| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| melody |
Posted - Feb 11 2009 : 6:13:38 PM
Help! I have three raised garden beds...good sized ones and this year I have decided that instead of wildflowers and herbs, I want to plant veggies to sell at our weekly farmer's market here in town. What would be the best to plant?? We are unfortuneately not veggie eaters other than standard corn, peas and or carrots occasionally so I really don't have a clue what to plant that would sell.
What does the public want at a Farmers Market? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! 
Thanks gals!
Melody
http://melodynotes-melodynotes.blogspot.com
www.bythebayhandcraftedsoap.com
www.LemonVerbenasoap.etsy.com
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| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| quiltingfarmergirl |
Posted - Feb 18 2009 : 03:35:13 AM
I have the Baker's Creek catalogue too but have never ordered. After the discussion of peppers, I am planning to try the chocolate ones and a few other new and different items. I experiment with a few new things each year as we are expanding the garden and trying to grow into a business. I have never started peppers from seed, so will see how it goes! |
| DearMildred |
Posted - Feb 13 2009 : 6:25:41 PM
wintersown.org has a HUGE list of cool tomatoes and they will send you free seeds - I think altogether I got 10 diff kinds of seeds, almost all heirlooms, and at minimum open pollinated - they send you about 10 of each kind
let's see... i got:
Marglobe
Heinz 1439
Van Wert Ohio
Roma paste
Riesenstraube
Aunt Ruby's German Green beefsteaks
Rhoades Heirloom bi-colors
Tennessee Surprise (golden with pink starburst)
and another mystery blend
i cannot WAIT to get going!
~~~Amanda in OK~~~
There are three kinds of men. The one that learns by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves. ~Will Rogers |
| melody |
Posted - Feb 13 2009 : 3:00:53 PM
Karin,
You are too funny!!!
Melody
http://melodynotes-melodynotes.blogspot.com
www.bythebayhandcraftedsoap.com
www.LemonVerbenasoap.etsy.com
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| nampafarmgirl |
Posted - Feb 13 2009 : 2:25:01 PM
I took a class in small farm managment, as i was thinking of doing the same thing.We had speakers in the class who were actively doing farmers markets/ The biggest thing is to have unusual stuff, like green grape tomatoes, the tiger striped ones would do really well, green beans were a sell out according to one grower.The speakers said that they had to be there every week as customers tend to rely on them to be there. if your not there, customers wont rely on you and you will loose out, I think thats what is keeing me from jumping in. I used to sell at a produce stand. The owner bought from me and then sold to the public.
Kim
Farmgirl Sister # 302 |
| DearMildred |
Posted - Feb 13 2009 : 1:27:44 PM
Karin, that sure paints a picture!
I agree on the tomatoes. Stripey ones, especially, and fun-colored cherries. Not that I have ever sold anything at the market, but I sure shop there.
~~~Amanda in OK~~~
There are three kinds of men. The one that learns by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves. ~Will Rogers |
| electricdunce |
Posted - Feb 13 2009 : 12:37:11 PM
Don't forget beet greens and swiss chard. Swiss chard is my favorite green and it grows well in the northern climate. I have found buying the heirloom tomatos is definitely a good idea, they are so different from the commercial ones. Fresh herbs are always good sellers at our farmer's market...my raised beds are pretty useless since I am so crippled up lately, and of course I have a big spring fed pond next to my house so it is the perfect spot for mosquitos AND black flies. I have to go out with a net over my head, puffing on a cheap cigar .....
Karin
Farmgirl Sister #153
"Give me shelter from the storm" - Bob Dylan
http://moodranch.blogspot.com
http://domesticnonsense.etsy.com |
| DearMildred |
Posted - Feb 13 2009 : 07:52:14 AM
Hey, thanks! I like to think so, sometimes. Better to be a smart*** than a dumb*** in my book!
Karen thanks for the explanation - I've got both versions of CLT on hold, and hopefully in transit to my local library. Figured I would start with the old one if it took a long time for the newer one to come in.
