It's almost February and your local farmer's market is just a faint memory, or perhaps a hopeful fantasy on the snowy horizon. In Minnesota, truly eating with the seasons might involve more sauerkraut than I'm willing to allow. But, wow! When the farmer's markets finally open, what a scene; they are like living masterpieces, a veritable edible still life.

Yet there are times when the farmers market doesn't fit your schedule, days when the competition for the latest, tender pod and produce is too fierce. There are gardens that explode with a one-time bumper crop with no outlet, fruit tree owners overwhelmed once a summer. Wouldn't it be great to connect all the growers and all the eaters?

Just days after the announcement of Apple's iPad, it's easy to think that all the new ideas are hi-tech, complex and out of reach. And then an idea comes along that is sweet and simple, and based on sharing. A smart lady with the appropriate last name of Farmer, has started a website called The Farmer's Garden, a place where gardeners and farmers can register to buy, sell and trade produce with other local growers and consumers. In addition, individuals and non-profits, like food pantries can post classified ads for wanted produce. Maureen Farmer wants to make it easier for everybody to become a locavore.

She states that you can "trade your banner crop of one thing for your neighbor's bountiful crop of something else". This goes beyond the everyday gardener with a zillion zucchini. Delicious, unusual and rare varieties might be found growing not in your backyard, but mighty close, or maybe you have a unique and tasty vegetable you'd love to introduce to a bigger crowd. Since this is nationwide, she encourages people to consider that even in winter there are still certain crops and products available.

You can register anytime to post ads to buy, sell or trade. Although it's not necessary to register to search the database. You can search by keyword, or with options for zip code, travel radius, transaction type and produce category. Always use common sense when making arrangements through online sources.

This new initiative takes a clever approach that can connect consumers and growers, create community, support better nutrition and reduce waste, among other positive outcomes. Check it out at The Farmer's Garden.