19 Stunning Farmstand Ideas to Boost Your Sales This Season

1. Curate a Captivating Theme for Your Farmstand Setup

How to Execute This Idea:

• Seasonal Themes: This is the easiest (and most fun!) place to start. Last fall, I did an “Autumn Harvest” theme—piled pumpkins in every size (from tiny ones the size of my fist to a giant one that took two people to carry), leaned corn stalks against the stand (shoutout to my neighbor, who had extra and refused to let me pay), and dotted mums in orange and yellow around the edges. Kids kept stopping to touch the corn silk—their little fingers running through it like it was magic—and parents? They pulled out their phones to take photos. In July? Switch to “Summer Bounty”: bright sunflowers in galvanized tubs (the kind you can get at a hardware store for $10), checkered tablecloths (thrift store finds—$2 each, and they only had a tiny stain I covered with a jar of jam), and even jars of lemonade for sale (I used my grandma’s recipe—extra sugar, just how she liked it). It feels like a party, not a stand.

• Style Themes: Lean into a vibe that matches your farm’s personality. You don’t have to be a designer—just pick what feels like you.
• Vintage Rustic: Think weathered wood (I used old fence boards I found in the barn—they had a few nails, but I pulled those out… mostly), apple crates with chipped paint (one says “Smith’s Orchard” on it, even though I don’t grow apples—no one’s noticed), and an antique scale (it doesn’t even work, but it looks so charming. A guy once asked if I used it to weigh potatoes, and I just laughed and said, “Nah, it’s just for show”).
• Modern Farmhouse: Clean lines, white and black paint (I used spray paint because I’m terrible at brushing evenly), simple typography (no fancy cursive—keep it readable! I once passed a stand with cursive so fancy I couldn’t tell if it said “peppers” or “peaches”), and minimalist displays (no clutter, just neat piles of produce. Less is more here, I promise).
• Boho Garden: Macrame hangers with potted herbs (my sister made the macrame—she’s into that stuff), terracotta pots in different sizes (some I painted with little flowers, some I left plain), and soft textiles draped over the edges (a old quilt my mom gave me). It feels cozy, like stepping into a friend’s garden.

2. Embrace Rustic Charm with Upcycled Farmstand Displays

How to Execute This Idea:

• Stand ’em upright. Make a backdrop for hanging baskets (I put herbs in mine—basil, mint, thyme). People smell ’em before they even get to the stand. Or hang signs there.

• Lay ’em flat. Prop ’em up on cinder blocks. Makes tiered shelves. Perfect for small produce—cherry tomatoes, radishes.

3. Master the Art of Creative Farmstand Signs

How to Execute This Idea:

• Chalkboard Art: Invest in a large A-frame chalkboard—mine was $20 at a craft store, and it’s been worth every penny. Use it to announce the “Veggie of the Day” (last week it was “Cucumbers—so crisp, they crunch!” I even drew a little cucumber next to it… it looked more like a pickle, but no one said anything), share a quick recipe (“Slice zucchini + olive oil + salt = summer snack!”), or write a friendly welcome (“Hi there! Grab a sample and stay a minute”). I’m no artist, so I use stencils for the big words—no shame in that. I once misspelled “cucumbers” as “cucmbers,” and a little kid pointed it out. I fixed it and gave him a cherry tomato as a thank you.

• Hand-Painted Wood Signs: For something more permanent, paint your farmstand’s name on a piece of reclaimed wood. I asked my cousin (who’s handy with a brush) to paint “Maggie’s Garden Stand” on an old fence board. He added a little sunflower next to it, and it looks like it’s been there forever—in the best way. I hung it above the entrance, and people always comment on it. “Love the sign!” is something I hear at least once a day.

• Humor and Personality: Don’t be afraid to be silly! My “Don’t just stare at my melons” sign gets more laughs than any other—and people always take a photo of it. My grandma thought it was “inappropriate,” but I told her it’s just a joke. Another one: “Our kale will make you kale-razy!” It shows there’s a real person behind the stand, not a corporation. And that’s what people remember. They don’t remember the big chain store’s sign, but they remember the one that made them laugh.

4. Spotlight a "Product of the Day"

How to Execute This Idea:

• Create a Pedestal: You don’t need anything fancy. I use a small decorated table (thrifted, of course—$5, and it has a little drawer where I keep extra napkins) or even a cake stand I had at home (the kind with the flowers on it—totally not farmy, but it works). Elevate the “Product of the Day”—last week it was heirloom tomatoes—to make it stand out. People’s eyes naturally go to things that are higher up, like a little tomato throne.

