Farm Stands Are the Grown-Up Version of Lemonade Stands—Here's How to Start One

Social media has declared it "jam girl summer," "lavender girl summer," and even "tomato girl summer." While there are countless aesthetics that capture the season, there are common themes each shares, including slowing down and being more intentional. Starting a farm stand helps you do just that, and offers a creative outlet for the summer. Plus, you can even earn extra cash from the sales.

What Is a Farm Stand?

A farm stand is a small shop, typically set up at a recurring location, that offers a variety of fresh produce and treats. Think of a farm stand as a grown-up lemonade stand that sells handmade and homegrown goods.

Farm stands can be used to sell a variety of products, from baked goods to produce to fresh flowers and handmade candles. It's up to the owner to decide what to sell and what will stay safe and protected from summer elements like heat, sun, and bugs.

How to Start a Farm Stand

Preparation is key to a successful and stress-free farm stand, and the first step is deciding what products and goods you want to sell.

Planning and Prepping What to Stock

There are a handful of factors to consider when planning for your farm stand inventory. Consider the amount of time you want to invest and your available resources. Stocking homegrown vegetables and fruits will take more time and resources than selling cookies or loaves of bread.

Another factor to consider is the weather. If it's hot outside, the heat could melt baked goods or make dairy products unsafe to eat. If you choose to use coolers for your goods, make sure you check them regularly to ensure the products stay cold.

Once you've selected your menu and products, you can start preparing the goods. Start with just a few items to begin, and if they sell out, you can increase the amount next time. If you aren't hitting your income goals, try switching out what you sell every week (or however often you open the stand). That way, you can try out recipes or certain products to get a better feel for what's popular.

Creating the Farm Stand

There are plenty of options for your farm stand's base to make it more easily transportable. If you don't want anything permanent, try a foldable table or bookshelf to hold your products. If your stand is in direct sunlight, make sure to bring a large umbrella or tent to shield your goods.

If you want a more permanent stand, thrift a wooden cabinet or hutch. Its multiple doors and drawers can help hold supplies, plus it will be easily visible from the road. The only con to using a cabinet or bookshelf is that it will be exposed to the elements, so make sure to coat the cabinet in a water-resistant sealant to avoid rain damage. It will also be more work to load up and transport when you're finished with the stand for the day.

Whichever style you choose, make it your own with personalized signs, baskets, and decorations. If you prepare baked goods, customize the packaging with paper bags, custom stickers, and notes that list the ingredients.