The Time You Shop At A Farmers Market Actually Does Matter. Here's Why

Farmer's markets are one of the most anticipated events in warmer months, often occurring regularly for a sense of continuity and community interaction. That's in addition to the overflowing bounty of better-tasting fresh veggies, fruits, pies, jams, cheeses, coffee, artisan goods, and plenty of fresh-cooked foods for easy home dinners. A big plus is supporting local agriculture. It's a pretty safe bet that farmers are bringing their best and freshest-picked produce. But timing your visit can make a big difference in that regard, as well as in many other aspects of farmer's market shopping.

The time you show up can determine the kind of experience you have and even when the best deals are available. First, let's look at the early morning hours, when vendors are unloading their goods and spirits are high. This is definitely the best time to go if your goal is snagging the freshest produce and breads and the widest selection. The early bird definitely gets the worm here — though, hopefully not in the literal sense.

Arriving when the market opens gives you the first glimpse of meticulously laid-out displays with a plentiful supply of peak-season produce, which tends to sell out as the day progresses. Those fresh veggies and fruits may even start to wither or degrade in quality on hot summer days. Getting there super early also beats the crowds, but things likely start buzzing shortly after opening. Vendors become busy, leaving less time for connecting with growers and getting tips for cooking those turnips, artichokes, super-greens, or organic beans.

It's true that early arrivers get the freshest and rarest finds at farmers markets, but definite advantages exist for midday and late‑afternoon visits as well. If you want to shop at your local farmers market like a pro and fresh produce isn't your primary goal, waiting until day's end could pay off. Vendors may not relish the thought of packing up and hauling away unsold items, so there's a chance of bargaining for lower prices.

Also, it's likely that crowds have thinned out by then as well, leaving growers, makers, and chefs more free to chat about their goods, how they're made or grown, and what to expect on future visits. For example, my own neighborhood farmers market has a recurring booth featuring Ethiopian food, which is always buzzing with hungry folks sampling plates of spicy doro wat stew, berbere, and spongy injera bread. But when things start winding down, the husband/wife owners enjoy sharing details about the foods, the recipes, and their homeland.

Then there's midday at a farmer's market, which can be a calm, relaxing time for browsing, picnicking, and meeting other locals. Food trucks dish out heaping plates of food and ice-cold drinks while you watch the magic happen. There's often live music, even if it's just a high schooler playing violin for spending money or a burgeoning musician strumming a guitar, one of whom you'll someday say, "I knew him when..." If you do stay all day, be sure to bring along a cooler for perishables. For more ideas on enjoying the experience, check out our 15 tips for shopping at a farmer's market.