It might be difficult to believe right now, but warm weather will come back to Niles in the next couple months.

The return of spring also means the return of Niles’ popular community gardens program.

Organizers of Niles Community Gardens will be holding two sign-up meetings for people interested in joining a garden Thursday, Feb. 26 and Tuesday, March 3. Both meetings will be at 6 p.m. at the Niles District Library.

Those who do not come to either meeting can sign up by contacting garden coordinators via the website nilescommunitygardens.org.

People can also sign up by showing up at one of four community gardens during the gardening season.

John Stevenson, who coordinates the community garden at Northside Child Development Center, said approximately 75 people participated last year.

People do not have to live in Niles to be part of the Niles Community Gardens. There is no age restriction either. Both experienced and novice gardeners are welcome.

“If you like being outdoors and enjoy having your own healthy, fresh produce then this is for you,” Stevenson said.

There are a couple ways to participate.

For a small fee, people can join a specific garden where they will work with other gardeners to plant, raise and harvest vegetables and fruit. Plants and supplies are covered in the cost.

People can also sign up for an individual garden plot for an additional fee. Those who sign up for individual plots must provide their own plants.

The four gardens are:

• Ballard — Located in front of Ballard Elementary School on West Chicago Road

• Holy Trinity — Located next to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on Oak Street

• Northside — Located behind Northside Child Development Center on North Fifth Street

• Westside — Located next to Westside Administrative Center on Spruce Street.

Stevenson said planting typically begins in April, although it is dependent on weather.

The gardens are organic with no pesticides used.