Spring Means Seedings, Sprouts and Sustainability at Local Farms

To every thing there is a season—and we are in the season of planting.

Despite the frost warnings this week, May is the time when many plants take root. And not far behind are the early harvests.

There are a number of local farms that provide a variety of seedings and sprouts, produce and other products as the growing season progresses. Some are urban farms, some out in the country. (Check out the video at right of Garden Dreams Urban Farm in Wilkinsburg.)

According to the LocalHarvest.org website, most produce in the U.S. is picked four to seven days before being placed on supermarket shelves, and is shipped for an average of 1,500 miles before being sold.

Fortunately, in the x Patch area, there are a number of farms in the region where consumers can obtain just-picked fruits and vegetables—or find seedlings to grow their own gardens at home.

These local markets provide produce either at their own markets, through farmers markets or through CSA (community-sustainable agriculture) subscriptions:

Beccari's Farm Market, Oakdale: Fresh fruits and vegetables.

Goose Creek Gardens, Oakdale: Certified naturallly grown growers specializing in culinary herbs, salad greens, cut flowers and limited vegetables.

Bedillion Honey Farm and Market, Hickory: Homegrown vegetables and fresh brown eggs.

Bedner's Farm and Greenhouse, Cecil Township: Homegrown herbs and vegetables.

Christoff's Farm and Market, Bridgeville: Vegetables at farmers markets and through CSA (community-supported agriculture) subscriptions.

Churchview Farm, Baldwin Borough: Fresh produce.

Matthews Farm and Greenhouse, Eighty-Four: Fresh produce.

Simmons Farm, Peters Township: Fresh fruits and vegetables.

Did we miss any local farms? Tell us in the comments box below.