Farmers Market in Mechanicsville not what it used to be

[3CATSAILOR]

I checked out the Farmers Market in Mechanicsville yesterday. I thought I should give it one more look. It is a shell of what it used to be. Junk in a lot of buidlings. Some were closed even on what was supposed to be their busiest day. For the places that were open, stuff was so crammed, you couldn't find anything. The vegetables that were supposed to be local, none were local and were a very high price. When I asked the folks that work there, they quietly said the merchants bring the vegetables down from Baltimore. I'm not sure why they do that.

I also was told that the vegetable merchants bought the old St. Mar's Landing location. How could they afford to do that? There was a hearing about the Farmers Market last week. However, I never say it in any local newspaper or on line. Still, about thirty people showed up I was told. I was told the vast majority of the merchants were not local. Most were from PG County and North of that. Supposedly a buidling will be built for the merchants to show their stuff in the back of the existing location. Howevr, it will never be the same. Stopping the Strip Mall with a fast food restaurant or two is nearly impossible to stop. However, the Mechanicsville Farmers Market had its "Hey Day". That day has set sail and has been gone for quite some time. I am not sure how the vast majority of citizens feel about the Market. But, it really doesn't matter since the future Strip Mall is unlikely to be stopped. There is a new meeting rescheduled in March about the potential of the Strip Mall vs. the Market. I doubt very many people will attend though. Time will tell.

 

[Kyle]

Don’t think you’re gonna find too many local vegetables and fruits in February.

It’s pretty much all gonna be imported.

 

[mitzi]

I checked out the Farmers Market in Mechanicsville yesterday. I thought I should give it one more look. It is a shell of what it used to be. Junk in a lot of buidlings. Some were closed even on what was supposed to be their busiest day. For the places that were open, stuff was so crammed, you couldn't find anything. The vegetables that were supposed to be local, none were local and were a very high price. When I asked the folks that work there, they quietly said the merchants bring the vegetables down from Baltimore. I'm not sure why they do that.

I also was told that the vegetable merchants bought the old St. Mar's Landing location. How could they afford to do that? There was a hearing about the Farmers Market last week. However, I never say it in any local newspaper or on line. Still, about thirty people showed up I was told. I was told the vast majority of the merchants were not local. Most were from PG County and North of that. Supposedly a buidling will be built for the merchants to show their stuff in the back of the existing location. Howevr, it will never be the same. Stopping the Strip Mall with a fast food restaurant or two is nearly impossible to stop. However, the Mechanicsville Farmers Market had its "Hey Day". That day has set sail and has been gone for quite some time. I am not sure how the vast majority of citizens feel about the Market. But, it really doesn't matter since the future Strip Mall is unlikely to be stopped. There is a new meeting rescheduled in March about the potential of the Strip Mall vs. the Market. I doubt very many people will attend though. Time will tell.

Not trying to be snarky but what produce is going to be local this time of year? As someone who usually went there every Saturday, it hasn't been what it used to be for years. I don't know what it's like now, I haven't gone in years (except for an occasional stop on Wednesdays for produce). The last time (years ago) there was so many people they were running into you, stepping on your feet and the smell of essential oils was sickening. It's still a shame to see it go though.

 

[PeoplesElbow]

I remember seeing a sign that read "Local Strawberries" in January.

 

[NorthBeachPerso]

There are quite a few local growers who have greenhouse hydroponic operations for the Winter.

 

[PeoplesElbow]

There are quite a few local growers who have greenhouse hydroponic operations for the Winter.

Do they use grow lamps, there just isn't enough natural light in the winter for many crops regardless of temperature.

 

[NextJen]

Is this the market where Helen’s Cafe is? Little hole in the wall, but have had some good breakfast there.

 

[PrchJrkr]

Is this the market where Helen’s Cafe is? Little hole in the wall, but have had some good breakfast there.

I believe that was the name. I went to the market with my new bride and best man shortly after I married and was dared by my best man to eat a whole hot pepper from a basket a local was trying to sell us. I ate it and turned beet red, ran to the café, and hurriedly ordered a tall glass of milk. It didn't help. Good times, good times.

 

[NorthBeachPerso]

Do they use grow lamps, there just isn't enough natural light in the winter for many crops regardless of temperature.

The ones I know do, although one does a lot of lettuce types that don't need a lot of light, or at least the natural light is enough. I used to have cold frames that gave me fresh lettuce for Christmas dinner. Also had radishes and carrots that late.

 

[PeoplesElbow]

The ones I know do, although one does a lot of lettuce types that don't need a lot of light, or at least the natural light is enough. I used to have cold frames that gave me fresh lettuce for Christmas dinner. Also had radishes and carrots that late.

That has got to be expensive, what do they grow?

 

[Tommy Chong]

That has got to be expensive, what do they grow?

Mostly Maui Wowie, but it's got some Labrador in it.

 

[NorthBeachPerso]

That has got to be expensive, what do they grow?

Mostly leafy greens and tomatoes, which adds another layer of pain in the ass since they have to be hand pollinated. That's why the tomatoes are about $4-6/pound.

 

[vraiblonde]

I love a good farmer's market. The one by the Charlotte Hall library was excellent, and the on 235 just south of base wasn't bad, either.

 

[3CATSAILOR]

Not trying to be snarky but what produce is going to be local this time of year? As someone who usually went there every Saturday, it hasn't been what it used to be for years. I don't know what it's like now, I haven't gone in years (except for an occasional stop on Wednesdays for produce). The last time (years ago) there was so many people they were running into you, stepping on your feet and the smell of essential oils was sickening. It's still a shame to see it go though.

I agree, And you bring up a good point. Nothing local this time of year. I predict once they move to the other side of the road without the Farmer's Market attachment, they will not have the business they are hoping for.

 

[Kyle]

I love a good farmer's market. The one by the Charlotte Hall library was excellent, and the on 235 just south of base wasn't bad, either.

Where was the one south of the base?

 

[RoseRed]

Where was the one south of the base?

On the left just after the light to gate 3. Red barn.

 

[RoseRed]

I love a good farmer's market. The one by the Charlotte Hall library was excellent, and the on 235 just south of base wasn't bad, either.

It moved. Stopped in last summer. It's pretty nice.

North St. Mary's County Farmers Market (2024) - Charlotte Hall, MD

North St. Mary's County Farmers Market - 2024 schedule, dates & times, location and details on North St. Mary's County Farmers Market near Charlotte Hall, MD

nfmd.org

 

[NorthBeachPerso]

Of course strawberries aren't likely local (remember the hydroponic growers, strawberries are actually one of the better crops for that) but squashes, beets and carrots plus a lot of greens may very well be.

Just because Meemaw and Gampy couldn't get fresh vegetables locally in the Winter doesn't mean we don't today.

Where do you all think all that tobacco settlement money went?

 

[mitzi]

I agree, And you bring up a good point. Nothing local this time of year. I predict once they move to the other side of the road without the Farmer's Market attachment, they will not have the business they are hoping for.

You're probably right. On Saturdays it seemed most of the people there came from elsewhere to look around and buy things. Produce isn't going to draw that volume of people.

 

[RoseRed]

You're probably right. On Saturdays it seemed most of the people there came from elsewhere to look around and buy things. Produce isn't going to draw that volume of people.

Last summer when I stopped in, it just seemed like a giant Buy My Chit sale.