You could plant a garden, or you could buy futures in local farm produce according to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

"Right now is the time for people who care about locally grown foods to buy their produce for the coming season," says Tennessee Department of Agriculture marketing specialist Jon Frady.

With Community Supported Agriculture, a farmer contracts with other people in the community to provide those individuals with a portion of the farmer’s harvest. CSA's not only help consumers save money, they also help farmers plan their crops and buy the necessary seed and fertilizer.

Depending on the arrangement, you might go out to the farm to get your produce, or meet the farmer at a community drop-off site.

Consumers typically purchase a share or a half share of a producer's harvest in advance. A full share averages about $25 per week depending on the type of produce, and will usually get you a half-bushel box of produce per week, or once every two weeks for a half share.

A spring-summer CSA share typically lasts about 25 weeks, from late May until early November. The type of produce will vary depending on the season.

Some customers can also request farm fresh eggs, milk, and other local foods to be included with their share. Some area farmers pool their products to provide customers with a complete range of local foods.

To locate a CSA near you, visit the CSA farms directory at the Tennessee Department of Agriculture's Market Development website.

The nearest one to the Knoxville area is Green Man Farm in Grainger Co.