Winter Farming at Trefoil Gardens: Conserving, Protecting, and Growing

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In 2024 Trefoil Gardens was awarded an EQIP Grant through the NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service). The plan we’re developing on the farm has had us busy building new structures to protect our crops during winter. The first key addition has been low tunnel frames, which act like mini-greenhouses to shield plants from cold, wind, and snow.

The two systems we are using are:

• Qwik Hoops: Pre-made frames from Modern Farmer that cover individual rows of crops.

• DIY EMT Hoops: These are larger (6 feet wide and 3 feet tall) and made from electrical metal tubing (EMT) that we bend ourselves.

So far, frames are only installed over the crops we’re actively trying to keep alive through the winter: leafy greens (like kale and spinach), brassicas (such as broccoli and cauliflower), and root vegetables (like carrots and radishes).

Learning Through the Storm
Prior to last weekend’s storm, we faced some challenges with wind that caused damage to one of our DIY frames, so we’ve decided to add braces (extra supports) to make them stronger moving forward.

To prepare for the storm, we removed the protective row covers over the crops. 

Why? 

Snow and ice can act as natural insulation for plants, but if left on, the covers can become heavy and cause the frames to collapse. After the storm, we checked the crops and found that nearly all survived!

For now, we’re keeping the covers off and monitoring the weather. If another winter storm is in the forecast, we’ll make decisions about re-covering the crops to ensure they stay safe.

Planning for the Future with High Tunnels
Winter farming comes with unique challenges. We’re still feeling the effects of past experiences, like the severe winter storm (WS Elliot) in 2022 and the late freeze last spring. To better protect our crops and reduce weather-related risks, the next phase of our conservation plan includes installing high tunnels.

High tunnels, also called Caterpillar Tunnels, are like larger, more durable greenhouses. The ones we build will be 6 feet tall and covered with a strong, UV-stable plastic. These tunnels will allow us to grow crops directly in the ground while protecting them from wind, snow, and frost. They’ll also help extend our growing season, so we can offer fresh produce not just in summer, but also in the cooler months of late fall and early spring.

Looking Ahead
Next week, we’ll share more about our crop plans for 2025 and what they mean for our neighbors and the Woodstock Farmers Market. We’ll also provide an update on the Georgia Fresh 4 Less program, which helps make fresh, local produce accessible to more families.

Stay tuned for more updates from the farm—and thank you for supporting our journey as we grow, adapt, and care for this land!