Area Guide

A Survival Guide to Farmers Markets

The Local Farmers Market Scene Gears up for the Summer

May 5, 2022

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Nothing is more local, more neighborly…in a word, more American, than a farmers’ market. These quaint outdoor markets have it all. Food trucks, crafts, organic food, plants, flowers, baked goods, jams, jellies, even locally crafted wines and soaps. They all seem to be a cross between peddlers and carnivals, popping in and out of existence weekly like a particle in quantum physics. Every week they change. Every week they surprise. Every week they give us a great reason to get out of the house and go walking. In essence, Farmers’ markets are the social nexus of our communities. In many ways, these markets are the basis for a great spring, summer, and fall, as local growers offer up their best products direct to the consumer.

Farm to table and eat locally grown are huge movements. And they make culinary and fiscal sense. Eating local is not only supportive of the local agriculture community, but it is also healthier for our bodies, our wallets and our planet. Nothing embodies this feel good, from the inside out, concept like local farmers’ markets and our area is blessed with several.

So it’s time. It is time to get out of our winter coats, the mega-marts, and our houses and start exploring the local market culture. This year’s culinary adventures await!

Days, Times, and Info?

If you’re looking for days, times, locations, etc. for a particular farmers market, they’re all down below. However, if you’d like to make your market experience the best possible, check out these awesome ideas!

We Need Farmers Markets & Vendors Need US

It would be an understatement to say that the last couple of years have been restrictive. Even with the outdoor nature of farmers markets, 2021 was still a touch-and-go time for community events.

Likewise, for almost all small businesses, the last two years have been, at best, a break-even proposition. And now, with prices on the rise, these local merchants and farmers face, yet again, growing anxiety, not about profit, but about survival.

Yet, it doesn’t have to be that way. Our local outdoor markets are, in general, great bargains for families on a budget. Plus, they are fun entertainment that doesn’t cost that much. Finally, they show our community support in a way that no mega-mart can touch.

If ever there was a year to embrace outdoor markets, 2022 is it.

Simple Rules for Surviving a Farmers Market

Bring your own bags: Our planet can use less plastic. Plus, many of the farmers’ are “reusing” plastic bags anyway; so why not bring your own? Using your own bags, boxes, and other carrying devices contributes to the whole vibe of the market.

Buy only what you can carry: Markets are replete with tasty, incredibly cost-effective offerings. It is easy to overbuy. Many of us have fallen prey to buying “pecks and bushels” with designs of canning or freezing. This is an invitation to waste. Buy only what you can carry per person (enlist your spouse and kids to help) and you will almost guarantee to eat through your purchases. However, IF you are a canner, preserver, or freezer, then you already know the drill.

Early is better: There is no denying it; early birds get worms and the best market offerings. Savvy market shoppers show up right when markets open. This doesn’t mean that if you sleep in you won’t find great stuff. However, the best of the best is there first thing.

Bring cash: Most market vendors will now accept cards. Cash, however, is still king. And the smaller the bills the better. A pocket full of ones and fives goes a long way at a market. If a vendor says “three for a dollar” it is because they don’t want to make coin change. Take the three cucumbers (or whatever is grouped together) and share them with a friend.

Don’t Negotiate: Although it is tempting to bargain, most merchants have set their prices at a rate that is necessary for them to cover their expenses and make a profit.

Ask questions: A farmers’ market is filled with your neighbors. If you don’t know how to use or cook something ask them or the farmer. They will be more than happy to tell you how to fix crowder peas or garlic scapes. The entire space is filled with grocery and culinary know-how and there is no reason not to capitalize on it. Plus, it is fun. We all spend too much time searching Google for info when the answers to our questions are standing right next to us.

Respect Each Other: Markets are filled with people, merchants, kids, dogs, buskers, and so much more. It can be crowded and a bit chaotic. That is their charm. It can also be a navigation hazard. Courtesy is the key to an enjoyable farmers’ market experience.

A Few Words of Caution

Along with the steps to survive your farmers market experience, we want to give a few words of caution. As long as you are aware of these basic concepts you surely won’t be disappointed.

—Not everything is cheap. Many products are not shockingly cheap. Things like farm-raised eggs, milk products, cheeses, and meat products are in fact more expensive than their mass-produced cousins. You may or may not find value in any or all of them. However, many find that the quality and sustainability of such products far outweigh the cost. And in our size households cost is less of a prime mover than keeping us out of the drive-through window.

Not everything is of quality. There are always booths at farmers’ markets that sell honey, jams, jellies, bakery items, soaps, lotions, hot sauces, mustards, etc. Like any other product, they will be of varying quality. So, like anything else, shop around and make the best decision you can.

Not everything belongs in a farmer’s market. Be aware that there will be booths (even vegetable booths), that are selling things that you can find at any mega-mart. Some booths will have a few fresh tomatoes and the rest of their booth has boxes of produce from the local mass-produce distributor. The easiest way to tell is uniformity. A pile of potatoes from an actual farm will not all be the same size (plus they will be pretty dirty).