Robert Weland, executive chef of Poste, is so focused on using local ingredients, he growing much of his herbs, vegetables and soft fruits right on the patio of the 8th Street NW modern brasserie. Walk round the back of the old Post Office building and watch it grow as the weeks extend...

This year, 7 million more American households plan to grow their own fruits, vegetables, herbs, a 19% increase on 2008. Last year, US amateur gardeners spent $2.5 billion on seeds, plants, fertilizer, tools, and other supplies to grow their own food.

If you maintain what The National Gardening Association calls an average "well-maintained food garden", it will yield a $500 return on investment. Go Robert!

You may not have the space to grow your own. So log onto the Washington Post's interactive list and map of local area farmers markets to find out where and when you can buy the freshest of produce.

Poste Moderne Brasserie, 202-783-6060, is located at 555 8th St. NW. Main courses cost $22 to $28.