Winterization Workshop

Guilford County Center3309 Burlington RdGreensboro, NC 27405OPEN MON-FRI: 8A-5P(336) 641-2400https://guilford.ces.ncsu.edu/NC State UniversityandN.C. A&T State Universitywork in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.Read ourPrivacy StatementN.C. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status.Individuals with disabilities are invited to request reasonable accommodations to participate in Extension sponsored programs and events. Please contact the county Extension office offering the program at least 14 days prior to the event to make arrangements.

N.C. Cooperative Extension, Guilford County

Equips Guilford County farmers and gardeners with the knowledge, tools, and hands-on experience to successfully prepare for the winter!

N.C. Cooperative Extension - Guilford County Center

<h3>The Winterization Program equips Guilford County farmers and gardeners with the knowledge, tools, and hands-on experience to successfully prepare crops, soil, equipment, and infrastructure for winter. By providing seasonally timed strategies tailored to the Piedmont region, this program helps reduce losses, protect investments, and ensure stronger spring productivity.</h3><p><br></p><h3><strong><strong>Objectives</strong></strong></h3><ol><li>Increase Preparedness: Ensure participants can identify and implement at least three winterization practices on their farm or in their garden within 30 days.</li><li>Reduce Losses: Minimize cold-weather damage to crops, perennials, and infrastructure by promoting proper mulching, row cover use, irrigation blow-out, and chemical storage practices.</li><li>Promote Sustainability: Encourage widespread adoption of cover crops and soil care techniques to improve long-term fertility and resilience.</li><li>Protect Equipment: Provide farmers with practical skills in tractor, implement, and tool winterization to extend equipment life and avoid costly repairs.</li><li>Build Community Capacity: Strengthen farmer–gardener networks through shared learning, seed swaps, and resource pooling.</li></ol>

Farmer & Producer Track

•  Practice blowing out drip irrigation lines with an air compressor.
• Drain filters, fertigation tanks, and pumps.
• Coil and label the drip tape for storage.
• Take-home skill: Safely winterize irrigation systems.

 Irrigation Winterization Demo

• Spill kit setup with absorbent pads and containment bins.
•  Demonstrate proper shelving and segregation of pesticides and fertilizers.
•  Review secondary containment and labeling requirements.
• Discuss temperature considerations for winter storage.
•  Take-home skill: Safe and compliant chemical storage practices.

Chemical Storage Walkthrough

• Treat diesel fuel with stabilizers.
• Check/store tractor batteries (disconnect vs. trickle charger).
• Grease fittings, drain fuel separators.
• The store is implemented under cover.
•Take-home skill: Extend equipment life and ensure spring readiness.

Tractor & Implement Winterization Demo

• Inspect and patch plastic covers.
• Secure end walls, roll-up sides, and doors for wind protection.
• Demonstrate snow load bracing techniques.
• Take-home skill: Prepare protected structures to withstand winter conditions.

 High Tunnel & Greenhouse Prep

•Demonstrate safe storage of small engines (tillers, mowers).
• Review fire safety in winter (heaters, extension cords, fuel cans).
• Show correct use of trickle chargers for batteries.
• Take-home skill: Maintain safe and functional farm shops during cold months

 Farm Shop & Power Tools Winter Safety

Wrap-up & Evaluations

Home Gardener Track

• Set up low tunnels with wire hoops and row cover fabric.
• Compare fabric weights (0.5 oz vs. 0.9 oz).
• Learn anchoring methods with clips and sandbags.
• Take-home skill: Protect garden beds from frost.

Row Cover Installation Lab

• Bring personal pruners for cleaning, sharpening, and oiling.
• Practice rust prevention and tool storage.
• Demonstrate safe fertilizer and pesticide storage in small spaces.
• Show simple spill prevention and child/pet safety tips.
• Take-home skill: Extend the lifespan of garden tools and protect household resources

Tool & Chemical Safety Station

•  Apply mulch at the proper depth with straw, leaves, and chips.
•  Practice mulching strawberries, garlic, and perennial beds.
•  Compost healthy debris vs. disposing of diseased plants.
•  Take-home skill: Protect soil and crops during winter.


Mulching & Bed Prep Workshop

• Build simple low tunnels and cold frames for extended harvest.
• Demonstrate seeding and protecting winter greens.
• Mulching techniques to insulate crops.
• Use frost cloth and cloches to extend harvest.
• Take-home skill: Learn season extension methods to grow food through the colder months.

Winter Gardening Demo

Wrap-Up & Evaluations

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Winterization Workshop

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