It's the time of the year when I have flipped through my catalogs about 25 times each. I have them memorized and when I want to show someone a particular plant I can flip right to the page. I have circles around hundreds of veggies and garden products and the pages are slightly wrinkled from my skins oils. My wish lists are long and unrealistic as I would need 20 acres just to accommodate them. Its time to start narrowing em down. This is always my least favorite part. Deciding which wonderful plants will make the cut. Which ones will join the all-star team and more than likely undergo a bit of torture in my gardens. By torture i mean the occasional ,I decided to go camping for the weekend and party with all my friends instead of taking care of my precious veggies, torture. I hope to not do this often but alas, I am but a mere mortal and tempted easily.
One of the more important decisions I am working on is whether to go or not to go to the farm market this year. In my area, farmers markets are springing up all over the place. Many are very close to home. I was thinking of growing some extra produce organically for the markets. The heirloom and organic craze has arrived in my area quite strongly in the last few years. I'm thinking heirloom carrots, squash, melons, tomatoes, herbs, cut flowers, garlic, potatoes and maybe a few others could be great for the market. Growing from seed is an economical way to grow plants and will really limit my loss if it doesn't pan out.
I have always wanted to sell at farm markets. When i was a child my mother sold perennials at the Sara Hardy Farm Market in Traverse City, MI. Every Saturday we woke at 4 a.m., hit the road by 5. I always brought my friend, Shelly with me so that we could play while mom sold plants. It was about an hour drive to the market during which Shelly and I would fall back to sleep. If we managed to stay awake we listened to the oldie's station. I can still remember which songs they played. Duke of Earl, The Wanderer, Crimson and Clover, etc... Great songs that i love to this day for the fond memories they bring.
The farmers market was always incredibly fun. The sights, smells, and the swarms of people buying and selling. Delicious fresh strawberries and wonderfully rich black bottom cupcakes where always our favorite! The market is set along the Boardman River so there was plenty to do when we weren't perusing the other vendors offerings.
I have always wanted to return to that market but as a seller. Joining in the fun and meeting new people. Will I go? I still have a decision to make but I am strongly leaning in one direction.
10 comments:
I vote for giving it a try, it sounds like a lot of fun, with a nice sense of community going on there. Just load up the car, tune to the Oldies Station, and keep the tradition alive!
Sure,it will be fun. Happy Valentine's Day to you.
I think you should try. It would be fun to be a part of it and you'd probably meet lots of interesting people.
Go for it! I'm sure you will sell out of everything on your first day there! Sounds like you have a lovely life, you lucky thing! The most important thing is you will be there, shaing what you have made & you knowledge with others, and mabye encourage their flicker of interest in growing their own flowers and veggies!
x
What a great idea...carrying on the family tradition, so to speak. What gardener wouldn't pass up such an opportunity to 'talk shop' with like-minded folks! (And to have an excuse to grow way more than usual! ;-) )
I'm not sure about your town, but Ann Arbor's farmer's market is a great place to buy fresh goods. However, I think they only rent out seller space on a seasonal (not daily) basis and I think it can be pretty pricey unless you have a large volume to sell. Plus I know vendors have to get there crazy early to set up (5:00 or so). I'd check with your local markets to see what it costs to have a space; if you can find a reasonably priced one, one-time only, wy not give it a try?
Thanks for the comments all! I have to do some research and reading still but i really do want to give it a try. What could it hurt! I know the sara hardy market is $20 or so dollars. the others are free i think, if not then very cheap. Cant wait to get started!
Found your blog via WillowManor. I happen to like gardening and knitting too. Plus, all my family still live in England and Im in the states so I know about missing family. You have a really enjoyable blog. I will follow. Please follow me if you like my blog. Clare
What type of flower is that on your header? It looks very pretty!
I know so well the sensation of having more to grow than there is space! Now I have the luxury of being able to carve out another bed from the field but the result is that I grow more than we can use.
thank you for your kind comment on my blog.
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