One of the nicest things about living in the Lowcountry is our year-round access to fresh, organic vegetables. Have you ever tried a smooth, savory winter squash soup? How about roasted brussel sprouts or braised leeks and collard greens?

Those are just some of the veggies that are in-season right now. Others include cabbage, cauliflower, kale, parsnips, spinach and sweet potatoes. You can find these and more at one of the many local farmer’s markets (yes, even at this time of year!).

Why buy at a farmer’s market rather than the grocery store? In addition to food that’s good for you and your family, buying at local farmer’s markets is environmentally-responsible.

Buying local reduces air and water pollution brought on by industrial food production. Then there’s the fuel to transport and the chemicals used to keep vegetables “fresh.” Did you know that as much as 40 percent of the energy used in the food system goes towards the production of chemical fertilizers and pesticides?

The great thing is that there are plenty of places to buy fresh local vegetables from small local farmers. In addition to fresh food, many of the local farmer’s markets feature music and some wonderful baked goods, salsas, jams, jellies and other items that make thoughtful and environmentally-friendly Christmas gifts.

So, where to go?

The Jasper County Farmers Market, the downtown Beaufort Farmers Market and the Farmers Market at Shelter Cove on Hilton Head are closed until the spring. However, there are a bunch that are open year-round. Here’s a list and some of the highlights of the many farmer’s markets in this Beaufort County that are open at this time of year.

The Farmers Market, Hilton Head Island at Honey Horn:

The last day for the market until April 2012 is from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Dec. 9. There will be fresh fruits, meats, seafood, flowers, preserves, pastas, breads and more available. The market will also have autumn vegetables, including broccoli, radishes, lettuces, chard, spinach, mixed lettuce greens, carrots, collards, winter squash, pumpkins and much more.

Bluffton Farmers Market:

This farmer’s market on Calhoun Street in old town Bluffton runs through Dec. 22 and is open from 2-6 p.m. on Thursdays. There’s organic produce, farm fresh eggs and beef, fresh fish, pastas, honey and local specialties. Prepared foods include barbecue, gumbo, crab cakes and fried shrimp and oysters.

Habersham Farmers Market:

This market at Habersham Marketplace in Beaufort is open from 4-7 p.m. Fridays. In addition to music, there’s a wide array of products available, including fresh vegetables, meats, local seafood, pecans, cheesecakes, cookies, cakes, crafts and much more. They also have Christmas wreaths and greenery.

Pick Pocket Plantation Farmers Market:

This market at 93 Trask Farm Road is open Saturdays 9am-4pm and Tuesdays 1pm to 5pm in the winter. In addition to veggies, there’s also fruits, southern spicy treats, fried peanuts, baked goods, breads, fresh pasta and fish. 

Port Royal Farmers Market:

This market is held from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Saturdays through December and 10 a.m.-noon from January through March at Heritage Park on Ribaut Road in Port Royal. You’ll find South Carolina produce, seafood, plants, honey, cheese, live music and more.

So, support your local farmers and have fun doing so! It’s not only the right thing to do, it’s good for you and for Mother Earth.