Farmers Market Watch Aug. 16: We say 'Tomato'

Last Saturday it seemed as if every vendor at the St. Paul Farmers Market was buried in tomatoes.

By Rick Nelson, Star Tribune

Last update: August 15, 2007 - 11:34 PM

Last Saturday it seemed as if every vendor at the St. Paul Farmers Market was buried in tomatoes. That was certainly the case at Mike Gerten's busy stand, which was also a helpful source of information. "I've been growing tomatoes for 30 years, so I know the tricks," he said with a laugh. The Hastings farmer's most insightful tip: Buy early. "A hot, dry year like this year means a good early crop, but a poor late crop," Gerten said. "If people want to do canning, don't wait, do it now." Gerten is a familiar face to St. Paul market shoppers, selling at a St. Paul Farmers Market outpost every day from Tuesdays (2025 W. Larpenteur Av., Falcon Heights) through Saturdays (290 E. 5th St., St. Paul). Don't look for him on Sundays, however. "I'd sooner go golfing," he said.