For me and my neighbors, it feels far too early to think of the promise of spring. But I have appreciated the return of evening light as I walk to the mailbox at 5 p.m.

While most phenological changes are happening "in the belly" of the earth, local farmers are on the verge of starting seeds for the coming season and many of our area's food share farms are now open for member sign-ups.

The Dalens at Northern Harvest Farms (northernharvestfarm.com) and Catherine Conover from Stone's Throw Farm (stones throwfarm.wordpress.com) both have summer vegetable shares available.

This past Tuesday a c...