CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Hurray for hoop houses and high tunnels.

Those unheated, plastic-covered greenhouses are doing a world of good for the Cleveland area's new crop of winter farmers markets -- six, to be exact, which join the six we already have.

The structures extend the growing season by blocking wind and capturing solar heat. While that doesn't mean we can grow succulent tomatoes in February, it does mean there will be a continuing stream of lettuce, collards, herbs, carrots, parsnips and other cold-tolerant plants.

Market managers say there's a growing crowd hungry for them.

"I remember when we'd have November markets that sold out of local greens in the first 20 minutes," said Beth Knorr, manager of Countryside's winter market at Old Trail School in Bath.

That's less of a problem now that four or five of her farmers use high tunnels, although she still advises shoppers to arrive early for the best supply.

North Union Farmers Market general manager Emma Anderson is starting a winter market at Crocker Park in Westlake in January, hoping to satisfy the number of people driving across town to North Union's market in Shaker Square.

"They get used to a certain quality and they don't want to give it up," Thompson said. Besides hoop-house crops, off-season local foods can include free-range eggs, grass-fed meats and cheeses, and cold-storage items such as winter squash and apples.

"People are beginning to eat seasonally, and it's exciting to see," she said.

The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture showed a 38 percent growth in the number of winter markets from 2010 to 2011. Ohio ranked fifth in the country, with 50 markets operating at least once between November and March.

Six more Northeast Ohio winter markets are popping up this year, and they are expected to nurture the local economy along the way.

A 2011 survey of 1,000 shoppers and vendors at three markets (Coit Road in East Cleveland, Kamm's Corners and Tremont) suggested that those operations were each generating $1 million to $3 million every year. The study was done by the New Orleans-based nonprofit research group Market Umbrella.

"That isn't small potatoes," said Ohio State University Extension's educator Morgan Taggart.

Our winter markets could increase that impact.

Here's what's going on this year:

• The 9-year-old extension of North Union Farmers Market at Shaker Square.

• A six-days-a-week Local Roots farmers' cooperative in Wooster.

• Three Cleveland markets: Coit Road (now 80 years young and gaining new farmers), Kamm's Corners and Tremont).

• Countryside in the Cuyahoga Valley.

They'll join six new faces wrapped in scarves.

• Haymaker Market in Kent recently announced its first year-round schedule, including an indoor winter market.

• Downtown Cleveland Farmers Market has moved from breezy Public Square into the old Colonial Marketplace, now called Fifth Street Arcades, for November and December.

• North Union Farmers Market at Crocker Park will be open for business January through March.

• Seville; Lakewood Earth and Food, or LEAF, in Lakewood; and Gateway 105 in Cleveland are all hosting special winter events.

All this growth means more local food for the holiday table. Many local turkey growers are still taking orders for Thanksgiving, although deadlines are looming.

Produce Perks and other food-stamp-related programs are continuing in the cold. For every dollar spent, a token for a free dollar of food is provided. That can mean an extra $5 to $20, depending on the market. Ask at each information desk.

Many events also offer music, cooking classes, familiar faces and -- lower that scarf -- something hot and local to eat.

Coit Road Market

When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays (only through November) and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays (all year).

Where: 15000 Woodworth Road (one block west of East 152nd St. and Noble Road), East Cleveland.

Contact: 216-249-5455.

Look for: Three new farms -- Blue Pike and Maggie's Farm from Cleveland and Herb Thyme from Middlefield -- are joining regulars, at least through December. Check website for events.

Countryside Winter Farmers Market

When: 9 a.m.-noon this Saturday, Dec. 8 and 22, Jan. 26, Feb. 9 and 23, March 9 and 23, April 6 and 27.

Where: Old Trail School, 2315 Ira Road, Bath.

Contact:330-657-2542.

Look for: Fresh produce, sustainably raised meats, artisan cheeses, unique bakery items, preserves, artwork, prepared foods and music.

Downtown Farmers Market Holiday Market

When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Fridays through Dec. 21.

Where: Fifth Street Arcades (formerly Colonial Marketplace), 530 Euclid Ave., Cleveland.

Contact: 440-821-0254.

Look for: Chestnuts roasting out on Euclid Avenue, more than 15 vendors including four farmers (three growing in the city), bread, cheese, jams and more.

Gateway 105 Winter Farmers Market

When: 3-7 p.m. Fridays, Dec. 7 and 14.

Where: Famicos Foundation, 1325 Ansel Road (at Superior), Cleveland.

Contact: 216-375-3757.

Look for: Five produce farmers, smoothies, sweet potato pies, vegan food. Cooking class Dec. 7: $15; free to designated local residents; registration required.

Haymaker Winter Market

When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays through May 18 (except Dec. 22 and 29).

Where: Junction 211, 211 Cherry St. (at Franklin Ave.), Kent.

Contact: 330-472-5801.

Look for: Twenty-five vendors, three certified organic growers, baked goods, cheese, salsa, beans, flour, honey, maple syrup, pastured meat and eggs, music.

Kamm's Corners Indoor Farmers Market

When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., second Sunday of the month through May (Dec. 9, Jan. 13, Feb. 10, March 10, April 14, May 15).

Where: Cretan Party Center, 3853 West 168th St., Cleveland

Contact: 216-252-6559, ext. 1400.

Look for: More than 15 vendors including West Park businesses such as Blaze Gourmet, the Olive and the Grape, Judy's Oasis, White Family Farm, Needham Gardens and the Enchanted Lotus.

LEAF Community Indoor Markets

When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18.

Where: Garfield Elementary School Cafeteria, 13114 Detroit Ave., Lakewood.

Contact:216-367-2834.

Look for: City Fresh holiday share distributions, several local farmers, bakers, producers, artists and crafters.

Local Roots Market & Cafe

When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays.

Where: 140 South Walnut St., Wooster.

Contact:330-263-5336.

Look for: A selection of the 100 regular producers, offering heirloom, organic and chemical-free produce, frozen grass-fed and pastured meats, pastry and breads, jams, maple syrup, honey, dairy, arts and more. Cooking classes and other events.

North Union Farmers Market -- Crocker Park

When: 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays, Jan. 12-March 16

Where: 143 Crocker Blvd., Westlake (near the Cheesecake Factory).

Contact: 216-751-7656.

Look for: Antibiotic- and hormone-free meat and dairy, maple syrup, honey, eggs, cheese, greens, herbs, apples, potatoes, mushrooms, organic grains, baked goods and more.

North Union Farmers Market -- Shaker Square

When: 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays, Jan. 12-March 23.

Where: Between Dewey's Coffee House and CVS.

Contact: 216-751-7656.

Look for: See Crocker Park listing.

Seville Farmers Market

When: To be announced.

Where: To be announced.

Tremont Farmers Market Happy Hour Holiday Market

When: 4-7 p.m. Tuesdays through Dec. 18.

Where: The South Side, 2207 West 11th St., Cleveland.

Contact: 216-272-3560.

Look for: Many regular-season vendors, offering prepared food, fresh vegetables, pastries, cheese, tea, meat, knife sharpening, bread, pizza, spices, granola, variety mushrooms.