As we say good-bye to April and hello to May, it is with great anticipation of the fresh, local flavors that will soon be delighting our senses. My lettuce, onions, and herbs are already growing beautifully and soon the Allegany County Farmers Markets will be in full swing.
Some local, seasonal delights include strawberries, onions, ramps, lettuce and other greens, and asparagus. All support health and provide many nutrients with few calories.
If you’ve considered planting your own garden, now is the time! Gardening is a great form of exercise with healthy dividends. Gardening provides aerobic, muscle-strengthening and stretching physical activity. Digging, raking, lifting, and squatting all burn calories and depending on the distance covered, gardening can add significant steps to your day.
Would you love to garden, but don’t have the room or knowledge? Consider a plot at one of the WMHS community gardens. This year, WMHS is expanding garden locations to include Fairmont Avenue, Sperry Terrace and Pine Avenue and space is available at no cost! Find more information here: http://www.wmhs.com/Community-Garden-2017-Season.html
Individual 5 x 10 feet garden plots will be ready for planting. Tools, water and natural/organic fertilizer will be provided. Some plants will be provided.
For a garden plot application, call 240-964-SOIL (7645) or send an email to garden@wmhs.com and include your name, phone number, mailing address and which garden location you would like.
Even if you don’t plant your own garden, you can still enjoy the fresh flavors of local produce. WMHS will again host a farmers market on the ground level of the parking garage every Wednesday from 2 pm – 5 pm beginning in June. Check out the other Allegany County Farmers Markets to be held in downtown Cumberland on Thursdays, at the Canal Place/Train Station in Cumberland on Saturdays, at Country Club Mall in LaVale on Tuesdays, and at City Place in Frostburg on Fridays. Find out more here: http://alleganymountainfresh.weebly.com
For more information, contact Theresa Stahl, RDN, LDN, WMHS Outpatient Community Dietitian at tstahl@wmhs.com or 240-964-8416.
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