I love farmer's markets. Nothing is better than a farm-fresh heirloom tomato and a crusty slab of just baked bread. I look forward to walking around and checking out all the fresh produce, handmade crafts, baked goods and all of the fun things that I don't need, but are fun to look at.
The problem is, it's easy to be enticed into spending more money that you had originally intended. The sights, smells and tastes of summer fading into fall are enough to loosen anyone's purse strings-- even a tightwad like me. Occasionally I will let myself splurge a little, but mostly I try to stick to the plan. What plan? Well, I find it's a lot easier to fend off the urge to splurge when I have consciously set down a plan for spending.
First, what can you afford to spend? How much would you usually spend on a week's worth of veggies at the supermarket? It's kind of like Vegas... if the only money you have left is what you need to pay your rent, don't bring your wallet into the casino! In fact, don't go to Vegas in the first place! Only bring what you can afford.
Second, think about what you need. It's easy to end up "needing" a bushel of organic leeks and 10lbs of rhubarb when you don't think ahead. How much can you eat in a week? There's nothing frugal about getting a great deal on produce that will spoil before you can eat it.
Third, scope out the entire market before you purchase. Think of your first trip around as reconnaissance... see what's available before you commit. If you see something you really want, ask the price, as someone else may have it cheaper. Produce is produce, it doesn't really matter which farm you get it from. I do think, however, that there is one exception to this rule. If something is one-of-a-kind and you absolutely fall in love with it... if it is within your budget... buy it. It might not be there the second time around.
Fourth, check out the deals.
The more familiar your become with the market, the more likely you will be to get good deals. The old rules apply: smile, be friendly, and say please and thank you! People are much more likely to give you a good deal when you smile and treat them well. Ask for pricing, and ask what their "deal of the day" is. You never know, it might be just what you need. My favorite farm offers a "fill a bag for $10 deal". I bring a large re-useable shopping bag that will hold about 50lbs without ripping. This allows me to get whatever I want for the week ahead... for only $10. Sometimes I alter my shopping list a little, depending on what they are offering. This weekend I got 2 pumpkins, 1 large cantaloupe, 6 ears of corn, 3 lbs of green beans, 4 ginormous cucumbers, 6 tomatoes, 2 lbs of brocolli, and a bag of roasted chilis for only $10. I was also able to get a half bushel of Palisades peaches for $18.
Farmer's markets don't have to be expensive if you shop well. Even if you do end up spending a little more than you would have at the grocery store, the purchases you make help support local farmers and artisans. What could be better than getting fresh, yummy food and at the same time supporting people in your community?
