Here’s what I earn and sell at my farm stand

I opened my farm stand only 3-months ago and have been blown away by its income potential in such a short amount of time. I can’t even imagine what I could be earning from it in 2025! For those new to farming, I believe this is one of the fastest ways to get a little cash flowing. You don’t need a big fancy stand, either. You don’t even need a stand! From my experience, people WANT to shop local and SUPPORT local farms. Make it easy for them to do it. Have an open flag, signage, maybe hand some flyers around town. Meet your neighbors. Get to know local business owners. You do need to let people know where you are. It may take a few weeks, but if you build it, they will come. Here is what I sell and earn at my stand. We will be adding way more come this spring!

Earlier this year, I started a farm with no prior experience and one of the first ways I began earning money was through a Farm Stand. In this post, I’ll break down what I offer at the stand, how I price everything, what I give away for free, and share the biggest sales day I’ve had so far. We opened the Farm Stand on July 2nd, and in just over three months, it has far exceeded my expectations. I never imagined I could make $60 in a single day, but yesterday I sold pumpkins that I grew from expired seeds. These were 2022 seeds that a local gardening store gave me for free. This experience highlights the benefits of supporting local stores rather than big chains like Home Depot or Lowe’s—not only do you support your community, but you might even get free items.

At the Farm Stand, we sell a variety of items, starting with pumpkins. I believe one reason for our good pumpkin sales is the charming display stand I set up. It’s a small table that I found for free while driving around Washington County, spray-painted green to give it a cute look. There’s also a sign to let people know what’s for sale, and I offer free native seeds, which I think attracts customers. Whether or not the free seeds are the reason people stop by, I recommend offering something for free at your own farm stand to draw people in and spark conversations. I also have signs listing other items we offer, like microgreens and woodcrafts, although some of the signage is fading and needs updating.

The microgreens are a popular item. I grow them inside the barn and sell them for just $3 each in plastic containers, which keep the greens fresh longer than other packaging options I’ve tried. I also encourage customers to return the plastic for recycling by planning to add a collection bin soon. Additionally, I sell cat grass for $5, and I have a “try-me” sample of buckwheat microgreens for those who are new to them. It adds a fun, welcoming element to the Farm Stand, making it more approachable for customers who might not be familiar with microgreens.

In terms of pricing, I charge $3 to $8 for my pumpkins, depending on size, which aligns with local prices. Yesterday, a customer bought $60 worth of pumpkins, coasters, and microgreens, which felt like a big win! My mom, an artist, also contributes handmade wood-burned spoons, ornaments, and coasters, which we sell for $5 each. I have one copy left of a book I wrote in 2022, which I sell for $15. Another free item at the stand is an Amish directory that lists every Amish business in the Mohawk Valley—an “Amish Google” as they call it. I have boxes of these directories and hope people take them, as I’m more than happy to restock.

The Farm Stand also allows me to sell compost for $2, made from my microgreens and organic eggshells using an electric composter. Additionally, my mom created some beautiful charcuterie boards, which sell for $15. I have various other small items, including magnets priced at $3. Customers can pay with cash or use my Instagram and Venmo details for easy payments. Yesterday, I was thrilled to find $60 in cash in the collection box, which felt like a significant amount, especially considering how small the setup is.

The potential for this Farm Stand continues to surprise me. Even with minimal gardening outside the property—since it was an active construction site until June—I managed to grow these pumpkins and sunflowers. Though I didn’t sell the sunflowers, as they became a vital food source for local pollinators, this experience has been incredibly rewarding. If the Farm Stand keeps earning $50 a day, it could cover my monthly land payment of $900 by next year, which is amazing to think about.

Running the Farm Stand has been a fantastic experience. Not only does it provide income, but it’s also a great way to get outdoors, stay active, and feel like a true entrepreneur. Selling directly to customers without needing permits is an added bonus. In Saratoga, where I live, there’s a “right to farm” law that protects my ability to sell raw, cut agricultural products at the stand without licensing. I’ve learned a lot about the legalities involved, and I’m happy to share more in future posts if anyone’s interested.

I also want to point out that even if you’re new to farming, you don’t have to make everything yourself. You can resell products from other local producers, like my neighbor who wholesales kale and lettuce for $1 a pound, or the Amish who want to sell their goat soap at my stand. The possibilities are endless, and I plan to explore more entrepreneurial ideas like this in future videos. If you’re interested in farming, farm stands, or just want price transparency and advice on farmland, stay tuned!

Another aspect I love about the Farm Stand is how it encourages community connections. When my neighbor, who owns a gardening store, brought over flower baskets as a welcome gift, it was a heartwarming reminder of the kind of support you can find in rural areas. These gestures make running the stand not just a business venture but a meaningful way to engage with the people around me. It feels like I’m contributing to something bigger than just selling products—I’m part of a network of local growers, artisans, and farmers who help one another thrive. This collaborative spirit is something I want to nurture further as my farm grows.