*so* excited to plant everything!
my crocus are starting to peek up a little :O
~~~Amanda in OK~~~
There are three kinds of men. The one that learns by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves. ~Will Rogers |
| LivingWell4You |
Posted - Feb 12 2009 : 7:16:01 PM
Amanda, great suggestion about searching for market-worthy plants!
Our library has the first version of CLT too. I checked it out five times and then decided to buy it. It's a great book and the second version is even better (I think). The first one covers everything at once and is arranged alphabetically. The second version groups them by chapter - vegetables, herbs, wild plants, etc. It also includes garden plans showing some possible layouts which is really helpful. You'll learn a lot from the library version and if you find yourself going back to it again and again, it's worth the investment to get the second edition.
God bless -
Karen ~ Chickherder & KMW (Keeper of Maven Words)
Farmgirl Sister #311
"To own a little bit of ground, to scratch it with a hoe, to plant seeds and watch the renewal of life - this is the commonest delight of the race, the most satisfactory thing a man can do." Charles Dudley Warner |
| melody |
Posted - Feb 12 2009 : 7:00:37 PM
Amanda....GEEKY??? Not! Let me know how the book Carrots Love Tomatoes is and I will see if I can find it here at our local library. Thanks for the information. You are very FUNNY!
Melody
http://melodynotes-melodynotes.blogspot.com
www.bythebayhandcraftedsoap.com
www.LemonVerbenasoap.etsy.com
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| DearMildred |
Posted - Feb 12 2009 : 5:16:29 PM
Here's another idea when you're ordering seeds - Baker Creek's descriptions go on for days when they have a lot of something (winter squash and pumpkins, that page is loooong) but they often mention which ones are farm market favorites - so if you bring up a page, click control + F for "find" and plug in "market" and it should highlight all the varieties that are popular for farm markets.
Whew! Getting geeky, there...
I've got "Carrots Love Tomatoes" on request from the library! I guess the first version was published in the '70s.
~~~Amanda in OK~~~
There are three kinds of men. The one that learns by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves. ~Will Rogers |
| LivingWell4You |
Posted - Feb 12 2009 : 4:24:28 PM
The mavens book club selection this month is "Carrots Love Tomatoes" by Louise Riotte, a book on companion planting. Here's a tip about basil: "The general requirements of sweet peppers are surprisingly like those of basil, so plant them together." And one more: "Basil helps tomatoes to overcome both insects and disease, also improving growth and flavor. Since this is a small plant...grow it parallel to the tomatoes rather than among them." When I read this today, I thought immediately of you and your amazing basil plants!
God bless -
Karen ~ Chickherder & KMW (Keeper of Maven Words)
Farmgirl Sister #311
"To own a little bit of ground, to scratch it with a hoe, to plant seeds and watch the renewal of life - this is the commonest delight of the race, the most satisfactory thing a man can do." Charles Dudley Warner |
| melody |
Posted - Feb 12 2009 : 2:41:30 PM
Karen,
That's the eggplant I want to try....aren't they beautiful?? A chocolate pepper...hmmmm
This discussion has been soooooo much fun! and INFORMATIVE!
Thank you ladies!!
Melody
http://melodynotes-melodynotes.blogspot.com
www.bythebayhandcraftedsoap.com
www.LemonVerbenasoap.etsy.com
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| LivingWell4You |
Posted - Feb 12 2009 : 1:03:53 PM
Wait til you see the collection of eggplants and peppers at Baker Creek. We got the Long Purple Thai (easy for slicing and throwing in a stir-fry *I hope*). The striped purple ones are on my list for next year along with the ones that actually look like eggs! And peppers, try one of the chocolate ones! There is a whole world of incredible plants out there. BTW, Emilee Gettle (wife of founder Jere) is a farmgirl.
You might also want to check out the Seed Savers Exchange for the future. Lots of information and seeds galore there too. Once you get into this you'll find more and more, like Bountiful Gardens and Renee's Garden and Southern Seed Exchange..............
And here's an O-fficial invite to check out the mavens. Just go to the Danger of Extinction thread in the Keeping in Touch forum (or use the link I gave above) and introduce yourself. Things are hopping over there and we love talking all things heirloom gardening.
