The groundhog declared six more weeks of winter just a few weeks ago. In my opinion, living in upstate New York, that doesn’t seem too bad. Take the time during the cold days of winter to plan for spring vegetable gardens and eating wonderful locally grown vegetables. The tips below will empower you to grow your own or locate some delicious finds close to your home.

• Think about what you love to eat. What are your most favorite vegetables? Do you enjoy planting? If so, what do you love to grow? What do you look forward to harvesting? Do you love to can tomatoes or do you love making pesto and freezing it? Make a list of plants you could easily grow in your climate and check out some seed catalogs. Check out seedsofchange.com or johnnyseeds.com. They carry organic seeds that are more environmentally friendly and better for your body. Once you decide what seeds you would like to plant, gather supplies such as dirt, pots, and lights. Do research on how best to care for your seeds of choice.
• Do an online search of local farmer’s markets in your area. You may be surprised that they run through the winter, even in the chilliest climates. Some areas may even host ongoing markets throughout the winter focused on local products. You can research by your particular zip code by going to localharvest.org. You can also search for markets, CSA’s, restaurants, grocery stores and more.
• Join a CSA (Community Sponsored Agriculture). When you join a CSA you subscribe to a weekly delivery of goods from the farm. Many farms deliver vegetables throughout the summer. Some farms deliver fruit, eggs, meat, or other such items. When you partake in a CSA you commit to a season of goods. When doing so, not only do you get fantastic tasting products, you are supporting your local farmer and economy. It is a win-win situation. You can find your closest CSA at localharvest.org.
• Feel ambitious and inspired? Start your own community garden. Perhaps there is an empty plot of land in your neighborhood? Or do you have extra room in your backyard? Gather interested friends and neighbors and create a community garden. In your garden you can plant things that are mutually agreeable. Everyone takes part in helping grow the garden. By doing so, you can share the harvest and the work. Leaving for vacation this summer? No need to worry about a dried up garden when you get back. If you take part in a community garden, your friend can pick up the slack when you are gone and you can do the same for your friend. For more info, go to: communitygarden.org.

Just the other day, the crocuses at my children’s school started to emerge. Spring is just around the corner. Have some fun and get creative in planning how you gather vegetables this spring and winter.