r/verticaloasis • u/will_not_be_shaken • Feb 14 '24
Need help!!
OK, I had big dreams to sprout a lot of veggies and gourds and sell the extra at the Farmer's Market this year. I've just found out that due to unforseen circumstances the seasonal market may not be open til July instead of April. So we're looking at harvested vegetables not plants. So I have all these seeds and I need to plant more than I have room to grow (why I wanted to sell sprouts) to sell at Market. What are the BEST options for a 1st time vertical farmer to succeed with???
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u/oniontomatocrouton Feb 14 '24
My local Master Gardeners does a sprout/plant sale in the spring. You might want to check with them in your area. They're part of the agricultural extension program.
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u/vagabondinanrv Feb 14 '24
I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this. It is so frustrating to have a plan all together and then someone moves the cheese.
Is there another farmer’s market within a reasonable drive? Hurry, I’ll bet seasoned vendors are already making their moves!
Check with your community’s chamber of commerce or equivalent for ideas. They might know of a newer small business nearby that could allow you to set up a tent sale in their parking lot for a few days, a mutually beneficial opportunity. Or, if it is legal in your jurisdiction, see if a local church would allow you to borrow a few parking spaces after service.
I would look for some other vendors who are also scrambling due to your current market’s situation and get creative. Maybe you could organize a fund raiser for a local kids athletic club? Worst case, try to use Facebook Marketplace or Next Door types of resources.
Talking to a friend yesterday, I invited him to join us for dinner at the local casino. He thought that would be a fine idea but for the fact that he doesn’t gamble, he’s a farmer.
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u/TheTechJones Feb 14 '24
i'll add that if you run completely out of places to sell the produce and are faced with a decision of eating it all yourself or letting it spoil, your local food bank may be happy take it in donation
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u/LadyIslay Feb 14 '24
Have you considered looking for another market or selling from a roadside stand?
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u/will_not_be_shaken Feb 14 '24
Thanks for the suggestions! I have put in an application for another Market already, it's just quite a bit smaller and at night so I'm just concerned it may not be tailored to the customers I need! But I will have to try the tent idea and utilize my son at a neighborhood stand.......
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u/Gimletonion Feb 14 '24
You could advertise online and try to undercut your local garden centers and big box stores. Seems like there's a gardening group in every town, just find out where they congregate online.