God bless -
Karen ~ Chickherder & KMW (Keeper of Maven Words)
Farmgirl Sister #311
"To own a little bit of ground, to scratch it with a hoe, to plant seeds and watch the renewal of life - this is the commonest delight of the race, the most satisfactory thing a man can do." Charles Dudley Warner |
| melody |
Posted - Feb 12 2009 : 12:16:27 PM
Karen,
Awesome idea! I do 3X5 index cards explaining the herbs I use in my soap at shows. I clip the cards with a clothespin on my soap baskets explaining what Calendula is or Chamomile... But to include a snippet of info along with the purchase is a great idea. Thanks!!
And, the idea of selling big PURPLE eggplants is genius. RED and GREEN Peppers too! I am taking notes from all of the good advice and can't wait to get going on this.
Thanks again,
Melody |
| LivingWell4You |
Posted - Feb 12 2009 : 12:04:05 PM
Melody, you might want to try a few heirloom eggplants and peppers. The colors are wonderful and would probably attract a lot of people to your booth. What about making up some recipe cards? Or a sheet of paper (half-size maybe) with a recipe and little info about heirlooms to hand out with their purchase?
God bless -
Karen ~ Chickherder & KMW (Keeper of Maven Words)
Farmgirl Sister #311
"To own a little bit of ground, to scratch it with a hoe, to plant seeds and watch the renewal of life - this is the commonest delight of the race, the most satisfactory thing a man can do." Charles Dudley Warner |
| melody |
Posted - Feb 12 2009 : 10:59:47 AM
Thank you ladies for all of the helpful info! Wow!!
I checked out Baker Creek and am planning on ordering my stuff through there and a couple of other places too. I am soooo excited. I think I will plan on spinach, tomatoes and I have fantastic luck with BASIL. I think my raised beds might be too small for melons :(
I wish I had more land!!
When spring finally decides to roll around to the UP I will take a few photos of my little farmer's market garden and post them. Just promise not to laugh at this city girl's attempt to play with the real farmgirls!!
Melody
http://melodynotes-melodynotes.blogspot.com
www.bythebayhandcraftedsoap.com
www.LemonVerbenasoap.etsy.com
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| 5 acre Farmgirl |
Posted - Feb 12 2009 : 08:59:48 AM
Farmers Markets...What fun!!!
I go to one here and all are soooo nice, with much info too....
I mainly sell peppers(100 kinds) and Baked goods...my peppers sell for $2.25 per pound and I come empty handed every Saturday.....
I guess what the rest have said, look at what sells, or what is not there and pick up on that market....will probably work...
Farmgirl Sister #368
BRAND NEW PAGE>>>>>
PLEASE go to....
http://blogonthefarmandgarden.blogspot.com
http://froccsfrillsfurbiloesandmore.blogspot.com
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| 5 acre Farmgirl |
Posted - Feb 12 2009 : 08:49:46 AM
At our Farmers Market..I go to all summer, there is everything from a to z.....except squashes, a few. I grow 100 kinds of tomatoes and peppers organically and the peppers sell very well, I take 4 bushel baskets and they all sell for $2.25 per pound..some of the peppers weigh a pound a piece..I do VERY well....
Our market has to be all home grown and hand made, no imports or store bought...everyone is VERY nice.....
I love going........
I try and sell what there is a lack of at ours, that way, my stuff sells....
This year I am taking Aprons(of course), and clothes pin keepers and whatever I sew from now until then....
Farmgirl Sister #368
BRAND NEW PAGE>>>>>
PLEASE go to....
