At Earthmade, we see the change of seasons as an opportunity to give back to the land. As October arrives and the first frost approaches, farmers everywhere are working to protect their harvests and prepare the soil for the next growing cycle. By winterizing with natural methods, we not only safeguard crops but also strengthen the living systems beneath our feet.

Harvest and Protect Existing Crops

• Harvest tender vegetables early:
  Warm-season favorites like tomatoes, zucchini, and squash cannot survive the frost. Harvesting them before the cold sets in ensures that no food is lost and that plants complete their natural cycle.
• Insulate hardy root crops:
  Cold-tolerant crops such as carrots, parsnips, and beets can remain in the ground if insulated. A layer of straw, leaves, or other organic mulch prevents the soil from freezing and allows for extended harvests.
• Protect above-ground greens:
  Kale, spinach, and leeks can thrive under row covers or cold frames, which create small microclimates that block frost while still letting in sunlight.
• Cover low-growing plants:
  Smaller plants like strawberries or seedlings benefit from a thick covering of dry leaves – nature’s blanket against the winter chill.

Enrich and Protect the Soil

We believe that soil is a living ecosystem. Protecting and feeding it through winter is key to next season’s success.

• Plant cover crops (green manures):
  Species like winter rye or Austrian winter peas hold soil in place, prevent erosion, suppress weeds, and add organic matter that microbes and earthworms thrive on.
• Apply compost:
  Adding a rich layer of compost before winter nourishes soil life. Beneficial bacteria and fungi continue their quiet work underground, preparing nutrients for spring planting.
• Clear plant debris:
  Removing diseased or dead plants reduces the chance of pests and pathogens overwintering in the field. Clean beds mean healthier starts next season.

Winterizing isn’t about shutting down the farm — it’s about ensuring that the soil and crops are ready to thrive again when spring returns. With living cover, protective mulch, and compost-rich beds, we work in partnership with nature to regenerate the land, season after season.