U-pick farm beats grocer produce

[JZinCO]

I found a new farm in my area early this month. We had hit up this farm and a christmas tree farm which plants potatoes. In both cases, I had gotten tens of pounds of produce for $20. Check out this attached photo from this weekend; just $10 for the celery, carrots, beets, peppers, tomatoes, pumpkins and squash! In the past I have tried buying cows from a ranch, farm subscriptions, and farmer's markets but I always overpaid because of the local and/or organic premium.

I'm really happy to support local ag and save serious dough on my grocery budget. I know this helps my SO who prefers more expensive natural grocers. Another side effect is that I'm more than happy to treat friends with meals I've cooked from scratch because I know there's little impact on my wallet.

Anyone have other experience opting out of grocers in lieu of local growers?

[FIRE me]

Not much in my area, unless you're willing to drive 40 miles or more. We do have a few farmer's markets though.

[Thegoblinchief]

Local market here is quite competitive, just need to know peak seasons and which vendors have best price/quality. It's a fun learning process :)

[Melissa]

There is a blueberry farm near my parents that used to have a great setup. She sold the blueberries at a local farmers market but was starting to have problems picking them on her own. You could spend the afternoon picking berries and she let you take 1/4 of them home for your share. It was a great family activity!

Unfortunately she has since passed away and the new owners don't allow that anymore 😔

[JZinCO]

Not much in my area, unless you're willing to drive 40 miles or more. We do have a few farmer's markets though.

That's a bummer, it's 1 to 4 mi out of town for me for local vegetable growers. Maybe 30 mi for meat and poultry which I'll go to once or twice a year.