Know what's in season when you go and try and shop around it. People in our society these days are so accustomed to getting anything any any time of the year that they forget that things only grow in certain seasons. That's because they are shipped in from all around the globe. So if you want to shop in season don't expect tomatoes in the spring, (unless they're grown in a greenhouse) and don't expect blueberries in the end of August. If you see items that are not fitting into what is in season at the time it's often an indicator that the vendor is getting their stuff from somewhere else. You can often go to your states CISA page to find out not only when and where local farmers markets are but also what they'll have to offer that week too.
Scope out the situation. Do a walk through before you buy. See what looks good from who and what practices they use or if they even grow it themselves. Surprisingly a lot of vendors will get stuff to sell in bulk from various different farms. To me the whole point of a market is getting my stuff as local and organic as possible and I'd like to meet the people growing it to see if their growing practices meet my standards. Lastly check prices to see what is the best price for the best looking stuff.
Once you've done a walk through and figured out what looks best, is cost effective and fits your standards of production. Go ahead and buy. I try to purchase something from everyone that fits the organic and sustainable and local guidelines.
Also don't think that farmers markets only sell produce. Nowadays farmers markets often have local craft vendors, wineries and local handmade body products and things too, so you can go there to get gifts and treats of all kinds.
Well I hope this helped to broaden your scope of farmers markets and gave you some helpful tips on how to shop your local farmers market. Enjoy the wonderful beauty and bounty that the season has to offer!!
~Megan~
