How to Sell Dried Herbs at a Market

If you are lucky enough to have a flourishing herb garden, you can launch a lucrative small business selling bunches of dried herbs at a local farmers market. Unlike fresh herbs, which are highly perishable and demand nearly as much care as fresh flowers, a dried-herb business requires little extra labor beyond your existing gardening time. Many consumers prefer the personal touch of buying at farmers markets direct from growers, so this can be a way to turn your green thumb into an extra stream of income.

Things You'll Need

• Herb garden
• Display table
• Chair
• Some form of tent covering for display area
• Rubber bands, twine or ribbons to tie herbs in bunches, or glass jars
• Recipe cards

Instructions

1. Decide what herbs to sell. Consider which herbs will be popular with buyers in your area. Different ethnic groups look for special herbs for their favorite dishes. Start preparing to be an herb seller as you plant your garden, thinking about larger quantities you will want to have available. Plan for a variety of herbs you can sell throughout the market season.

2. Decide where to sell your herbs. Gather information on different farmers' markets in your area to find out about fees to participate, deadlines for application, as well as any regulations they might have. For instance, some markets permit vendors to give free samples and others do not. Also, choose a market whose hours mesh well with your schedule.

3. Select an area in your home to dedicate to herb drying and storage. Since you will be drying larger quantities than for personal use, you will want more space. Decide how you will offer the dried herbs--tied in bunches or in glass jars. This will affect how and where you store your product.

4. Plan your market display area. Choose a folding table that is large enough to showcase different herbs but not so vast that it will appear sparse. Find a chair you can sit in comfortably at your chosen table as most markets last a few hours Have a shelter of some sort to protect yourself, your herbs and your customers on rainy days.

5. Attract and educate your customers. Displays that educate people and offer sensory attractions make more money. Do not assume people will already know your herbs and how to use them. Label each herb clearly and offer some information about it, such as culinary and medicinal uses. You might want to prepare a sample dish using one or more of your herbs and give away small bites along with recipe cards to entice customers.

6. Set your prices. Research what the herbs you sell cost at other locations in your area and be competitive. If you are choosing to sell at a higher price because you grow organic, be sure to let consumers know about that. Think about different ways to sell for different markets--for instance, you might want to offer a beginning cook's herbal package complete with recipes. Be prepared to change prices based on customer response.

Tips & Warnings

• Planning and preparation are essential for any business. However, don't let your planning preclude flexibility and the ability to respond to customer feedback. Also, take some time during market days to experience the market from a customer's perspective. Have a friend or family member who is knowledgeable about your offerings staff your booth, and walk around. See what your display looks like from the outside, and see how the market as a whole looks and feels to a potential customer. Consider how you can make your area in the market stand out and be more inviting. Don't let the business of selling herbs take you away from the original love of gardening and herbs that led you to the marketplace. Let your enthusiasm shine through every transaction.

References

• Growing for Market
• FreshCutHerbs
• Rodale Institute