Save time at the farmers’ market

When I lived in Humboldt, the local farmers’ market was where I got almost all our produce. It was close, mostly organic, fresh, and a good value. On some days I felt like lingering, but others my main goal was to get my produce and get out. You can’t always spend every Saturday at the market.

To organize your farmers’ market trips, and save time, try the following: 

Choose one farmers’ market and stick to it. If you’re making tons of trips to various markets, you’re not saving time, or money considering gas. If your city has plenty to choose from, find the one that fits your family’s needs and stick to it.

Go early or late: Midday is when most people hit farmers’ markets. If you go early or late you’ll avoid lines. If you go early expect to pay more, but you’ll have a better selection. If you really want a special blackberry honey, and you know it sells fast, then choose mornings. If all you need is soup or pie produce (i.e. no one will see the produce) go late in the day to save both time and money.

If you take the kids give them a bag to hold. It’s hard to shop farmers markets with kids. Mine liked to run off to see it all. If you give them a bag to fill with produce, and note that they must hold onto it, it can help your kids to stick by you, and you’ll make better time.

Don’t go with a list. Whenever I take a list to the farmers’ market, I waste time hunting down that one item I think I need or want. Because markets change week to week, you can actually save time by leaving the list at home and taking your open mind instead. Cruse the market in an organized fashion and pick up what looks good; don’t waste time lamenting the fact that there’s no baby carrots this week.

Park far away. Parking reasonably far away may seem like a time waster, but have you ever tried get through traffic (both people and cars) close in to a farmers’ market? It’s nuts. Park further away. You’ll spend time walking, but save more then if you drive in close. Plus, come on, the exercise is good for you.

Do you shop at farmers’ markets? Do you like to linger or get in and get out? 

[image via stock.xchng]