• Offer a Sample: This is non-negotiable. A taste is the most powerful sales tool you have. Slice up that heirloom tomato, add a pinch of salt, and put it on a small paper plate (cover it with plastic to keep bugs away—I once forgot and a bee landed on the slice… the customer still bought it, but I felt bad). I had a customer try a slice last month, gasp, and buy three pounds on the spot. She said it tasted like “summer in a bite.” She came back the next day asking if it was still “tomato day”—it wasn’t, but she bought a jar of my salsa instead. Win-win.

• Informational Signage: Tell the story! Next to the display, put a small sign that says, “Today’s Star: Brandywine Heirloom Tomatoes—picked this morning, sweet with a hint of tang. Perfect for sandwiches or eating plain!” People love knowing why something is special. It’s not just a tomato—it’s a Brandywine tomato, picked fresh today, with a little backstory. That’s the difference between buying from you and buying from the grocery store.

5. Branch Out: What to Sell at a Farmstand Besides Produce

How to Execute This Idea:

• Value-Added Goods: Turn your excess produce into something that lasts longer. Last summer, I had a ton of strawberries that were starting to get soft—nothing wrong with them, but no one wants to buy squishy strawberries. Instead of throwing them away, I made strawberry jam. I bottled it in small jars (thrifted, $0.50 each—some had little cracks, but I wrapped them in tissue paper to hide it) and labeled them with a handwritten sticker. They sold out in three days. Other ideas:
• Pickled vegetables (dilly beans, pickled beets—my mom’s recipe is a hit. She taught me how to make them, and I still call her to ask, “Is this supposed to fizz?”)
• Freshly baked goods (zucchini bread, fruit pies—use overripe fruit! I once made a peach pie with peaches that were too soft to sell, and it was the best one I ever made)
• Dried herbs and spice blends (mix dried basil, oregano, and thyme for an “Italian blend”—I put them in small paper bags with a little ribbon. They look cute, and people buy them as gifts)

• Farm-Fresh Products: These are easy to add if you have the resources—or if you know someone who does.
• Free-range chicken or duck eggs (I get mine from a friend down the road—we split the profit. She has chickens, I have the stand, it’s a great partnership)
• Local honey (people go crazy for raw honey, especially if it’s from nearby. A lady once told me it helps her allergies— I don’t know if that’s true, but I didn’t argue)
• Homemade goat milk soap (a local farmer makes it—she lets me sell it on consignment. I get a small cut, and it adds something nice to the stand)

6. Offer "Grab-and-Go" Cut Flower Bouquets

How to Execute This Idea:

• Simple Arrangements: You don’t need to be a professional florist. I’m definitely not—my first bouquets were so lopsided I almost didn’t put them out. But a lady bought one and said it looked “charmingly imperfect,” so I kept making them. Pick whatever’s blooming in your garden: zinnias, cosmos, sunflowers, dahlias. Cut them at an angle (so they drink more water—my sister taught me that trick) and tie them with twine or kraft paper. I once added a little sprig of mint to a bouquet, and the customer said it smelled “like summer.”

• Charming Vessels: Display them in large galvanized buckets (filled with water to keep them fresh) or a collection of mismatched glass jars. I found a set of vintage vases at a flea market—they’re all different shapes and sizes, some have little chips, but they look cohesive together. I line them up along the front of the stand, so people see the flowers first.

• Pricing Strategy: Offer a few sizes to fit different budgets. A small “posy” (3-4 flowers in a jar) for $5—perfect for someone who wants a little pick-me-up. A medium bouquet (8-10 flowers wrapped in kraft paper) for $15—great for a gift. A large “showstopper” (15+ flowers, including a big sunflower or dahlia) for $25—for someone who wants to splurge. I sell more medium bouquets than anything—they’re the sweet spot. A guy once bought a large one for his wife’s birthday, and he came back the next week to say she loved it. That’s the good stuff.

7. Sell Herb Garden Starter Kits

How to Execute This Idea:

• Pot Up Your Extras: When you’re planting your own herbs, pot up a few extra. Basil, mint, rosemary, and thyme are the easiest—they grow fast and are hard to kill. I once forgot to water a basil plant for a week, and it still lived. Use small terracotta pots (cheap at garden centers—$2 each) or biodegradable ones (so customers can plant the whole pot in the ground—no transplant shock! I didn’t know that was a thing until I read it online).

