Most farms are through with the harvest by now--cover crops are planted, root crops are in storage, fields are plowed under. While we hunker down for the long winter with butternut squash and potatoes, a few farmers are keeping the green stuff growing through the snow and the short winter days. They're doing it in high tunnels--essentially big, plastic greenhouses. Heated largely by the sun's warmth, the tunnels are warm enough to keep plants going for that January day when you just crave a salad.

High tunnels are becoming increasingly popular in the Northeast, where farmers are constricted by a growing season months shorter than, say, California. Utilizing a special plastic, these insulated spaces allow the season to be extended on both ends. Many farmers jump start their crops several weeks earlier than they used to, and even the most modest high tunnel can protect plants from frost well into the fall.

Taliaferro Farms in New Paltz, Stone Ridge Orchard in Stone Ridge, Sky Farm in Millerton, Keith's Farm in Westtown, and many others have brought the technology to their farms in recent years, making eating local just a little bit easier.

A few farmers are keeping their farm markets open for the winter, offering a cup of coffee or hot cider while you peruse the bounty from the tunnel. The Rogowski Farm (327-329 Glenwood Rd., Pine Island (845) 258-4574), grows garlic, spinach, scallions, broccoli rabe, salad mix, chard, five types of kale and fresh herbs (lemon balm, oregano, chives) in their high tunnels. The market is open seven days through December 24; then Friday through Sunday for the rest of the winter. Call for hours. Blooming Hill Farm (1251 Rt. 208, Blooming Grove, and Otterkill Rd., Mountainville (845) 782-7310) features mesclun mix, braising mix, Toscano kale, Swiss chard, sorrel, microgreens, sprouts, fresh herbs (parsley, chervil, rosemary, thyme, fennel). Blooming Grove is open Saturdays and Sundays until Christmas, Saturdays from January on, 10AM to 2PM. The Mountainville market is open Wednesdays, noon to 6.

If you can't get out to the farm, the farm will come to you, almost. Following the success of a one-day trial last winter, Westchester County will host an indoor farmers' market one Sunday each month, December through May. The market will be held from 10AM to 3PM at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, December 16, January 6, February 3, March 16, April 20 and May 18. The market will feature fresh produce, meats and cheeses, baked goods, wines and food products produced by New York State farmers and vendors, along with food demonstrations and samplings. For information, call (914) 995-4050 or visit countycenter.biz.

The hardy farmers at the Beacon Farmers' Market will continue their sales through the winter, returning to the cozy indoor location of the Beacon Sloop Club. The small stone building on the riverfront offers the warmth of a wood stove and open fireplace, scenic views and convenience to the train station. You'll find squash, potatoes, onions, garlic, greens, local cheeses, eggs, mushrooms, baked goods, meats and wines and the work of local potters and other crafters. There is hot coffee, hot cider and hot chocolate to enjoy by the fire. The market is open Saturdays, 10-4.

Winter Sun Farms in New Paltz will also sponsor a winter market--on the second Saturday of December through March, offering meats, produce, baked goods and prepared foods from such sources as Taliaferro Farm, Brook Farm, Veritas Farm and many more. For information, visit wintersunfarms.com.