I've gone to the farmers market on a Saturday morning and returned with almost an empty basket. By the time I arrived after eleven, the vegetables I had my eye on were already gone, and all that was left was to people-watch.

Since then, I check the schedule before heading out. The Dallas markets have different opening days and times depending on the location, so just knowing this can significantly reduce wasted trips.

The most well-known spot is the Dallas Farmers Market located on Harwood Street, south of downtown. The outdoor produce market, The Shed, is open from 9 AM to 5 PM on Saturdays and from 10 AM to 5 PM on Sundays.

Keep in mind that The Shed is closed on weekdays. The Market building, which has an indoor food hall, is open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM, so if you go on a weekday, it's more of a place to eat than to shop.

The Shed operates year-round, even in the rain. However, flowers, bread, and specialty items tend to sell out quickly, so if you're going on a Saturday, it's best to arrive before 10 AM.

Parking options are more plentiful than you might think. There is free street parking on Harwood, Marilla, and Taylor streets, and the Harvest Lofts parking lot offers the first two hours for free.

If parking seems like a hassle, DART is a good alternative. The market claims it's about a 5-minute walk from the Pearl/Arts District station.

If you enjoy the neighborhood vibe, the eastern White Rock area is also worth recommending. The White Rock Farmers Market, operated by Good Local Markets, is open on Saturdays from 8 AM to noon at 1450 Old Gate Lane.

This is a producer-only market, meaning only items grown and made by the producers are sold. Since the seller is often the farmer, you can ask them directly about harvest times and storage methods, which is a great advantage.

This year, they have announced that they will be closed on Thanksgiving weekend, November 28. If you plan to go that week, be sure to mark your calendar.

On Sundays, the same organization opens a market at Tietze Park on Skillman Street from 9 AM to 1 PM. The fall season runs from September 27 to December 20, so now is the perfect time to visit.

So, what should you buy in October? According to the Texas Department of Agriculture, beets, broccoli, carrots, kale, collard greens, radishes, turnips, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins are all in season.

For fruits and nuts, persimmons, pears, and pecans are on the October list. Texas pecans are a source of pride for locals, so it's fun to compare the ones sold in their shells versus the shelled ones.

For those from Korea, it's nice to see that Asian vegetables like bok choy, green onions, and chives are also on the October list. They might not be available at every market, but if you see them, don't hesitate to buy.

Okra, eggplant, and peppers are items that continue from late summer. They will be available until it gets really cold, so it's worth looking for good prices at the end of the season.

There's a bit of a strategy to shopping as well. I don't buy anything right away; I take a lap around first.

Even for the same sweet potatoes, sizes, conditions, and prices vary from booth to booth. After taking a lap, I return to the places I liked, which helps reduce impulse buying and allows for comparison.

I buy heavy items last. If I start with pumpkins or sweet potatoes, I'll have to carry them around the whole time.

Make sure to bring two or three spacious bags. Separating a cloth bag for leafy greens and a sturdy bag for other items will help reduce the chances of finding wilted kale when you get home.

Most places accept cards, but there are some that only take cash. The Dallas Farmers Market has on-site ATMs, and many booths do not accept cards, so it's a good idea to bring a small amount of cash along with your card.

If you use SNAP, there are important details to know. Both The Shed at the Dallas Farmers Market and Good Local Markets accept SNAP/EBT.

The Shed also runs a matching program that adds extra funds to SNAP purchases for fruits and vegetables. However, the limit for each transaction varies by source, so it's best to check directly at the information booth when you arrive.

Good Local Markets also accepts WIC vouchers, which is something to consider if you have young children.

Taking care of your purchases after shopping is half the battle. Sweet potatoes and pumpkins are typically stored in a cool, ventilated place rather than the refrigerator, while leafy greens can last a few more days if wrapped in a damp kitchen towel and refrigerated.

Pecans are high in oil, so if left at room temperature for too long, they can lose their flavor. If you buy a lot at once, it's better to store them in a zip bag in the freezer and take them out as needed.

Honestly, there are some items that are cheaper at the grocery store. Still, I believe that buying directly from the person who grew the vegetables that week is worth more than just the price.

If it were me, I would split my shopping by going to White Rock early on Saturday for leafy greens and eggs, and then downtown to The Shed on Sunday afternoon for pumpkins and pecans. This way, I would almost finish my shopping for the week.

Finally, keep in mind that market schedules can change due to weather or events. I recommend checking each market's website or social media before heading out.