Illustration by Julia Tran
1. Say hello to your local farmers
It’s that time of year again when the farm stands are back across the city. Get back in the habit of a weekly trip to your nearby market.
2. Clean up the creek
Mariposa Food Co-op, Philadelphia Water, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, and United By Blue will sponsor a cleanup of Cobbs Creek on April 4. Sign up at the United By Blue website.
3. Prep the house for warmer weather
March went out like a lion, but warmer weather is on its way. Take a half-hour to install screens back on your windows, and make sure that you reprogram your thermostat.
4. Hit the food festivals
Philly Farm and Food Fest is April 8 this year at the Philadelphia Convention Center, and Manayunk’s StrEAT Food Festival is April 9. April 25 to 28 is Caribbean Cuisine Week. Participating restaurants are helping to raise funds that will allow hundreds of high school students from the Caribbean to participate in the annual Penn Relays, the largest track and field meet in the country.
5. Get your craft and jazz on
The spring edition of Go West! Craft Fest at West Philadelphia’s Woodlands will be held on April 29 (rain date April 30), the same day Center City Jazz Festival returns.
6. Take in the beauty of cherry blossoms
Japan’s national flower is celebrated every year to remind us of both the fleeting and enduring nature of life. To celebrate locally, visit Fairmount Park on April 1 through 9 for our own annual cherry blossom festival. Events will also celebrate Japanese music, art, food and culture. If you didn’t skip training over the winter, you can also run in the Cherry Blossom 5K.
7. Say goodbye to frost
Near the end of April, we’ll have passed our average “last frost” date and can really get the garden going. But even before then, it’s okay to plant your beets and Swiss chard. Other hardy vegetables you can plant early this month include carrots, cauliflower, kale, broccoli and Brussels sprouts.
8. Brush up on your history
On April 19, the Museum of the American Revolution opens its doors. The history museum is looking toward a sustainable future: Learn about its green roof and LEED certification in this month’s issue.
9. Wash your windows
Beautiful spring light is about to stream through your windows, so it’s time to clean up that dingy glass. Mix 2 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of vinegar for an easy cleaning solution.
10. Kitchen spring cleaning
Shares in Grubhub stock will start going down as soon as CSA shares start spring delivery. Do a deep clean on the kitchen to get ready to cook all those healthful meals. Don’t forget to clean off the tops of fans, replace water filters and get inside fridges, stoves and microwaves.
