FARMS & FARMERS l A high sign that the Chicago region growing season is on: Home deliveries from Illinois' Three Sisters Gardene graduated from paper bags to boxes.

FARMERS MARKETS l Shoutout to the 8 outdoor markets that dared to challenge Chicago's April weather. Now brace yourself for a big May surge, which starts next weekend

FRENCH MARKETS l The French Markets that dot Chicago Metro are hybrids: They all have some food and some local farmers... but they also have a lot of non-food items

FARMERS MARKETS l Local Food Forum guessed right that a wave of unseasonably warm weather could bring asparagus to Chicago region farmers markets extra early...

FARMERS MARKETS l Ravinia Market Manager Ed Kugler returns with the Farmers Market Reporter feature and a peek at Chicago's Logan Square market's new location...

FARMERS MARKETS l This is weekend 2 for Chicago's Green City Market, joined by outdoor openings in suburban Grayslake, Wheaton and Geneva. Get the Market Tracker...

FARMERS MARKETS l The Lincoln Park Farmers Market is been a pillar of Chicago's local food community. Complications from a relocation have spawned a fundraiser...

FARMERS MARKETS l It's always hard to predict when certain crops will hit local markets. A predicted wave of very warm temperatures makes it even more complicated...

FARMERS MARKETS l Eckhart Park Farmers Market in Chicago's West Town neighborhood will join the city's long lineup of local food magnets when it opens on June 6...

FARMERS MARKETSl Indoor markets are still open in the Chicago region. But for local food fans anxious for the outdoor season, here's a peek at the April openings....