As climate change warms Philadelphia, the plants that can be grown in the city will change, too.
The nonprofit Philadelphia Orchard Project believes that fruits more associated with more southern climates can be raised locally and is experimenting with what's possible to grow.
The Orchard Project has erected two high tunnel unheated greenhouses at the Woodlands estate, a 54-acre protected national historic landmark in West Philadelphia. The group helps 69 partners, mostly community orchards in formerly vacant lots, figure out what to plant, how to plant, and how to harvest.
The high tunnels will serve as living labs to grow more exotic fruits and vegetables, according to Phil Forsyth, the Orchard Project's co-executive director. The plastic covered hoops are 22 feet wide, 48 feet long, and 14 feet high and naturally heated by the sun in winter to help plants survive inside. The tunnels are vented and can be covered to block light and allow temperatures to drop if needed.
Read more at phys.org