Morgan Decker, Root Bottom Farm
Gothic High Tunnel
Grant Award: $8,000
Morgan has replaced three deteriorating wood and PVC hoop houses with a 24′ x 92′ metal-framed gothic-style high tunnel. He has equipped the tunnel with louver vents, end framing, 4′ x 7′ sliding doors, and roll-up sides. The new greenhouse provides a larger, more stable and permanent growing space.
Morgan has installed his high tunnel and it is already planted with cucumbers, tomatoes, and ginger – his main summer crops. He plans to use the high tunnel to grow spinach and kale over the winter.
With a taller structure and larger opening, Morgan has the ability to drive a tractor into the high tunnel to prepare beds, resulting in a reduction of required manual labor. The larger growing space will enable him to continue indoor seed starting and expand and enhance production of tomatoes, ginger, and other crops.
Root Bottom’s primary market is the West Asheville Tailgate Market, where Morgan has been selling for years and he says he has dedicated customers that shop with him every week. He also sells ginger to a juicer in Brevard.