Hugelkultur Winter Prep?

What are some recommendations for preparing to create three Hugelkultur mounds during the winter months?

Thank you,

Good question Bruce!  I'm wondering this myself...

I’d say that material gathering would be the priority.  Not sure what climate you’re in, but gathering up some leaves now would be good before they break down and/or get snow covered. Same with small branches and sticks. Get those things stationed near your site and maybe tarp covered.

Also digging if you’re doing a trench hugle while the ground is still soft. The displaced dirt would cover your hugle as a top layer, so you may not be able to cover until spring if your dirt pile freezes real solid. But as long as you can get everything else mounded on and stabilized, the dirt cover can wait.

I just built my first one... you can see it here: https://permies.com/p/1338898

Mostly wondering what/if I could plant in there right now to get a little start going

A large amount of nitrogen fixers are recommended for the first couple years.  Going into winter I'd suggest Austrian peas & fava beans. Black garbanzos are another legume that will grow in winter. Maybe add some turnips & brassicas for the fresh greens.