This was an unconventional farm project. In our second year, we added another 50’ caterpillar that we purchased with a USDA grant.

Instead of building another tunnel, however, we decided to add a 50’ extension to an existing tunnel (over the garden beds that had corn and flowers growing in our first year). To make the extension, we needed to extend the roof. Instead of using our brand new plastic, we decided to re-use the roof from our other tunnel instead of installing a brand new roof, as shown in the video.

Why? Either way, we knew we would have a seam in the middle of this tunnel. By reusing the roof we installed in our first year, we aligned the ages of the two pieces of plastic covering the extended tunnel, so they are ready to be replaced at the same time. Removing the roof from the 50’ tunnel also allowed us to add a lift kit, raising the entire structure by 18” and making the tunnel taller and more ergonomic to work in.

We plan to add a lift kit to this newly extended tunnel when it’s time to replace the roof. We’ll also be able to remove the seam in the middle of the tunnel roof and install roll-up sides. Each of these projects will increase our efficiency and improve ergonomics.

See more pictures of this project in our March 2024 album.