Is there any possible way to get produce that is fresher than the stuff at the farmers market? There is one: grow it yourself. And where do you get the very best edible plant starts for your garden or patio planters? From the farmers at the farmers market, of course!

Currently at the West Seattle farmers market, numerous farmers who are experts at producing delicious fruits and vegetables are ready to help you start your own backyard farm, or even just a simple pot planted with fresh herbs or tomatoes.

Langley Fine Gardens, Billy's, Cascadian Edible Landscapes, Stoney Plains Farm and other market vendors have fabulous selections of herb, vegetable and other edible starts, and are happy to answer your questions and offer gardening tips. They offer plenty of easy options for novice gardeners as well, and good choices on decorative plants for almost any type of garden.

Shoppers can also stop by the Master Gardeners info booth at the market for free spring planting and gardening advice.

This spring the West Seattle farmers market is also pleased to welcome back Skagit River Ranch (they start this Sunday, April 11) with their wonderful cuts of organic meats. The market also offers delicious, high-quality choices from Stokesberry Farm (organic chicken and eggs), Toboton Creek (pasture raised goat meat), Samish Bay Cheese (organic beef, pork and cow's milk cheeses).

As the weather warms, market shoppers can enjoy seeing more and more spring vegetables on the market tables including lettuces, braising greens, asparagus, cabbage, leaks, radishes, turnips, carrots and beets. Lots of local flowers are also in full bloom (tulips and daffodils), and the farmers market has plenty of colorful bouquets from local farms.

The West Seattle Farmers Market is open every Sunday, 10 am to 2 pm, with a cornucopia of local, seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, farm-fresh eggs, cheeses, organic meats, seafood (salmon and shellfish), ciders, preserves, cut flowers, artisan breads and baked goods and other items from local farms and food artisans. The market also hosts live music and special events for kids during the summer and fall - for updates and events schedules, please visit www.seattlefarmersmarkets.org.

West Seattle Farmers Market - Sundays Year-round 10 am-2 pm
Located in the Alaska Junction on the corner of California and SW Alaska. In the parking lot behind Morton’s Drugstore and Key Bank.