The Vashon Farmers Market opened on Saturday, celebrating the first day of spring with live music, free soup, lots of plant starts and plenty of hand-crafted goods.

Joanne Jewell, who manages the farmers market, said it was a good showing for the market’s opening day. Her count showed a turnout of 343 people, up from last year’s opening, in April, when 274 people attended.

The market opened earlier than ever this year to support the number of Islanders who want to purchase plant starts to get their own gardens going, Jewell said. But she said was also pleasantly surprised by the number of vendors who had produce to sell — an array that included Brussel sprouts, carrots, salad mix and greens.

The market will now be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday until Dec. 12. The Wednesday market will open July 15 and run until Oct. 14.