Hi,
inspired by 
Farmer Markets
I will start from farmer markets, because that was a main subject in Eric`s post. So generally in Poland we have many local markets, but actually as I know, most of products are not produced by the sellers. They just normally buy everything in big regional markets and sell locally. So you never knows if you are not buying the same products, which you can buy in big shopping centers. I can even say that some time ago my parents had a big garden with apples and currants, and I know that many local sellers were buying in bulk both products and then resell this in theirs small stands. I am not saying that this something wrong, because I know that my parents had really good apples and currants :), but you never knows what are you buying from others. Of course this is just a generalization, so probably you can find nice and health vegetables and fruits there, but you need to be careful if someone will not try to cheat you by saying that his products are really good.
The best option to buy something from local producers is to buy from people who are selling their products from their small allotments. This is common view when old lady is standing on a sidewalk and she is trying to sell what she grew in her garden. I would say that in this case you can be sure that she has her own products.
Easter and Christmas Fairs
The next option is to go fair which are always on Easter or Christmas holidays. Then you probably will find more products from local producers. There you probably will find something interesting as well. Below I am presenting how the fairs look in my town (Olawa) and in Wroclaw which is placed 25km from Olawa.
*above pictures are not mine, first one was taken from osi-olawa.info, second from www.jarmarkbozonarodzeniowy.com
My allotment
But because of what I mentioned above, I decided to buy and have my own allotment, where I can grow my own vegetables and fruits. Then I always will be 100% sure that everything is fresh and healthy. I have my own raspberries, strawberries, apples, whortleberries, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, carrots and so on. My garden is as well great place for my daughter, where she can play. I know that allotments are becoming more and more popular in Poland. Now many Poles who live in big blocks of flats, want to have their own garden. You can spend your time there by making barbecue, grow plants, vegetables and fruits, you can as well organize small playground for kids.
Below I am presenting you my own garden:
In next couple of weeks I plan to replace my old shed, which is very close to collapse, with the new wooden one. Of course I will share the pictures with you after the change.
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