I sell "pretties" at several local Farmer's Markets, and have done pretty well in the past, with my unusual perennials/natives/etc. (Just as well as the veggie guys, if not better.) However,,...I'm starting to fear that THIS year it might be very different.

My question is,....would it be smart to pare down on the "pretties" and start growing "food stuff" instead?
Grow much less than I usually do, as I've heard many growers are doing?

Are any of you changing how you normally approach the market season, in regards to the Gloom-N-Doom economy?
Anyone excercising caution, or business as usual?

Would love to hear some opinions of seasoned market sellers.

Im going to try and keep my prices low enough were not to undercutt people to much but be able to help people out in feeding there family.

I think more people will be eating at home more often, instead of eating out, in the months to come. They will be needing fresh ingredients, and I think markets are a great place to get them. I am concerned about prices. I think we will not be able to get away with higher prices. I think pricing will be very tricky this year.

Great topic! I would love to hear what others think.

Looks like I should be starting more veggie plants this year along with my "pretties". Even though perennials are my favorites. The opinions seem to all be leading in the direction of,....essentials will sell best.

Bud,
Yes. I do the bouquet thing. Have for years, and you're right. I almost always sell out.
What I'd really love to know is what up-scale veggies do you grow?
My 13 yr old son is going to start doing markets with me this year, (in lieu of a summer job), and will be growing/selling Asian veggies berries and wierd stuff like bright red cukes, purple Brussels, etc. Would love to know some of your bestselling oddballs for him to try.

Dawn

That said, the CSA I operate has gone through the roof. I farm 80 miles from the Twin Cities and this year I have had more inquiries, sooner, with more questions than every before. I suppose I could say that the word about CSA has gotten out and more people now are aware of them, but I don’t think that is the only factor this year. The folks that have emailed me for information almost seem to be desperate – frightened that they will not be able to buy a share. Usually this happens in late May – not February. So far I am running about 50% ahead of last year. I rarely buy fresh veggies at the supermarket. I freeze and can a lot, so I don’t pay attention to the prices. Are produce prices on the way up because of the drought in CA? Is this what is causing more people to turn towards CSAs? I don’t know…

My personal decision is made more difficult by the fact that one market I sell at is somewhat upscale, and I think people there will continue to buy flowers. The other market I sell at is more like loodean's - people looking for a bargain, not extravagances like bouquets.

Decisions, decisions....

:)
Dee

I do one "upscale" Market, where I think the rare perennials and cut flowers will still move, but I WAS going to raise my prices a bit, due to my potting mix literally DOUBLING in cost this year, pots going up, plastic tags, etc.
Now, I'm thinking I just need to tighten my own belt/suck it up and keep my prices the same, if I'm to move plants at all. I can't stop selling them altogether, as it's what I've become known for. (And my favorite things to grow)And hopefully in a year or 2, the perennial market will be back in the game again.

Thing is, with moving to more veggies,..All 5 of the markets I do are pretty well saturated with veggie guys already, so I really need to look at some of the oddball stuff that no one else will be growing, and is has to also be marketable. (Not SO bizarre that no one is willing to try it, at least.) And the suggestions of supplying FREE printed out recipes I just love!(And definitely will be doing.)

Dawn

So far at the winter farmers market sales have been strong and I live in a very hard hit area with around 10% unemployment (but we have been hard hit here for the past 3 or 4 years). I think as we get ever more food scares such as this peanut salmonella deal more and more people will be looking for alternatives.

One thing people should consider growing if they already grow plants for sale is growing veggie and herbs starts for people who feel they can garden. That would be good business in the spring I would think.

You, my dear man,...Are

Brilliant!

My prices will probably stay the same as last year. I noticed last year that I am selling more bulk/large amounts of produce. Even 2 customers coming together to buy a "box" of tomatoes and putting up the produce together. 1 knows how and the other is learning. Lot of grandmas coming with granddaughters to pick out canning produce.