Although it is still January, you will find yourself reading straight through to December when you pick up your free copy of the 2008 West Virginia University Extension Service Garden Calendar.

The popular calendar always follows a how-to theme for home gardeners. This year, however, the calendars local-food focus expands to incorporate the bounty of West Virginia farmers markets.

Armchair gardeners, in particular, will appreciate Extension educatorsadvice on how to locate farmers markets, shop for fresh produce and keep food safe to eat.

Those thinking about selling their own produce at a farmers market also will find an introduction to the regulations governing the business venture.

Every year, WVU Extension agriculture and nutrition specialists prepare easy-to-follow steps on how to grow, store and use fruits and vegetables. Lawns, ornamentals and houseplants also are included among the timely tip boxes.

Each edition of the calendar also introduces novice and advanced gardeners to new techniques and varieties.

This year, gardeners are invited to extend their growing season by creating a high tunnela plastic-covered greenhouse that can be used to grow just one vegetable or a combination of fruits and vegetables.

In addition, gardeners are invited to follow the path of WVU Extensions Harrison County master gardeners, who share their nutritious bounty through the Plant-A-Row for the Hungry program. They donate one ton of produce to their community food pantries each year.

To receive a free copy of the 2008 WVU Extension Service Garden Calendar, contact your countys WVU Extension Service office, which is listed in your local telephone directory and on the Web (http://www.wvu.edu/~exten/).