11/16/25 – At Asawana Farms, we’ve always believed that farming is more than planting seeds—it’s curiosity, innovation, and the courage to try something new even when the odds seem stacked against you. This winter, we decided to put that philosophy into practice with an experiment that has us genuinely excited: testing whether Ugu (fluted pumpkin) and bitter leaf—two deeply tropical crops—can survive a Maryland winter using simple, low-cost methods.
If you know anything about these plants, you know they love heat. They thrive in the warm, moist climates of West and Central Africa. Here in Maryland, winter nights dip far below what they can tolerate. And with our greenhouse being unheated, keeping tropical crops alive through the winter is usually impossible.
But at Asawana Farms, we don’t just accept limitations. We explore them.
The Challenge
Tropical plants like Ugu and bitter leaf shut down—and die fast—when temperatures drop. For farmers in colder climates who want to grow these culturally important and nutrient-rich foods, winter creates a huge break in production.
But what if there was a way to protect these crops enough to help them overwinter?
What if we could find a simple method that farmers anywhere in colder zones could replicate?
That question is what sparked this little winter experiment.
Our Method: Heat the Roots, Shield the Leaves
We started with what plants need most: warm roots. To do that, we applied a heavy layer of compost at the base of each Ugu and bitter leaf plant. Compost naturally generates heat as it breaks down, creating a warmer micro-environment around the plant’s root zone.
Then came step two: covering the plants with breathable fabric, a frost cloth that lets air pass through but shields them from harsh winds and the worst of the cold.
This combination—heat from below, insulation from above—is simple, affordable, and accessible to any small farmer.
Now the big question is: Will it work?
Why We’re Doing This
This experiment isn’t just about keeping plants alive for our farm. It’s about gathering knowledge we can share.
At Asawana Farms, one of our core missions is education. We want to equip other farmers—especially those growing African and tropical vegetables—with practical techniques to grow more, extend the season, and reduce loss.
If this experiment succeeds, we plan to:
-Expand the trial on more plants next winter
-Document the entire process
-Share the results through workshops, field days, and online content
-Help farmers in cold climates grow culturally important tropical crops more reliably
Imagine a network of growers all able to keep these beloved crops alive year-round. That’s the kind of change we want to spark.
A Winter of Waiting
For now, the plants are tucked in, wrapped warmly in fabric and compost, and we wait. Farming teaches patience better than anything else, and this experiment is no exception.
We’ll be monitoring the plants closely all winter long—observing growth, checking temperatures, and taking notes on what’s working and what needs adjusting.
Whether the experiment succeeds or fails, the knowledge will move us forward.
And in the end, that’s what Asawana Farms is all about—trying, learning, and sharing so our community can grow stronger together.
Stay tuned for updates as the winter unfolds. The tropics may be far from Maryland, but with a little creativity, we’re bringing them closer every day