A Peek Into My New Farmer's Market Life

THE FARMER'S MARKET SIDE OF TCPB

If you are a newsletter subscriber (thank you!), then you already know that I started working a weekly farmer's market. This experience has been a big change from working annual festivals, mostly because I am not used to going to the same spot every week with the same vendors. I feature a lot of behind the scenes content from my festivals, but I've never introduced you to the farmer's market side of Terra Cotta Plant Boutique. Today I want to show you my setup, the handmade products, and everything I'm learning from having a regular weekly event. 



THE SETUP

Farmer's markets are a different vibe than festivals. I feel like there is more of a quaint, community feeling versus the big energy of the larger annual events. I have a much more simple layout because I don't sell as much of a variety of products. Farmer's markets are about handmade and homegrown products. None of my retail inventory is featured, but that doesn't mean that I don't have great items to sell. I reduced my selection to just a few handmade items that I make just for the markets. My setup has become more streamlined as a result. When you step into my tent, you'll find a simple 8ft. table display with an arrangement of garden globes, Rosie's Original Catnip, and Meadow Marbles. You'll also find the seed ball machine. (Watch the seed ball machine Youtube video here.)

I love this new arrangement because not only does it make things easier for me to setup, but I like the openness of my tent. This layout has actually inspired my festival layouts to be more simple as well. Even when I'm featuring the retail products from the online store, I choose to feature only a focused selection now. I think this makes my tent feel more cohesive and intentional. More isn't always more, and I think that shoppers appreciate the elimination of decision fatigue. 



THE PRODUCTS

Now, let's talk handmade goods. I already mentioned that I sell garden globes, catnip, and seed balls. Garden globes are the one item I do not sell in the online boutique. The main reason for this is because I don't want to ship them due to their delicate nature. 

The evolution of the garden globe started back in 2021 when I initially started TCPB. Garden globes are glass terrariums filled with stones, bark, and moss, and feature a delicate and beautiful string of hearts plant. They are enchanting, whimsical, and totally a product of my own creative imagination. The butterfly decor adds to this enchanted forest magic. 

Next up is Rosie's Original Catnip. You have probably seen me promote this product on IG or FB (if you haven't, be sure to follow me!) I am so proud of this product and put a lot of love into each jar. Using catnip grown in my own backyard, I hand harvest leaves and blossoms in small batches, wash and dehydrate them whole to preserve the integrity of the plant and it's active compounds, and then package them in gorgeous glass jars tied with twine. Not only is Rosie's Original a great product that makes a thoughtful and classy gift for any cat owner, but every jar purchased supports a jar donation to RubyCats Cat Café here in Toledo, OH. (Visit RubyCats.org). 

Like the garden globes, it took me a while to get Rosie's Original Catnip off the ground. The first month it was re-introduced to the boutique was a huge success, and I think it finally has found it's footing. This is more of a seasonal product, so grab yourself (and your cat child) a jar before it's all gone! Shop Rosie's Original Catnip.

Lastly, I make and sell Meadow Marbles, which are hand-rolled balls of worm compost, clay, and wildflower seeds. I created this product after making the marbles for my seed ball machine. Due to the amount of labor involved with harvesting the compost from my worm farm, making the mixes and shaping each ball individually, I decided that I needed to charge more than 25 cents for a handful.

I packaged the larger marbles into bags and now they are available in the boutique. This is also a seasonal item that will be available from late winter through early summer. I hope to offer sunflower and milkweed varieties next season, but for now, only the wildflower variety is available online. Meadow marbles are a fun and unique gift idea that adds beauty as well as food for pollinators. These are great stocking stuffers or holiday gifts, so be sure to look out for Meadow Marbles around the holidays. Shop Meadow Marbles.



LESSONS FROM A WEEKLY MARKET

Like I mentioned in the beginning of this post, farmer's markets are a different style of event than the larger festivals. But having a weekly spot with regular vendors has been such a joy for me. It is wonderful to show up and see familiar faces in the form of vendors and customers. The sense of community is much greater at these markets and I enjoy chatting with customers and just hanging out with everyone. 

People aren't just coming out for the activity. Many people are shopping for their weekly sourdough, eggs, flowers, etc. The more laid-back environment feels warm and welcoming to me, and I feel like I'm a part of something bigger. 



BRINGING THE MARKET HOME

Since working the farmer's market, I have started buying from my neighboring vendors, which feels great. I love knowing I am supporting other small, local businesses while getting great products. It's even better that I can say I know the person who actually made the product (homemade sourdough bagels, magnesium spray, fresh flowers, and incredibly fresh lemonade to name a few). 

Take this as your sign to start going to the farmer's markets in your area. Stroll the stalls, browse the samples, and find your favorite new products. It is so much fun getting to know the local businesses and farmers around you. And I promise, shopping the farmer's markets mean the world to the people and families that sell there. 

Take care,
Brooklyn