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They come in all shapes and sizes. Atlantic to Pacific, Canada to Mexico they're the hub of activity on Saturday mornings. From the small heartland communities to New York, Chicago and Los Angles, an American tradition the FARMERS MARKET.
They’re up at 4 am checking the truck making sure they haven’t forgotten anything. On the road before dawn to beat the customers who will be waiting for them as they pull into their stalls. This scene is repeated across the country every Saturday morning.
I've been up since 4 a.m.
Melons, eggs, turnips and onions. Chickens, apples, peppers and grapes all on their way to farmers markets across the land.
Just picked this morning
Markets have been a main stay of towns both large and small since the pilgrims landed in 1620. A way for farmers to sell their goods and a place for city folks to purchase fresh produce and other staples.
A wagon load of sweet corn just in from the field.
Since that time markets have evolved into something of a “happening”. In urban areas like Chicago or Detroit you might find music, mimes, puppet shows for the kids at the market along with the produce vendors. In small towns the market might consist of pickups backing into parking spaces around the town square to sell their goods.
A little music on a Saturday morning
I’ve been to many markets from Connecticut to Missouri, from Michigan to Florida. Each one is a little different in its own unique way. But the one thing that I’ve discovered that they all have in common, friendly people who will chat on every subject imaginable.
The most anticipated words in the spring are “the market opens this week”.
We’ll be there every week, from buying vegetable transplants and fresh lettuce in the spring to the last of the cider and pumpkins in the fall.
Many markets carry canning supplies
Fruits and vegetables picked just hours ago. No additives or chemicals to worry about, grown right in your area by folks that you know. Fresh baked pies and cakes. Honey spun from local hives along with fresh herbs. Free range chickens and jumbo eggs from the farm just down the road.
Fresh honey just spun form the hive.
If you haven’t been to your local farmers market you don’t know what you’re missing. Pack up the kids and get out there next Saturday morning.
About Paul Rodman
Paul Rodman has been gardening for over 40 years. He is an Advanced Master Gardener, and American Rose Society Consulting Rosarian. He is currently president of the Western Wayne County Master Gardener Association in Wayne County, Michigan.
Rodman is the garden columnist for The News Herald newspaper, in Southgate, Michigan. He has also written for the OrganicGardening.com web site.
He has lectured on various gardening topics throughout southeastern Michigan.
His favorite pastime is teaching children about gardening. For the past several years he has conducted classes for second grade students teaching them about subjects ranging from vermi-composting to propagation.
Posted by KyWoods (from Melbourne, KY) on October 25, 2007 at 12:38 AM:
Thanks for encouraging everyone to support their local farmer's market! I surely love their products, and it's always fun to meet the folks who work so hard to produce them. They are friendly and knowledgeable, and you get to know them if you go often. We can buy homemade preserves, zucchini bread, pumpkin bread...oh, how I hate to see it end!
Great article and pictures!
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Posted by McGlory (from Southeast, NE) on October 25, 2007 at 8:57 AM:
Loved the pictures too! We had a couple of new ones start up this year that aren't on Saturday morning. I never could remember to go to those....
Markets are SUPPOSED to be on Saturday mornings just like you said. Thanks, paul!
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Posted by LouC (from Desoto, TX) on October 25, 2007 at 10:58 AM:
Grew up going to the market with my mother and grandmother as they picked what they were going to can for the winter. Oh, what glorious days those were, at least for me as a child because I didn't do the work. The aromas of all the fresh fruits and produce still linger. Thanks for a great reminder.
LouC
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Posted by Islandshari (from Kwajalein
(Marshall Islands)) on October 25, 2007 at 3:42 PM:
I love going to the Farmer's Market's and I miss them terribly out here. In Denver, a few of the local bakeries would also bring their wares, and the wonderful aromas of the freshly baked breads mingled with the fruits, veges and flowers were intoxicating....sure do miss them.
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Posted by carrielamont (from Milton, MA) on October 25, 2007 at 5:35 PM:
I agree - our local Farmer's Market is on THURSDAY! I usually remember about now - 5:45 p m - that I could have gone to the FM today....
