Numerous factors may affect growth of crops in high tunnels, including orientation of the structure ( Sethi, 2009). The increased interest in domestic production of cut flowers and herbs in high tunnels and the advantages of high tunnel production create the need for region- and crop-specific research to maximize local production potential ( Ferguson et al., 2012 Lamont, 2009 Ortiz et al., 2012). Not only do high tunnels allow for a local extended growing season, but they also play an important role in protecting cut flower crops from extreme environmental conditions, including freezing temperatures, rain, wind, hail, and in some cases, disease ( Lamont, 2009 Wien, 2009a).

Many cut flowers and herbs produced in the United States are grown in open field settings where year-round production is possible ( Bonarriva, 2003) however, the interest in locally produced horticultural goods has driven the regional production of these crops into greenhouses, high tunnels, and other season-extending environments ( Cavins et al., 2000 Ortiz et al., 2012 Wien, 2009a).

High tunnels are important alternatives to greenhouse or field production of high-value crops such as cut flowers and herbs ( Carey et al., 2009 Wells and Loy, 1993 Wien, 2009b). Keywords: Allium tuberosum cut flowers Helianthus annuus hoop houses Origanum majorana Origanum vulgare We show that differences are more a function of innate cultivar characteristics than which way small high tunnels are oriented. Garlic chive fresh weights were similar between tunnels all 3 years. Marjoram fresh weights were highest in 2013 in the EW tunnel but highest in 2014 in the NS tunnel. Oregano fresh weight yields were highest in the NS tunnel in 2013 but similar between tunnels in 2014. Sunflower times to harvest were different between cultivars but not between high tunnels. Cut sunflower stems were similar lengths both years in both high tunnels. The size would be appropriate for hobby and seasonal production of horticultural crops for local markets. The tunnels are 12 × 16 ft, smaller than those used in commercial production. Two high tunnels, one with the long axis oriented north-south (NS) and the other east-west (EW), were used to test the effects of high tunnel orientation on several crops over a 5-year period: cut sunflower (20) marjoram, oregano, and garlic chive (20) and garlic chive (2015). In this set of studies, we show tunnel orientation does not necessarily affect the production of cut sunflower ( Helianthus annuus) and culinary herbs oregano ( Origanum vulgare), marjoram ( Origanum majorana), and garlic chive ( Allium tuberosum). However, little is known about the effect of high tunnel orientation on plant growth and development. High tunnels are gaining popularity for their use in horticultural crop production.

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