Batten Down the Hatches!

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 "The battens serve to confine the edges of the tarpaulings to close down to the sides of the hatches"
William Falconer's An Universal Dictionary of the Marine, 1769

It's that time once again folks. The days grow ever shorter and the average temps rise less and less each day. In response we must do our best to utilize what warmth we can gain from the sun and store it in the soil inside the tunnels. I just wiggle wired the sides of each of my tunnels shut as of yesterday, October 15th. At this point in the season I would like to think we will not have many more days above 70 degrees, sadly enough.

Remember! Do not forget to unplug the controller for the sidewall motors after doing this!! You shouldn't have to worry about opening the sides again until late March/early April. I do think it is good to leave the peak vents operational however. I allow my tunnels to get up into the upper 80's during this time of year. It only serves to bank warmth in the soil in order to fend off the nighttime low temps. I would, therefore, recommend setting the peak vent thermostat at between 80 and 85 degrees.

One more thing. Watch the amount of irrigating you are doing right now. Whatever moisture you add to the soil now will be there until Spring. Soo...it might be good to cease watering very soon as to avoid mid-winter mildew issues.

Ready your row covers for the winter months! You should be ready to cover the inside in November.

Please share your progress with the rest of the group whenever you get a chance so we can all learn together. Happy high tunneling!
-Todd