Many of us here in the south were raised on fresh fruits and vegetables.

Fresh field peas, tomatoes straight off the vine, lettuce that was harvested from a backyard garden mere hours before you smother it in ranch dressing. Those food experiences are not uncommon for locals, especially those of us who grew up in more rural parts of the county or just had family with a passion for produce, but for many of us they are only memories now.

The funny thing about our busy lives is all too often we don’t seem to have the time or energy to make those simple pleasures possible anymore.

How many of us are guilty of wishing for that fresh tomato, but always putting the planting off for another day? Next weekend perhaps, when it is quieter. A few days quickly stretches into weeks, and before you know it, leaves are falling.

Now we won’t tell you not to try your hand at a bit of gardening on your own time, but if you are like most of us and your garden still lags behind, or perhaps you find yourself wishing for something that you didn’t plant this time around there are other options.

Farmers markets are a local tradition here in LaGrange, and there will be three market events in Troup County alone on Saturday.

That is three chances to review fresh produce, hand crafted pottery, jams, jellies and so much more. Early risers can catch the Market on Main behind the AMC — formerly the Carmike Cinemas ­— starting at 8 a.m. and going through 10 a.m.

If you are a slow mover on Saturdays, then Sims Pond Farm will be hosting a farm day starting at 11 a.m.  and going through 2 p.m. which will also feature a variety of local craftsmen and growers.

Finally, Hogansville’s Market Day under the Lights will close out the day with music, crafts and local food.

So, maybe you’ll get out and work on your garden and maybe you won’t, but we can all enjoy local food and crafts thanks to the variety of local merchants who come out to farmer’s markets and events. It is also thanks to those who come out and support those merchants too though. Without local support those local sellers wouldn’t be able to keep doing what they do.

So, whether you garden or not, check out one of the  markets. You may get a taste of nostalgia when you do.