Spring Means Local Food in the Lowcountry

By Kat Martin

Though we have local food options year-round, spring is my favorite season for local eating. After weeks of greens and root vegetables, I’m so excited for the warm weather crops to show up in my CSA bag, on the Specials board of my favorite local restaurants, and in my own backyard. Here are five ways to celebrate local food in the lowcountry this spring:

1) Check out your local farmers market: I have seriously missed my weekly visits to the farmers market. I can’t wait to see the piles of lovely produce, handcrafted goods, and tasty street food.

• Downtown – Marion Square – starts Saturday, April 7^th
• Summerville – Summerville Town Hall – Saturday, April 7^th
• Mt. Pleasant – Moultrie Middle School – starts Tuesday, April 10th
• Park Circle – starts Thursday, April 19^th
• For a full list of farmers markets in the Lowcountry, see our Farm Fresh Food Guide.

2) Sign up for a CSA: Now is the time to sign up for your spring CSA. Have your veggies delivered to a CSA pick-up point near you. If you still need a little convincing to jump on the CSA bandwagon, here are my personal top 10 reasons to invest in Community Supported Agriculture.

3) Plant a garden: There’s nothing more convenient than a bushel of seasonal produce right in your own backyard. Test out your green thumb and grow some of your own food this season. Now is the time to seed and plant. Check out the Clemson Extension website for gardening tips and tricks then head over to one of these garden supply stores for everything you need:

• Abide-a-While – Mt. Pleasant
• Possum’s Landscape and Pest Control Supply – Mt. Pleasant, West Ashley, and North Charleston
• All Seasons Mulch – Johns Island
• Hyams Garden and Accent Store – James Island
• Sweet Olive Home and Garden – Mt. Pleasant
• Sea Island Savory Herbs - Johns Island

 4) Enjoy outdoor seating and seasonal specials at your favorite local restaurant: Our city has an incredible culinary culture and spring is, in my opinion, the best time to enjoy it. Dine out at your favorite local restaurants and enjoy the seasonal dishes that incorporate local food. You can find a listing of local restaurants in our directory (category = Food & Beverage). Also, keep an eye out for Local Plate Specials at many of your favorite restaurants throughout Eat Local Month (April).

5) Join the local food party at an upcoming event: Springtime in the Lowcountry means outdoor festivities and food events. Save the date and buy tickets before they sell out!

• All You SHOULD Eat Breakfast – April 7^th
• Dirt Roadtrip: Farm Tours – April 14^th
• 5^th Annual Chef’s Potluck – April 22^nd
• Carolina Dirt Fair – April 27^th through 29^th
• Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival – April 29^th
• First Flush Tea Festival – May 20^th
• Charleston Beer Garden -– June 23^rd

Whatever you do to celebrate local food this spring, tell us about it! We love to hear your stories and see your pictures.