The bright colors of flowers in bloom, the sweet smell of afternoon thunderstorms, the feel of warm sunshine showering down and the anticipation of spending time outdoors—all are fueling our need for some springtime now.
While there’s still a bit of time left until our gardens need to be tended, it doesn’t hurt to stop and smell the flowers. To get our fix, we’re heading to York County, which has much to offer those yearning for the freshness of a new season.
Neighborhood One-Stop Shop
Miller Plant Farm is a local family-owned garden center that has everything you and your green thumb could possibly desire. Twenty-nine greenhouses lay the groundwork for a wonderful variety of pack annuals, perennials, container plants, produce and much more. Have questions about gardening? The team at Miller’s is more than happy to guide you in the right direction.
Miller Plant Farm’s enthusiasm for educating the community is evident in the many events and workshops hosted for those who are eager to grow their knowledge. Check out Miller’s during the Spring Kick Off on March 24–25. This free event will plant the seed to get your own garden ready to sprout. Saturday, April 8, learn about perennials at a morning seminar. Looking to diversify your vegetable garden this year? Spend some time discovering the basics of vegetable growing on Saturday, April 22, and stock up on veggie transplants for a scrumptious stockpile of goodies to harvest.
If a DIY vegetable garden is not your thing or you want to supplement with more diverse ingredients, consider joining the CSA at Miller’s. Enrollment is now open for the upcoming season. Get a wide variety of fresh local produce without the hard work, and find great recipes on the Miller’s website to help you make the most of your haul. 430 Indian Rock Dam Rd., York, (717) 741-2631
Pennsylvania Herb and Garden Festival
If shopping local is high on your priority list, mark your calendar for the April 7–8 Herb and Garden Festival at the York Expo Center. Find gardening products, workshops and plant vendors all under one roof. Learn about the many ways that herbs can be used to better your life. Pick up some tips on cooking with your garden herbs and on the basics of tea blending. Meet local business owners ready to help spruce up your own piece of nature. You can even register for a workshop on air plants and build your own terrarium. 334 Carlisle Ave., York
Keeping It Green
If organic is your goal, Sonnewald Natural Foods will prove a valuable resource this gardening season and all year long. The 60-acre farm has taken the chemical-free approach to providing healthy solutions for the community. Gardening supplies can be found on the welcoming front porch, with inventory changing daily. Find a selection of vegetable and herb plants for your own harvest and bring your own bucket to pick up some organic compost or stock up on organic potting soil while supplies last.
In addition to a great selection of organic produce in the food store, Sonnewald houses a bulk food room. Here you will find over 300 various foods, from nuts and grains to pasta and baking mix, all self-serve for you to gather exactly what you need. The on-site mill room will even stone grind your chosen grain into flour while you shop. Find all you need to get started on clean eating and growing at Sonnewald’s Natural Foods. 4796 Lehman Rd., Spring Grove, (717) 225-3825
Weekends at Morningstar
Morningstar Marketplace in Jackson Township is a destination marketplace—and a great place to break for a bite to eat and some weekend shopping while stocking up for spring. It features a farm market with more than 100 vendors, an antique gallery with more than 50 dealers and a flea market with over 300 vendors. Up to 12,000 customers visit every weekend, perusing everything from fresh produce and plants to reusable goods that might find a second life in the garden.
Before you come, take some time to clean off that bookshelf. Sonnewald’s book exchange is a great place to donate unwanted books and pick up a new stock of reading material. With all there is to see here, you should plan on making a day of it! 5309 W. Lincoln Highway, Thomasville, (717) 792-1919
Support Local Farms
York County’s chapter of Buy Fresh Buy Local connects people with locally produced food and much more. It’s the go-to resource for information about CSAs, pick-your-own fruit hotspots and local farms that may have already started growing your next bumper crop of backyard tomatoes. Check out the partners of York’s BFBL, or volunteer your time to help grow this wonderful organization.
Do you have a favorite gardening spot in York County or big plans for your garden this spring? Tell us in the comments below!
- Featured homepage photo: Miller Plant Farm
- In text photos, top to bottom: Herb and Garden Festival, Miller Plant Farm, Miller Plant Farm, Herb and Garden Festival, Sonnewald Natural Foods
