It may be barely April, but spring is already in full swing. This lovely outdoor weather has us dreaming of al fresco meals full of fresh fruits and veggies, and if you want that homegrown produce on your summer table then now is the time to start planning — and planting — ahead.

Whether you're an experienced green thumb or a novice gardener, there's no better place to stock up on your gardening needs than the Dallas Farmers Market. Dust off those gardening gloves, stock up on supplies, and get the expert advice you need from those who grow at DFM.

This bustling hub for gardening, farm-fresh vegetables, wholesome produce, dairy, and more, right in the middle of downtown Dallas, is dedicated to educating the community about living a more natural and balanced way. Every week, you'll find Bonton Farms and Heddin Family Farms at the market, offering gardening advice that's specific to Dallas' sometimes persnickety conditions.

One piece of advice you might hear if you swing by this weekend? Get those tomato starts or pots planted in the next few weeks to enjoy a luscious bounty come June. Experienced gardeners from Ruibal's — which has been selling plants at the Dallas Farmers Market since 1984 — have selections of the best varieties for the Dallas area.

If you're in need of planters, head to Luxe District Collective in The Market building for sleek concrete options to give your garden a facelift.

Plus if you plant those tomatoes now, then you'll have the chance to enter them in the DFM's Tomato Round-Up contest, where you can compete with your best beefsteak, cherry, Baxter's Early Bush, Juliet, Small Fry, Better Boy, Big Box, Carnival, Homestead, Big Beef, and Celebrity tomatoes. Be on the lookout for dates and more info in the coming weeks.

Of course, there's so much to discover beyond tomatoes at the Dallas Farmers Market. Right now you can scoop up peppermint, lemongrass, chocolate mint, stevia, and aloe vera, along with herbs such as rosemary, oregano, and basil. Citronella plants will come in handy once the mosquitos start to descend, while strawberries are always welcome. Take your pick of peppers with both sweet and hot banana, poblano, habanero, cayenne, tabasco, and Big Bertha varieties.

Most are $4 per container, or $30 per flat. Aloe vera and citronella will run you $10 a piece, with rosemary costing $5.

While you're at the Dallas Farmers Market, take time to visit its many vendors and restaurants.