When the Cold Arrives: Behind the Scenes at Quinta da Carlota
Winter brings short days, cold mornings, and a different rhythm to farm work, but at Quinta da Carlot, this is a season full of behind-the-scenes activity. Between the vegetable garden, the greenhouse, and the orchard, there is always something to sow, care for, and harvest. It is also during this period that we reinforce sustainability practices and soil regeneration, ensuring that the farm remains fertile and productive throughout the year.
In this article, we open the doors to the daily work of two essential members of our team: Odair and Eliseu, who play a key role in the preparation and maintenance of this part of the farm.
Soil preparation: the foundation of everything
In winter, the land rests… but not alone. The soil is enriched with natural compost produced on the farm itself, providing essential nutrients for December sowings. This sustainable approach reduces waste, improves fertility, and protects local biodiversity — a priority for Quinta da Carlota.
Odair closely monitors soil texture, moisture, and aeration, while Eliseu takes care of maintaining the growing beds and planting new crops. Everything is done carefully and manually, respecting the rhythm of nature.
Vegetable garden: between new sowings and winter harvests
In the vegetable garden, December is a month of balance between new sowings and flavourful harvests.
What we are sowing in December: leeks, beetroot, peas. These crops adapt well to the cold, and Eliseu closely follows their germination, ensuring careful watering and frost protection.
What we are harvesting: leeks, beetroot, Portuguese cabbage, asparagus, spinach, broad beans, and tomatoes.
These harvests reach you fresh and handpicked, a true taste of winter.
Greenhouse: the warm heart of the Quinta
While the vegetable garden faces winter without fear, the greenhouse functions as a small temperate oasis. Here, Eliseu ensures ideal temperature, ventilation, and humidity for each crop, allowing more sensitive plants to continue growing.
Greenhouse sowings: lettuce, coriander, parsley, and sage. Fresh harvests all month: lettuce, banana, coriander, cauliflower, papaya, strawberries, parsley, sage, and tomatoes.
This protected environment not only extends harvests but also allows the cultivation of tropical fruits that bring colour to winter.
Orchard: trees that never rest
In the orchard, fruit trees follow their own pace. Winter is a time for harvesting and also for subtle preparation: light pruning, cleaning, soil enhancement, and natural pest control.
December harvests: avocado, olives, oranges, limes, and lemons. Each fruit is harvested manually, with care and respect for the tree that produced it, one of the most important principles for Odair and Eliseu.
A fertile, quiet, and vibrant winter
Behind the cold days, a lot happens at Quinta da Carlota. From soil preparation to fresh harvests, including the magic of the greenhouse, this is a season that requires care and dedication, and allows us to offer you fresh, flavourful products grown with respect for nature.
Winter may be calmer, but the farm is never still. Whether for restful days in one of our rooms or to experience true rural life by booking the entire property, this is the perfect time to enjoy a unique, authentic, and welcoming environment.
Book your stay now and discover the charm of winter at Quinta da Carlota.
