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I sometimes hear people say that they like the ambiance of the Harrisonburg Farmers Market but that it’s too expensive. The other day we were in a pickle for ingredients so I needed to make a late evening purchase at Martins. When I saw the $5.39 pricetag for a bunch of Basil in spiffy plastic packaging, I began to calculate what it would take to get into the business of growing Basil. $5.39!!!! The basil was presumably packaged and grown locally since the supplier was local, but upon further review, we discovered that this supplier will often import their products from Chile, China, or California. There’s a great unknown.

But here’s how you can be in the know. At the market last Saturday we compared prices and found out that Marlin Showalter carried bunches of Basil grown in Rockingham County for $1.35. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to determine which is the better deal all around - cheaper in price, fresher, local, and you’re supporting a local farmer and our local economy.

Last Saturday after the market, Marlin allowed Katrina to cut a huge amount of basil for an exchange. Tomorrow at the market you will be able to purchase fresh Pesto made from Marlin’s basil; toss the pesto with pasta and slice up some of Marlin’s locally grown, salmonella-free tomatoes and you’ve got a mid-summer, fresh feast!

Marlin, Miriam and family are can-do people too! You can find home-made donuts,

home-grown flowers,

and even home-made dog bones for sale

- all carried in a unique, hand-painted van.

We encourage you to get to know them and their excellent products this Saturday.