The Unique at a Farmers' Market

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Farmers' markets are filled with people who are marketing gardeners. Often, they have offerings that reflect a scheduled production from a fairly small piece of ground.

As non-marketing gardeners, we may especially appreciate the Springtime assortments of plants available. Unique varieties show up that we can take home and grow.

As with any consumers, we appreciate consistency. We want a jar of honey when the one at home is nearly finished. Now, where's that beekeeper!? Bakers are also often found at "farmers'" markets. That has always made sense to me .

The appreciation and knowledge of seasonality is important for those of us who relish fresh, local fruits and vegetables. Certainly, those fruits and vegetables are a prime, if not THE prime reason to visit these markets.

The unique offerings in each booth can be something special about these markets and some vendors are standouts in this regard. Perhaps, it's an individual behind the table with good advice on choices and recipes. These experiences along with the offerings set these shopping experiences apart from other venues. As customers, what are your special reasons and pleasures for visiting?

Steve

 

[SPedigrees]

I've heard there are farmers markets where vendors sell what they have personally grown, sewn, baked, or otherwise created, and then there are farmers markets where vendors buy wares and then sell them at a mark-up price. The one I frequent is the first variety, and I love it. This market requires vendors to only sell what they have grown or made themselves, and most of these people are fairly close neighbors to me. They have nice homegrown music there each week too from a variety of local entertainers. A lot of their customer base are tourists, but I'm a local there. I feel refreshed (if exhausted) after a visit there. These are *my people* for sure.

I buy a substantial amount of my groceries at the farmers market (grass fed meats, raw milk, home baked and home canned goods, hand sewn items, and homemade jewelry that I'd buy if I didn't already have more than I ever have opportunity to wear). I'm looking at the last market of the year next week; then it will be grocery store eggs, milk, and bread until next summer. I average about 2 visits a month to stock up on supplies.