When cold and non-hospitable weather is the order of the day, many home gardeners begin to dream of spring blooms and getting their hands into the dirt again.

One of the easiest ways to fulfill those dreams is by planting berries in the early days of spring, according to representatives with the Cooperative Extension of Polk County.

To help gardeners on their way, the agency is hosting its annual berry plant sale. This year, the cooperative extension director has chosen four varieties of blueberries, two varieties of raspberries, two varieties of strawberries and one blackberry variety that have proven to thrive in the North Carolina Foothills and upstate South Carolina.

Orders will be accepted for plants now through Feb. 22 and will be available for pickup in mid-March. Proceeds from this fundraiser go to support the copperative extension’s activities, classes and research.

Those interested in learning more may visit the extension’s website at polk.ces.ncsu.edu or call at 894-8218.

– Submitted by Kerry Jones