservation Service has a grant program called EQIP that can cover about 50% of the costs of a high tunnel. SARE has a guide to walk you through the process of applying for and implementing an EQIP grant for high tunnels. The local NRCS office can also help guide you through the process.
Hydroponics and Aquaponics
These are much more tech-heavy techniques for season extension, but that might be your jam!
- This is an overview from NMSU on hydroponics in NM.
- Santa Fe Community College has a certificat program in Controlled Environment Agriculture that trains students for hydroponics and aquaponics.
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