Wednesday, January 31, 2007;

What holds true for birds and worms also applies to winter farmers markets. Arrive early for the best selection, says Ann Yonkers, co-founder of the Dupont Circle FreshFarm market.

At winter markets, Yonkers has noticed that greenhouse-grown vegetables and hydroponic lettuces are in high demand and limited supply, so she suggests buying them first when you arrive. Also quick to disappear are breads, soups, stews and sauces. In freezing weather some farmers keep their tender vegetables in the truck or in coolers. So it's best to ask what they have that week.

Don't expect a full assemblage of vendors after or during a major snow or ice storm. "We've never closed a winter market," says Yonkers. "But that doesn't mean it couldn't happen."

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Dupont Circle FreshFarm Market

Vendors:24-plus

Products: Pasture-raised meats (lamb, bison, pork, chicken and beef), cheese and yogurt, milk, butter, eggs, seasonal root vegetables, greenhouse greens, hydroponic lettuce, pears, apples and cider, mushrooms, pasta and sauces, baked goods, soups, granola.

Hours: Sundays: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 20th and Q streets NW; 202-362-8889. http://www.freshfarmmarket.org/.

Eastern Market Outdoor Farmers Market

Vendors: 3-5

Products: Cheese and yogurt, root vegetables, greens, apples.

Hours: Saturdays and Sundays: 7 a.m.-4 p.m. 225 Seventh St. SE.; 202-544-0083. http://www.easternmarketdc.com/.

MARYLAND

Great Frederick Farmers Market

Vendors: 3

Products: Meat (pork and beef), cheese, eggs, baked goods, ice cream.

Hours: Saturdays: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. East Patrick Street (fairgrounds); 301-663-5895.

Bethesda United Church of Christ Farmers Market

Vendors: 1

Products: From Twin Springs, lettuce, arugula, tomatoes, eggplant, onions, potatoes, squash (five kinds), apples, cider.

Hours: Saturdays: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fernwood Road and Democracy Boulevard; 717-334-4582.

Bethesda-Chevy Chase YMCA

Vendors: 1

Products: Produce from Twin Springs (see above), plus breads and pastries.

Hours: Tuesdays: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 9401 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda; 717-334-4582.

Takoma Park Farmers Market

Vendors: 14

Products:

Look for three apple vendors and more than a dozen others selling baked goods, cheese, eggs, meats (goat, lamb, beef, pork), pasta, salad greens, winter vegetables.

Hours: Sundays: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Old Town section of Laurel Avenue between Eastern and Carroll Avenues; 301-422-0097.

Charlotte Hall Farmers Market and Auction

Vendors: 4

Products: Baked goods, eggs, egg noodles, preserves.

Hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 29980 Three Notch Rd.; 301-884-3966.

VIRGINIA

Alexandria Farmers Market

Vendors: 13

Products: Winter greens, baked goods.

Hours: Saturdays: 5-10 a.m. 301 King St. (Market Square); 703-838-4770, 703-838-5006.

Arlington Farmers Market

Vendors: 21

Products: Meat (beef, veal, pork), cheese and yogurt, eggs, milk, honey, baked goods, greenhouse tomatoes and arugula, hydroponic lettuce, mushrooms.

Hours: Saturdays: 9 a.m.-noon. North Courthouse Road and North 14th Street (courthouse parking lot); 703-228-6417. http://www.arlingtonfarmersmarket.com/

Falls Church Farmers Market

Vendors: 18

Products: Grass-fed meat (beef, bison, lamb), crab cakes, mushrooms, tomatoes, salad greens, baked goods, cheese, milk, yogurt, honey, fruit preserves.

Hours: Saturdays: 9 a.m.-noon. 300 Park Ave. (City Hall parking lot); 703-248-5077.

Leesburg Farmers Market

Vendors: 16-18

Products: Meat (beef, lamb and goat), winter vegetables, greenhouse greens, hydroponic lettuce, apples, eggs, cheese, yogurt, breads, baked goods, preserves, fresh salsa, wine.

Hours: Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Virginia Village Shopping Center, Catoctin Circle; 703-777-0426. http://www.loudounfarms.com/.