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Garden Gate:  tips for this farmer's market rookie  |
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sunshine78
True Blue Farmgirl
106 Posts
Cynthia
Western
Nebraska
106 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 20 2007 : 10:23:21 AM
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This is going (I hope) to be the first year I will be participating in the local farmer's market. Do you have any tips on transporting produce, keeping it fresh at the market, display tips to attract visitors? Has anyone sold artisan goods at these markets-how did that go? I make jewelry, embroider, and general hand work stuff. Any tips would be great and much appreciated! Thanks in advance.
Cynthia
www.pinecanyonranch.com |
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ThymeForEweFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
705 Posts
Robin
An organic farm in the forest in
Maine
USA
705 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2007 : 11:25:55 AM
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http://www.thymeforewe.com/succeeding_at_farmers_market.html
I keep most of the vegetables that will wilt in coolers. As they sell from the table I move fresh ones out of the cooler. Once you get established your regular customers will help themselves to the coolers if you allow that.
I sold soap that contained ingredients from my farm or another Maine farm, and from my certified kitchen. They sold well. Crafts unrelated to farming aren't allowed in the market I belonged to.
Robin
www.outdoorwriter.wordpress.com
www.thymeforewe.com
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Forrester Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
703 Posts
Ann
Belmont
MI
USA
703 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2007 : 5:15:32 PM
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Cynthia,
I pick flowers the day before market and keep them cool in buckets over night. Using a canopy at the market is a big help. I notice that the herbs that I take to the market will really start to wilt they haven't been watered and are direct sun. I'm sure to give them water once I'm set up. This will be my first year to take blueberries. Again, fresh picked and kept cool is the key.
The market rules where I go don't allow for crafted goods. I know of other markets that allow that though.
Having a "full" display and having your space look inviting is important. A smile on your face makes a big difference too. Customers love friendly service. Giving tips on how to use what you are selling is always welcome too.
Good luck with your new adventure and have fun!
Ann
http://annforrester.tohe.com |
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westernhorse51
True Blue Farmgirl
1681 Posts
michele
farmingdale
n.j.
USA
1681 Posts |
Posted - Mar 21 2007 : 05:38:18 AM
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Robin, thats GREAT info on the Farmers Market. Thanks.
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
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sunshine78
True Blue Farmgirl
106 Posts
Cynthia
Western
Nebraska
106 Posts |
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Beecharmer
Farmgirl in Training
37 Posts
Kelly
Richland
WA
USA
37 Posts |
Posted - May 13 2007 : 11:54:33 PM
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We used coolers with chilled and somethimes frozen milk jugs (filled wiwth water). But dont let the veggies directly touch the ice. It deteriorates them. We ised stacking milk crates to carry things that didn't need constant cooling.
Most important is to take as much of the field heat out of the produce as possible. Can dunk/soak solid veggies in cool water from garden hose. Lettuces and spinach and such get a few dunks. Field heat is the biggest detiorating factor.
If doing lettuce mixes, I found a guy who dunks it in cool water then puts in an old washing machine that no longer has an agitator and runs it through the spin cycle. A giant salad spinner.
GrayHawk Farm
Prosser, WA |
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Garden Gate: tips for this farmer's market rookie |
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tips for this farmer's market rookie
