Alabama Farmers Market — Local services in Birmingham

It's tricky. Some 'farmers' buy boxes of whatever and hang out selling melons from Mexico, tomatoes from Florida and etc. If you see boxes in the back of the truck, that's what's going on. They are just re-sellers. Actual farmers are there in hot weather (duh) when they have produce. THEIR stuff is in grocery bags, buckets, whatever-and they are usually GONE well before lunch. Another tip is they LOOK like farmers, and will tell you where their farm is. If you want a bunch of actual fresh stuff, go early and remember where you are. If it's May and you're buying cantaloupes or corn....it is from somewhere else, just go to Walmart. There are a couple of 'markets' on the far end of stalls and they are ok and have local stuff IN SEASON but otherwise, Walmart is easier and same or lower price. I'm not a Walmart fan, just speaking Truth. Pepper Place has a decent farmers market IN SEASON (see a trend here?) but it's precious, crowded and generally a pain. It's where the farmer has been forced to conform to saying 'heirloom' and 'free range' to be able to come out ahead. Lot's of folks with pained faces and dogs that are children surrogates. Go early. SIDEBAR- If it is open, go across the street and eat at Nikis. Used to be a couple other good local restaurants close by- so better hit Nikis before they leave too. If you are a Blue voter, look at the empty restaurants, observe the EBT signs at the markets, and go park for 15 minutes at anything close to the I65 ramps or the Arkadelphia end of Finley. Try for a McFlurry at the Golden Arches.... Own what you...

I love the Alabama Farmers Market I bought a whole case of green tomatoes. Okra, yellow squash, new little red and yellow potatoes, peppers, lemons, big green onions. lettuce, celery and a big basket of sweet potatoes. You can get 50lbs of Idaho potatoes for $10.00. I had to go back to the couple I've been buying huge plants for my yard from, they are so very nice and have so many big hibiscus , all kinds of ferns beautiful climbing mandavillas all of them are around $10.00, but I have already got about 20 from them.I am ready to plant. First grass cut. It surely needs it. You get much better deals on everything if you go straight to the back of those first couple of places. I'm ready to put out a garden too.The couple with the plants have some beautiful big tomato plants. They are at the last building on the left side as you drive in. Please go see them for sure. The best produce comes out state of ALABAMA. A hibiscus bloom looks like this 🌺. You can get just about any vegetables or fruit you want there. It's located off of Finley Blvd, close to Nikki's West...

Each year the Alabama Farmers Market gets a little bit more sad than the year before. I have been there many times in the past (60's, 70's, 80's) and every stall was occupied. Certain times of the year it was a 24/7 event. Not anymore. Saturday at 1pm, less than half of the spaces under one shed were occupied. The produce and veg were beautiful. I went without much forethought and had no cash. I made my purchases from the retail shed. The one in front was closed. I usually buy from the second one and get specific items from the other. Be prepared to reach deep in your pocket. Prices are absolutely through the roof. Cantaloupe $8, Shelled peas, 3 servings at best $7.99. Box of average tomatoes $35-$45. Two years ago they were $15. Culls were $8-$10. The produce was definitely better than any grocery store. The corn dripped with sweet juice. No more solo Alabama Farmers it seems. Our economy is going to drive them all out of business and malnutrition...