It may be a bit too wintry to think about planting the garden, but the Cranbrook Farmers Market Society is already planting the seeds for its 2012 season.

Erna Jensen-Shill, market manager, talked to the Townsman about the year ahead for the popular summertime markets - and she has good news for fans of the weekly outdoor event.

"One of the biggest pieces that we heard from people is, 'we want more markets,'" Jensen-Shill said.

The society has decided to extend its season and will be holding 16 markets throughout the summer at Rotary Park, starting on June 23 and going until the October 6 Thanksgiving weekend. There will be four special Wednesday markets on July 11 and 25, and August 8 and 22.

Jensen-Shill said the growers will be well stocked and ready for the first market of the year, even though most produce isn't ready yet.

"Some of our growers do have some things ready," she said.

The society has welcomed a whole new crop of board members and some returning experienced volunteers. The dates were set at the January planning meeting, Jensen-Shill said.

"Obviously we wanted to build on the success that the markets have enjoyed over the past seasons," she said.

And for that reason, they aren't messing with a good formula, but simply adding more of what the crowds have been asking for - including two more Wednesday night markets.

"Folks seemed to really enjoy that opportunity last year," Jensen-Shill said. "In order to go with building on the success theme, we decided we'll try four Wednesday night markets."

Those markets will be just like the Saturday ones, but with a little something extra to make them a fun event.

The 16 markets will of course be weather-permitted as the summer turns into fall, and Jensen-Shill said they might start later to allow for more light and a bit more warmth after September.

Jensen-Shill said the society is lucky to have a lot of willing volunteers and board members, and she credits the markets' success to their contributions.

"The success of the market certainly has evolved around the volunteer hours," she said. "People are very invested in the idea of the farmers market."

Many vendors stepped up to the plate after attending and selling their wares, and the society is now in the process of forming sub-committees and appealing to social media to further its reach.

"We're making sure that we're constantly looking forward to the future," Jensen-Shill said. "We're in a very fortunate position at the moment."

More information on vending, volunteering or attending the market can be found online at www.cranbrookfarmersmarket.com