From Home Gardens in Queens to Real Farmers Markets in Long Island
You wouldn’t expect a girl from Queens to have a garden like we had when I was growing up. My brother went to agricultural school and we lived next to an Italian gardening expert—we grew everything. I totally understood the difference between canned Del Monte green beans and the real thing fresh from the garden (I appreciated neither at that stage, but…).
When I studied nutrition, the message “fresh is best” made total sense. Learning about real farmers markets as a source of fresh, local food was inspirational. According to the textbooks, farmers markets sold berries and broccoli, but never bananas. Why? Because bananas aren’t grown locally. Farmers markets connected people to the foods that were actually in season and produced by the people who grew them.
When I started my business in Sunnyside, I wasn’t allowed to participate in many of the local farmers markets. Even though I made every product myself, soap isn’t edible. I wasn’t considered a farmer, so I didn’t qualify.
At the time, I found it frustrating. Looking back, I understand why those rules existed. The real farmers market’s purpose was to connect people with local agriculture.
When I moved to Long Island, I discovered that not every farmers market operated the same way. Some welcomed a broader mix of vendors, from soap makers and artisans to specialty food producers.
It made me think about what actually makes a farmers market successful. Is it the number of vendors? The entertainment? The variety?
Or is it something else?
What Makes a Farmers Market Worth Visiting?
For me, the best farmers markets still begin with farmers: fresh produce, meat, eggs, fish, honey, and other seasonal foods that connect people to local agriculture.
The extras are wonderful. Fresh bread. Pickles. Coffee. Handmade products. Flowers. They add character and create reasons for people to linger and explore.
But the foundation is agriculture. And apiculture is a part of agriculture.
Know your farmer. Know your beekeeper.
The personal relationship between the person who grows your food or harvests your honey is what makes a farmers market day unique.
Why Local Matters
Another advantage of a real farmers market is that the food doesn’t travel as far.
There is no middleman. The food is harvested at the farm and transported directly to the market. Markets run rain or shine because once that truck is loaded, it’s time to get the harvest to the customer.
Food is picked fresh and ripe from the vines. Honey reflects the season and the flowers that were blooming nearby. Local food helps us reconnect with the rhythms of nature and understand where our food comes from.
Why the Cornell Cooperative Extension Farmers Market Feels Like Home
A thoughtfully curated market has a little something for everyone.
That’s why the Cornell Cooperative Extension Farmers Market at Eisenhower Park feels like home. It brings together farmers, food producers, educators, and community members around a shared appreciation for local agriculture and healthy living.
Live music and family games add to the already beautiful park setting. Demonstrations and special themes, like Honey Bee Awareness Day and the annual Fig Fest, keep things fresh. The Cornell educators always have recipes, ideas, and expert answers on the things you need to know about a healthy food supply.
As a vendor, Backyard Bees provides raw local Long Island honey for the market and a rotating supply of handcrafted natural soaps and body care products.
Other vendors include bakers, jam makers, plant growers, fiber artists, and specialty producers. One of my favorite neighbors is Angora Crafted, where locally raised angora rabbit hair becomes beautiful hand-spun creations. Part of the fun of visiting a farmers market is discovering people whose knowledge and passion are every bit as interesting as their products.
If you’re looking for a real farmers market in Nassau County that focuses on local agriculture, education, and community, the Cornell Cooperative Extension Farmers Market is worth a visit.
Visit the Market
📍 Cornell Cooperative Extension Farmers Market
📍 Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, NY
Fresh food, local honey, educational programs, family activities, and seasonal events throughout the market season.
→ View Current Market Dates, Hours & Directions
Conversations from the Backyard Bees Market Table
The conversations at the market are probably the best part.
Some begin with a question about honey. Others are about gardening, gift giving, dry skin, sustainability, or simply life on Long Island.
Over the years, those conversations have inspired stories, product ideas, recipes, and plenty of laughter. Here are a few of my favorites: