Just like Humphrey Bogart's character Captain Queeg said in The Caine Mutiny, "It's the strawberries. That's where I had them." 

As the Webster Groves Farmers Market opens for the season this Thursday, the abundant strawberries available for sale will get you, too.

In addition to the sweet, red berries, the market's vendors will have lettuce and mixed salad greens, carrots, spring and green onions, chard and radishes available. 

Beyond the salad fixings, the market's vendors will offer turnips, fresh herbs and herb and vegetable starts. Bedding plants and hanging flower baskets also will be on hand. Artisan food producers will be selling everything from honey and cheeses to meats, jellies and baked goods.

The market tents will be staged in the same location this year — on South Old Orchard at Big Bend Boulevard near Gazebo Park. 

On opening day, Paint Webster artist Anne Ibur will set up her easel to capture the spirit of the market on canvas. Webster Groves firefighters will display fire equipment, and staffers with the Recycling Becomes Me program will talk with people about green practices.

The Missouri Botanical Garden will help kids plant basil and make their own plant markers. Rosewood will take the stage for Music at the Market, and Chef Colleen from Big Sky Cafe will whip up some creative cuisine. The folks from Milagro will be there to promote their Cinco de Mayo event.

We'd love to see everyone from Webster and beyond join us to celebrate the start of the 2012 growing season this Thursday. Keep up with the latest news from the market by visiting its website or its Facebook Page.