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Selling Starter Plants at A Farmers Market: Best Practices for Profit and Growth

Selling starter plants at a farmers market is a rewarding way to share your passion for gardening while making extra income. Whether you’re a homesteader looking to expand your business or just starting out, selling plants can be both fun and profitable. However, success requires careful planning, smart budgeting, and an engaging setup. Here’s everything you need to know to turn your starter plants into a thriving farmers market business.

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Why Sell Starter Plants?

People love buying locally grown plants from small growers because they often have better variety, quality, and health than big-box store plants. Customers at farmers markets appreciate the opportunity to ask questions, get personalized recommendations, and support local growers. Plus, starting plants from seed is a low-cost investment that can yield high profits if done correctly.

1. Choose the Right Plants to Sell

Not all plants sell equally well at a farmers market. Some of the best-selling starter plants include:

Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, and leafy greens.
Herbs: Basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, mint, and cilantro.
Flowers: Marigolds, zinnias, sunflowers, and native pollinator plants.
Perennials & Houseplants: Berry bushes, lavender, aloe, and succulents.

Tip: Grow heirloom and specialty varieties that customers won’t find at big-box stores to set yourself apart!

2. Harden Off Your Plants Before Market Day

If your plants have been growing indoors or in a greenhouse, they need to be hardened off before facing the outdoor conditions of a farmers market. This means gradually exposing them to direct sunlight, wind, and fluctuating temperatures over a 1-2 week period. Without this step, plants can become stressed and wilted, making them less appealing to buyers.

3. Keep Supply Costs Low

To maximize profits, reduce unnecessary expenses. Some ways to save money include:

Use inexpensive containers. Customers don’t care about fancy pots; they’ll transplant the plant anyway! Cheap plastic cups with slits cut in the bottom work just as well as costly seedling trays.
Make your own potting mix. Instead of buying expensive bags of soil, mix your own using compost, peat moss, and perlite.
Buy seeds in bulk. Investing in heirloom and organic seeds can save money over time, especially if you harvest seeds from your own plants.

4. Help Customers Choose with Visuals

Customers don’t always know the difference between plant varieties. Make shopping easier with:

Laminated plant information sheets. Instead of handing out flyers, create a reusable reference sheet with photos and descriptions of your plant varieties.
Clear labeling. Use plant markers or popsicle sticks with the plant name, growing conditions, and basic care instructions.

5. Price Your Plants Competitively

Research local plant prices at:

Farmers markets
Local nurseries
Big-box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s

While many shoppers prefer to buy from small growers, they still compare prices. Offer bundle deals (like 3 plants for $10) or discounts toward the end of the market to move inventory faster.

6. Create an Eye-Catching Booth Setup

A well-organized display will attract more customers and increase sales. Tips for a great setup:

Group plants by category (herbs, veggies, flowers, etc.).
Keep plants at eye level using crates or tiered shelving.
Use a bright, inviting tablecloth to make your booth stand out.
Offer shade for delicate plants to prevent wilting.

7. Engage with Customers

One of the biggest advantages small growers have is personal interaction. Customers love buying from someone who is knowledgeable and passionate. Be ready to:

Answer questions about plant care, sunlight needs, and watering.
Give tips on companion planting and gardening success.
Offer a simple care sheet or plant tags for buyers to take home.

8. Promote Your Plants on Social Media

Increase market day sales by building excitement before you even set up your booth.

Post photos and videos of your plants leading up to market day.
Share gardening tips to engage your audience.
Announce special deals or rare plant varieties to encourage visits.

Facebook, Instagram, and local gardening groups are great places to connect with potential customers.

9. Track What Sells Best

Every market is a learning experience. Keep track of:

Which plants sell out quickly
Which ones don’t move as fast
Seasonal trends (for example, tomatoes may sell better in early spring, while herbs stay popular all season)

This information will help you refine your selection and increase profits at future markets.

10. Have a Plan for Leftover Inventory

Not all plants will sell every time. Instead of letting them go to waste:

Offer discounts on multi-plant purchases before the market ends.
Take pre-orders for the next market to gauge demand.
Sell leftover plants from home or online through social media.
Plant extras in your own garden and sell the produce later in the season!

Final Thoughts: Turn Your Passion Into Profit!

Selling starter plants at a farmers market is an exciting way to earn money while sharing your love for gardening. By growing popular varieties, keeping costs low, engaging with customers, and creating a great market presence, you can turn this into a successful side hustle—or even a full-time business!

For more homesteading tips and farmers market strategies, follow Freedom Forest Farm on social media or sign up for our newsletter!

Happy selling!

Jalena
Freedom Forest Farm
www.freedomforestfarm.com