TOMATO PLANTS l Bob Zeni, aka Chicago Tomato Man, sells an amazing variety of tomato starters. Buy now - his pickup slots are going fast...

FARMERS MARKETS l Damn the chill and the damp. Nothing would keep this farmers market fanatic from the kickoff of Chicago's outdoor season

FARMERS MARKETS l There are many ways to declare the official start of spring. Saturday's kickoff to Chicago's outdoor market season is one

FOOD NON-PROFITS l To mark its 4th birthday, Local Food Forum will share proceeds from its subscription drive with nonprofit Farmers Rising

FARM EVENTS l The Liberty Prairie non-profit is holding a Spring Plant Sale and Farm Festival in Grayslake, near Illinois' northeast corner

FARMERS MARKETS l On April 5, Green City Market kicks off the Chicago region's market season — & wraps up a fundraiser with a 2x match...

FARMERS MARKETS l It's spring! Green City Market kicks off Chicago's outdoor season April 5, and its final indoor market is Saturday...

TOMATOES l Chicago Tomato Man has opened his e-commerce site for his astounding variety of tomato starters... and he's planning a big event

LOCAL FOOD l A Monday webinar and Tuesday Illinois House hearing focus on a bill to require state institutions to buy more local food...

GREEN GARLIC l Green garlic, the first stage in garlic plant growth, is a beloved early crop. It has made a super-early appearance this year