A lot of people can't wait until summer garden time. The reason is that the farmers markets will be overflowing with quality fruit and vegetables. There is just something about visiting your local farmers market and going away with home grown produce that is fresh, affordable and delicious. What more could you want?

There are hundreds of farmers in our region who supplement their family income by raising fruits and vegetables. This is so evident where those farmers previously raised tobacco and have since chosen commercial gardening. If you are unaware of where your nearest farmers market is, don't forget to call your county Extension Agent because there is more than likely a farmers market within easy driving distance.

With this time of year being early summer, you can expect to find on the farmers tailgate: fresh green onions, new potatoes, squash, cucumbers, early green beans, early varieties of sweet corn, green tomatoes and a few red tomatoes, as well as cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower.

Most people who are regulars at the farmers market have established a relationship with the grower. It's like a social event where the consumer has built up that great relationship and feels like the grower is a close friend. One great advantage of buying at the farmers is that you can arrange with the grower the opportunity to buy a larger amount on a different day, especially if you plan on canning.

Visit your local farmers market in your area and support farmers while you have some quality eating to boot.