Those who have gardening, flowers and fresh spring vegetables on their minds are in for a treat.
Carson City's Saturday morning Downtown Farmer's Market is opening for six pre-season weeks in the Carson Station parking lot on the corner of Carson and 9th streets.
The market, open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., will feature California fruits and vegetables, and local spring produce such as mushrooms and lettuce.
Also at the market will be music, artisans, pony rides and special clinics on topics such as canning and raised-bed gardening.
A master gardener will be available each Saturday to help guide people as the planting season begins in Northern Nevada.
The market will run every Saturday from May 8-June 12.
"We're doing an early market to help out the farmers who have some amazing lettuce, spinach and spring veggies to sell along with lots of plants and veggie starts for your yard and garden," market manager Linda Marrone said. "We hope the community will come out and support this early market so we can make it an annual event."
Local Nevada farmers include Lattin Farms, Hungry Mother Organics and Beautiful Farm Food with Nevada's Own Perennials, and flowers from Smith & Smith Farms coming on board next week, she said. California fruit farmers will also be there.
The Carson Station also will offer a farmers market breakfast special each Saturday for those who want to get an early start to their day.
For more information, visit www.carsonfarmersmarkets.com to get week-by-week updates.