Katharine Cede has only been a Howard County resident for three months, but the formally trained chef knew where she was headed Saturday morning -- the farmers' market at the Glenwood Branch Library, in Cooksville.

"I was looking for more produce, but it's still early in the season," said Cede, a stay-at-home mom to 13-month-old Gabriel. "I make it a point to buy locally and I like to cook with the seasons. And what better way than to support the local growers."

This year is the fifth for the market at Glenwood, one of three venues in the county. The other two markets located at the East Columbia Branch Library (open Thursdays) and at the Oakland Mills Village Center (open Sundays), both in Columbia. With markets open on different days throughout the week, fresh produce is readily available to county residents.

The markets are great venues to meet the farmers, eat healthy, locally grown food and have fun, according to a press release issued by the Howard County Economic Development Authority.

The market attracts shoppers from outside the county, as well.

Deborah Kahn, of Brookville, in Montgomery County, likes the atmosphere and said she's just discovered the Family Kitchen Garden, which specializes in selling a wide array of fresh herbs, including garlic chive, lemon mint, chocolate and lavender.

Owner Yelena Golubeva also teaches classes throughout the year on the many uses for fresh herbs and gets many repeat customers, such as Wendy Custer, of Frederick, who stopped by to say hello.

"The market has a nice feel, good stuff and helpful people who are ready to answer your questions," Custer said.

Erica Simcoe and Ben Brawley, also of Brookville, were on a learning junket. "I wanted to see if I can add to my herb knowledge," Simcoe said.

South Mountain Creamery offered fresh dairy products, flavored and regular milk, yogurt drinks and cheese products. The milk products are in glass bottles and $1.50 refundable deposit per glass bottle is part of the purchase price. Owner Karen Sowers explained glass preserves the milk's natural taste and reusing the bottles helps the environment.

Sowers proudly displayed the June issue of Country Woman magazine which features the family run business. The creamery, located in Middleton, prides itself on its home delivery service and comes to the Howard County farmers' markets due in part to a large customer base.

"People down here are more aware of what we are trying to do and feel our products are worth the price," Sowers said. "Delivery charge is $3.50 and we travel as far as 50 miles to bring fresh products to your door.

Stephanie Fleming, of Hillside Nursery, brings her flowers and plants to sell and thoroughly enjoys the market atmosphere.

"I grew up here, went to Glenelg high school and every week I see friends I grew up with," Fleming said.

Linda Brown, of Triadelphia Lake View Farms, said business was brisk despite overcast skies at the beginning of the day and the draw of the Sheep & Wool Festival. Pussy willow branches reached out over the top of her table where they rested alongside Brown's produce.

"When people come by and see them they bring a smile to their faces," Brown said. "I've sold a few.

The Breadery also had a booth set up with a wide variety of breads and Megan Lanasa, the owner's daughter was there pointing out favorites.

"The pumpkin pecan bread is always a bestseller," said Lanasa, who mentioned that the feta cheese with sun-dried foccacia bread was also selling well.

The Glenwood Farmers' market runs through October.

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