The produce is rolling into local farmer’s markets by the bushel, which is a lot more than can be said for my own garden.
I rely on the farmer’s market for fruits and vegetables that I don’t come from my garden. I don’t have the space for sweet corn, the sun for okra, or the heat for sweet potatoes. I’d like a bumper crop of cucumbers for pickles, but I don’t have the space for that yet. I’m hungry for beans, but mine are still little plants. I never have much luck growing cilantro. My tomatoes are showing signs of late blight. I can get all of the above and more at the farmer’s market.
Farmer’s markets are popping up all over the country. Even in my small town, I can find a farmer’s market or a local famrstand within ten miles seven days a week. The produce is far cheaper and much fresher than anything at the grocery store and I love meeting the people who see their produce from seed to sale. I like to hear about their farms and their lives. When the cherry trees on our block failed to fulfill my dreams of pie, the farmer’s market provided.
Some of the fare at the farmer’s market isn’t strictly organic, but all of it is guaranteed to be locally grown by the sponsors of the market. It’s still a great way to get fresh, affordable food to put away for the winter. Every week, I bring home extra of those things I love to flash freeze and save for winter. Last year, before first frost, I got a box of red peppers for five dollars. I roasted them that evening, vacuum sealed them, and enjoyed them all winter long.
My plot can’t provide all the produce I want or need, but the farmer’s market generally can. It’s fresh. It’s local. And I can feel good about supporting other small farmers while feeding my family truly good food.
To find a farmer’s market near you, visit http://search.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/default.aspx.
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