Spring Means Seedlings, 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 seedlings and sprouts, produce, and other products as the growing season progresses. Some are out in the country, while others are urban farms. (Check out the video in this article's media gallery of Garden Dreams Urban Farm & Nursery in Wilkinsburg.)

According to the LocalHarvest.org website, most produce in the United States is picked 4-7 days before being placed on supermarket shelves and is shipped for an average of 1,500 miles before being sold.

Fortunately for Upper St. Clair folks, 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:

Simmons Farm, Peters Township: Fresh fruits and vegetables.

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

Christoff's Farm and Greenhouses, Collier Township: Vegetables at farmers markets and through CSA subscriptions.

Bedillion Honey Farm & Farm Market, Harmony (Mt. Pleasant Township): Homegrown vegetables and fresh brown eggs.

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

Churchview Farm, Baldwin Borough: Fresh produce. (Read more about this farm here.)

In addition, the Lions Club will be hosting the Upper St. Clair Farmers Market in the Westminster Presbyterian Church parking lot again this year. It begins May 30.

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

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