But, a farmer’s market is not the grocery store. Vendors do not have a never-ending supply, nor can they offer too many items that are out of season, however, by using the five following tips, you can easily make the most of your local farmer’s market products and services.

1. Go early, or late. For the best selection, go early. Market vendors have limited room in their cars and trucks to transport their products. Often, the best of the lot is sold out early. On the other hand, for the same reason, deals come late in the day. Vendors would rather not take home what they brought, as they often buy from each other and need room to take home their own purchases.

2. Browse, then buy. Because of the growing season, vendors are often selling similar items. However, all produce is not the same. While they may all offer apples, one may have a species best for pies, while another has apples with better storage or canning qualities. You wouldn’t want to buy the first strawberries you see. The fattest, juiciest ones may be at the back table. Vendors also set their own prices -- and each has their own method and level of profit desired.

3. Ask, Ask, Ask. The farmer’s market is the one place the salesperson can tell you nearly everything about their product. How was it grown? What is this species’ strengths? How can I store it? How can I cook it?

You can also learn more about the vendor. The vendor is a resource for much more than just the food. What are their growing methods? Many cannot afford the cost of getting certified organic, but use organic methods never the less.

If you hope to plant your own garden some day, ask if the vendor is using a heritage species of plant. If so, you can save the seeds to plant next year. If it’s a hybrid plant, you can’t.

Also, you can ask vendors what they will have available later in the season, or, how to purchase from them on days when the market isn’t open.

4. Think outside the garden plot. Many vendors at the farmer’s market sell more than fruits and vegetables. Eggs, mushrooms, chickens, rabbits, herbs, seeds and perennials are just a few common treats of the market.

Local market vendors have been known to sell shiitake mushrooms, locally grown kiwi, and other little "pet" plant favorites - each grower seems to have their own little favorite. Many vendors also offer added value products, jellies, jams, chutney, salsas, made from produce and vegetables from their own farms.

5. Feel free to negotiate, but be prepared to pay. The produce and vegetables at your farmer’s market are the highest quality available for your region. Anything grown outside your region will not be as fresh, or as cared for in transport. While items may not look as rosy red as those in the grocery store, you know that the color has not been genetically added or chemically created. Feel free to negotiate prices, but don’t insult the vendor by suggesting they should charge cheaper grocery prices for their high-quality products.

Your local farmer’s market is your community’s treasure chest for more than just the freshest produce possible. It is also a resource to learn about the food you eat, how to grow it, store it, prepare it, and plan for more of it throughout the entire season.