Supporting the Farmer's Market is a feel-good event.

First, there is always the thought of supporting farmers and crafters in their endeavors to make a living locally. (It doesn't hurt that the vendors at the market are some of the nicest people I know.)

Second, there's the knowledge that anything you buy here means it won't have to get shipped from hundreds of miles away.

Then, there is the knowledge that the food was grown on a human scale by people who care about the land and the sea.

Plus, there is the knowledge that the produce is as nutritionally packed as it can possibly be and tastes fantastic.

But shopping locally and shopping in season requires more of you than just a stopoff at the fun and joyous atmosphere of the market. There are things at the market that are produced locally that you may not find in stores anywhere. That's great for fashion and unique gifts, but not necessarily for food. For example, have you tried kelp pickles yet?

There is a lot to learn at the market. Did you know that lamb's quarter is not just a prolific weed in your garden, but one of the most nutritious wild plants you can eat? Did you know that lovage can replace celery in cooking but the flavor is about three times stronger? Or do you think of rhubarb as a "fruit" since it is the first thing that comes in season that makes good pies?

The market can get us in touch with the nature of the land we live in. Supporting your community should always be this fun.

If you would like to have more information about what is available this week at the Homer Farmers' Market or to sign up for the market newsletter, check out the Web site at www.homerfarmersmarket.org.

Kyra Wagner is the director of Sustainable Homer and the Homer Farmers' Market's biggest fan. She can be reached at kyra@sustainablehomer.org.