“And don’t think the garden loses its ecstasy in winter. It’s quiet, but the roots are down there riotous.”- Rumi
The new year is upon us, and the farm crew has been focusing on crop planning, maintenance, and research in preparation for the upcoming growing season. Even though the farm fields lie dormant during the winter in Northern Minnesota, this remains a busy time to order seeds, build shelves and raised beds, clean and sanitize equipment, and train new Eco3 farm crew members for the 2026 season.
Winter on the farm is a critical time for maintaining infrastructure, particularly with regard to protecting high tunnels from heavy snow loads and preparing for the upcoming growing season. Clearing snow from the side of the tunnel removes pressure at the base and gives snow more space to fall from the roof, which could cause it to collapse. Reusing pots and trays is economical and reduces waste, but requires the time-consuming labor of cleaning and sanitizing in order to prevent the spread of plant diseases. Winter is the perfect time to achieve this task!
In late winter (February-March), starting seeds indoors is a critical and proactive step for gardeners in northern climates like Duluth, where the short growing season requires maximizing productivity. This period is ideal for starting cool-weather crops to avoid summer heat and slow-growing crops, allowing them to develop robust root systems before being transplanted into high tunnels or outdoor garden beds in early spring. Leeks, onions, leafy greens, rosemary, celery, and more will be seeded in the upcoming weeks, with many more on the horizon.
Beyond the manual labor of cleaning and maintenance, the winter months also provide a prime opportunity to focus on the educational planning of community workshops. The Eco3 Urban Farm is offering a series of free, hands-on workshops on Saturdays from March through September 2026. These sessions are designed for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced gardeners.
The first workshop of the season will be Apple Tree Pruning on March 21st from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Learn the essential techniques for pruning apple trees in late winter or early spring to ensure healthy growth and high productivity while trees are still in their dormant stage. Registration is required
Our second workshop will be Grapevine Pruning Fundamentals on March 28th from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This session will cover the basics of pruning principles, specific techniques, and the critical decision-making processes needed for successful grapevine management. Registration is required.
Keep an eye out for future workshops and volunteer opportunities on our Farm Events webpage. We look forward to gathering with our community on the farm this season; we hope to see you there!