One of the more surprising elements of this journey is how much joy and satisfaction I get from simply walking out to the Farm Stand a few times a day. Whether I’m watering the plants or checking to see if anything sold, it’s a small but fulfilling part of my daily routine. The physical activity keeps me fit, and the fresh air and sunshine make me feel energized. It’s a refreshing contrast to the often impersonal, corporate world, and it reminds me why I started this farm in the first place—to reconnect with nature, my community, and my entrepreneurial spirit.

The Farm Stand has also taught me a lot about running a business, especially the importance of being adaptable. For example, when I realized my signage was fading or that some of my magnets needed sealant, I saw it as an opportunity to improve rather than a setback. I’m constantly learning and refining my setup to make it more welcoming and visually appealing. This adaptability is key to running a successful farm stand because it keeps the experience fresh for both me and my customers.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to explore new ideas and offerings for the Farm Stand. I’ve already had local Amish farmers approach me to sell their products, and I’m considering reselling more items from nearby producers. This not only expands my product range but also supports the local economy. Whether it’s reselling kale from a neighbor or showcasing artisanal products, I want the stand to be a reflection of the rich agricultural and craft traditions in this area.

At the end of the day, running a Farm Stand has been an eye-opening and rewarding experience. It’s not just about making money, though that’s certainly a plus—it’s about creating a space where people can come together, enjoy fresh local products, and support each other. If you’re considering starting a Farm Stand, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s an amazing way to get involved in your community, make some extra income, and scratch that entrepreneurial itch. Whether you’re growing your own produce, crafting handmade goods, or reselling local items, the possibilities are endless. And who knows? With a bit of creativity and passion, your Farm Stand might just surprise you like mine did.

As I continue to reflect on the success of my Farm Stand, I realize it’s not just a business, but a personal journey of growth and discovery. I started out with no farming experience and little knowledge of how to run a farm-based venture, but through trial and error, I’ve learned so much in just a few months. It’s been incredible to see how far things have come in such a short time—from a simple idea to a functioning stand that brings in real income and fosters community engagement. What makes it even more exciting is that this is just the beginning.

One of the things I’ve grown to appreciate is the simplicity of the Farm Stand model. There are no major barriers to entry—no need for complex permits, large investments, or corporate bureaucracy. This kind of small-scale, local business allows for flexibility and creativity, which I’ve found to be incredibly liberating. I can experiment with different products, adjust my pricing, and even try new marketing strategies like giving away free seeds or having sample tastings. Each day brings a new opportunity to test ideas, connect with customers, and see what resonates with people.

Another key lesson from this experience is the importance of authenticity. I didn’t know much about pumpkins or gardening when I started, but what I lacked in expertise, I made up for in passion and genuine curiosity. I think people can sense that. They appreciate the story behind the products—the fact that I grew these pumpkins from free, expired seeds, or that my mom handcrafted the wood-burned spoons and ornaments. It adds a personal touch that makes the Farm Stand more than just a place to buy goods. It becomes a space for meaningful interactions, where customers feel like they’re supporting something real and heartfelt.

In addition, the Farm Stand has opened my eyes to the power of local, sustainable living. Growing and selling my own products has deepened my appreciation for the land and the environment. I’ve become more mindful of waste, especially in how I package my goods. While I use plastic containers for the microgreens, I’m actively working on a solution to reduce that impact, like encouraging customers to return their containers for reuse. This small step is part of a larger commitment to sustainable farming practices, which I hope to expand on in the future. It’s a work in progress, but each small change contributes to a larger goal of minimizing the farm’s environmental footprint.

Looking to the future, I have big plans for the Farm Stand. I want to expand the variety of products, possibly by growing more fruits and vegetables, or partnering with other local artisans and farmers to offer even more diverse options. I also want to build on the relationships I’ve already started with neighbors and other local businesses. Who knows? Maybe next year, I’ll add fresh baked goods from a local baker or handmade soaps from the Amish community. The possibilities are endless, and I’m excited to see how this little venture can grow.

Of course, this journey hasn’t been without its challenges. There have been moments of uncertainty and learning curves, especially when it comes to growing certain crops or figuring out the best way to market my offerings. But each challenge has also been an opportunity to learn something new, and I’m grateful for that. Farming, like any business, requires patience, resilience, and a willingness to adapt. I’ve learned to embrace the imperfections and trust the process, knowing that each step, no matter how small, is progress.

One of the most rewarding aspects of running the Farm Stand has been the sense of pride and accomplishment it gives me. I never expected to feel so empowered by something as simple as selling pumpkins or microgreens, but it’s the act of creating something from the ground up that makes it so special. There’s a unique satisfaction in seeing the fruits of your labor—quite literally—in the form of a pumpkin harvest or a batch of freshly cut microgreens. It’s a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a little bit of creativity, you can build something truly meaningful.

As I continue on this path, I’m excited to keep growing, learning, and sharing this journey with others. Whether you’re thinking about starting your own Farm Stand or just looking for inspiration to pursue a passion project, I encourage you to take the leap. It doesn’t have to be perfect, and you don’t need all the answers right away. Start small, stay authentic, and enjoy the process of building something that reflects your values and brings joy to others.

In the end, the Farm Stand has become so much more than just a way to make money. It’s a place where I connect with my community, nurture my love for the land, and explore new possibilities as an entrepreneur. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next, and I’m looking forward to sharing every step along the way.