The Veggie Chronicles: Sprouts, and more

Welcome to the Veggie Chronicles! I hope lots of people weigh in with their own experiences.

Over the weekend, I kept an eye on the lettuce sprouts in tubs on my back patio. They needed protection from the cold, but otherwise look good. Inside, I didn't plant any new vegetables per se. But I planted a flat of marigolds, which if all goes according to plan, will protect the veggies from some bugs, and maybe even deer.

Meanwhile, the New York Times had a story Saturday about the organic and local food movement: Is a Food Revolution Now in Season?

And for those who prefer to go the route of farmers' markets and CSAs, the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture has a great list. Enter your zip code and it will tell you what's nearby. I have never found a central list of New Jersey markets and farms, but for starters, check out the list maintained by Slow Food Northern New Jersey.

One of the most active regional groups around has got to be Farm to City, a Philadelphia program whose goal is "to unite communities, families, and farmers year-round through good locally grown food." Their site lists CSAs, buying clubs, markets and more.