How to Support Farmers and Safely Shop at Farmers’ Markets We all have a critical role to play in preventing the spread of COVID-19.”

In good times, farmers’ markets have been places to gather and converse, however, now is the time to follow public health and safety advisories and resist the urge to linger and socialize. But our community and our farmers’ markets could be jeopardized if we don’t each do our part to stay safe during this public healthy crisis. “During shelter-in-place, farmers’ markets remain open as an essential service, providing a vital source of fresh fruits and vegetables and food staples for our communities in a spacious, open-air setting. Support Our Local Farmers – Join a CSA and have fresh local produce delivered to you!.Our food supply is safe and secure, and many farms are continuing to offer delivery or curbside pickup. During this challenging time, consider supporting your local farms, whether they farm produce, flowers, animals, or specialty. We are so thankful for our local farms each and every day. Have a question about gardening? Check the University of Maryland Extension’s New Maryland Grows blog for garden tips.Buy a good gardening book or magazine subscription for a gift for your favorite gardener.Visit our Online Gardening Resources page for more helpful online resources. Plan for 2021 with these Free resources: Landscaping with Native Plants by the Maryland Native Plant Society, Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas by the National Park Service, Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia Reading Room.Go on a virtual garden tour to see what plants are thriving in other’s area home gardens.Paint a few terra cotta pots in spring colors.Decide where your plants from seed are going in your garden.

Some upcoming online events include Building Healthy Soil webinar, GreenScapes Symposium, and app Talk hosted by the Mill Creek Towne Garden Club on Tuesday, January 26th. Botanic Garden, Master Gardeners of Montgomery County, and Maryland Gardens. A lot of gardening events are announced on Facebook and we share them on our Facebook page as well as on our website. There are some online events, check out U.S. Happy New Year! We hope you and your family have a happy healthy new year! Here are some garden tips, educational opportunities, and videos for January.

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