http://blogonthefarmandgarden.blogspot.com
http://froccsfrillsfurbiloesandmore.blogspot.com
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| LivingWell4You |
Posted - Feb 12 2009 : 08:46:15 AM
Melody, I'm with Kelley regarding Baker Creek because they sell only heirloom varieties. You'll have something that most others won't and as a rule they're tastier. For more reasons, check out Kelley's post on the Danger of Extinction thread. It's a quote from a graduate student that brings up a lot of good points. Here's a link to take you there: http://www.maryjanesfarm.com/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=24908&whichpage=289
God bless -
Karen ~ Chickherder & KMW (Keeper of Maven Words)
Farmgirl Sister #311
"To own a little bit of ground, to scratch it with a hoe, to plant seeds and watch the renewal of life - this is the commonest delight of the race, the most satisfactory thing a man can do." Charles Dudley Warner |
| asnedecor |
Posted - Feb 12 2009 : 06:59:38 AM
Melody -
I notice at the farmers markets here in Portland that all kinds of lettuce and spinach sell well. Carrots, bok choy, beets, potatoes (all kinds including sweet potatoes), rhurbarb all sell fast. Many people go to purchase items they would use in that weeks dinners.
Anne in Portland, OR
"Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them" Eyeore from Winnie the Pooh
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| farmmommy |
Posted - Feb 12 2009 : 04:44:26 AM
Hey melody, if you want something to knock their socks off, try a melon or two, now, i have heard alot of people talk about melons being hard to grow, but....I (am no expert gardener) an have always seemed to do very good at melons....2 yrs ago we had a bunch of raised beds and the melons did great in them.....ummmmm, like the yummy Petit Gris De Rennes melon that Baker Creek Seed has, or the Swan Lake Asian melon (also by baker Creek) I'm a huge fan of baker creek!! Oh, and maybe you should try wonderberry...it grows in bush form,is super easy to grow and they are soooo good, you can use the berries for lots!!! of stuff!!!! Hey, if you don't already get the Baker Creek Seed Catalogue, go online and look around.....Jere is really good about giving thorough descriptions on everything!!! He even notes which things are good at market!!! If I were growing just to sell at market, I would definately think outside the "Box" and go a little adventerous!!!!, besides, people wont know if they like something new until they try it!!!! Good Luck, Kelley |
| DaisyFarm |
Posted - Feb 11 2009 : 10:58:44 PM
My best seller would have to be beets, I could sell them by the truckload, any size from baby to large for pickling. One other is New Zealand spinach. It comes into its own when spring spinach bolts from summer heat and continues to produce heavily until frost...the more you pick it the more it produces and it's super simple and quick to pick and bag.
Another good seller is lettuce mix, something along the lines of a mesclun mix, with a nasturium or violet flower on top. People love it! But I do find it time consuming to clean and bag.
And I would have to agree with any kind of fruit too. Strawberries and raspberries hardly make it onto the table before they sell.
Di on VI
Farmgirl Sister #73 |
| lisamarie508 |
Posted - Feb 11 2009 : 8:05:03 PM
Here, zucchini, corn, green beans, lettuce and whatever fruit that's in season sells big and sells fast.
Farmgirl Sister #35
"If you can not do great things, do small things in a great way." Napoleon Hill (1883-1970)
my blog:
http://lisamariesbasketry.blogspot.com/
[size=1]My apron website:
http://lisamariesaprons.bravehost.com [size=1] |
| melody |
Posted - Feb 11 2009 : 7:45:25 PM
Kris,
Blue Lake stringless sounds marvelous and me being 2-blocks away from Lake Mi. I will definately find that variety!!! Thanks for the help!
Melody
http://melodynotes-melodynotes.blogspot.com
www.bythebayhandcraftedsoap.com
www.LemonVerbenasoap.etsy.com
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| melody |
Posted - Feb 11 2009 : 7:41:26 PM
Gosh...Heather I never thought of that. People just getting their tomatoes at the super-market and selling them at a farmer's market.
And, I happen to be very good at growing tomatoes....2 years ago I bought 2 scraggly looking plants at wal-mart staked 'em close to the garage and holy cow!!!! By the time I harvested just ONE plant I had well over 60 luscious tomatoes. Which we didn't eat. I hate tomatoes. I just planted them because my husband said "those are never going to grow!" HA!
I gave all my tomatoes when they were ready to go to my sister in law who makes SALSA. :)
Tomatoes definately, but I want something that will knock their socks off....Eggplant sounds good and they are so pretty! Thanks for the suggestions!
Melody
http://melodynotes-melodynotes.blogspot.com
www.bythebayhandcraftedsoap.com
www.LemonVerbenasoap.etsy.com
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