• Create Themed Kits: Bundling herbs makes them more appealing. An “Italian Kit” with basil, oregano, and parsley—perfect for someone who loves making pasta. A “Tea Garden Kit” with mint, lemon balm, and chamomile—great for tea lovers. Tie the pots together with twine and add a small tag that says the kit name. I once made a “Taco Night Kit” with cilantro, oregano, and lime basil— it sold out in two days.

• Provide Care Cards: Keep them simple! No one wants a novel. A small card that says, “Basil: Loves sun (6+ hours a day), water when soil feels dry. Don’t overwater!” I print mine on cardstock and cut them into small squares—costs pennies. A customer came back last month and told me her “Italian Kit” was still thriving—she even brought me a jar of pesto she made with it. My heart? Full. That’s why you do this stuff.

8. Feature a "Local Artisan" Corner

How to Execute This Idea:

• Start with One Partner: Don’t overwhelm yourself. I reached out to a local potter, Sarah, who makes small ceramic planters. They’re the perfect size for my herb kits—total synergy. We do consignment: I sell the planters, and I give her 70% of the profit (I keep 30% for the space). It’s easy, and we both win. She even brought me a free small planter as a thank you— I keep it with my own herbs.

• Tell Their Story: Customers don’t just buy a planter—they buy Sarah’s story. I put a small framed photo of her in her studio next to the planters, with a bio: “Sarah makes each planter by hand in her garage studio. She loves using earthy tones to match her garden.” People love knowing who made what—it makes the product feel special. A customer once said, “I love that this was made by someone in town, not a factory.” That’s the point.

• Benefits: This creates a richer shopping experience. A customer might come for tomatoes, see the planters, and buy one for their herb kit. It also fosters community—Sarah now sends her customers to my stand, and I send mine to hers. Last week, a lady came in because Sarah told her about my jam. It’s a small-town win, and those are the best kind.

9. Offer Modern Convenience: The Honor System 2.0

How to Execute This Idea:

• Clear Pricing is Key: Every single item needs a price tag. No guesswork. Use easy numbers—$2, $5, $10—so self-checkout is simple. I use small paper tags with string (cheap!) and write the price in big, bold marker. A customer told me she hates stands where she has to ask for prices—“It makes me feel awkward,” she said. This fixes that. I once forgot to price the honey, and a guy stood there staring at it for 10 minutes before asking. Oops—never again.

• Provide a Secure Cash Box: Invest in a heavy-duty metal box with a lock. Bolt it to your stand (I used lag bolts—my dad helped me, because I have no idea how to use tools). Put a small slot for cash and coins, and a note that says, “Thank you for your honesty!” Most people are good—they’ll pay if it’s easy. I check the box every hour, just to be safe, but I haven’t had a problem since I upgraded.

• Add Digital Payments: This is a game-changer. Print a large QR code linked to your Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App. Laminate it (so it doesn’t get wet—rain is the enemy of paper!) and tape it to the front of your stand—make it impossible to miss. So many customers say they don’t carry cash anymore. I had a guy buy $40 worth of produce last week—he would’ve walked away if I only took cash. Now he’s a regular. My teen nephew helped me set up the QR code— I was confused about linking Venmo, and he did it in two minutes. Kids these days, man.

10. Create a Kid-Friendly Zone

How to Execute This Idea:

• A Tiny Table: Find a small kids’ table (thrifted, $5— it has Disney characters on it, but kids love it) and a few chairs. Put it in a safe spot—away from the road and any heavy displays. I covered mine with a colorful tablecloth to make it inviting. A mom once told me she loves that her kid has a place to sit while she picks out veggies—“It’s the little things,” she said.

• Simple Activities: You don’t need anything fancy. A bucket of sidewalk chalk for a small patch of pavement—kids love drawing flowers and carrots. One kid drew a giant carrot that looked more like a rocket, but everyone loved it. Coloring sheets with vegetable outlines (I printed them for free online—just search “vegetable coloring pages”) and a box of crayons. I keep the crayons in a mason jar—easy to clean up. I once had a kid mix all the crayons together, but hey, that’s part of the fun.

• "Pick One" Bin: This is my favorite part. Fill a small basket with “ugly” but perfectly edible produce—small carrots, tiny apples, cherry tomatoes. Label it “Free for Kids! (Please take one).” Kids get so excited to pick their own, and parents? They’ll thank you. One little girl came back every week just to pick a cherry tomato—her mom said it was the highlight of her day. She even brought me a drawing of a tomato once. I taped it to my stand.

11. Provide "Inspiration" with Recipe Cards

How to Execute This Idea:

• Keep it Simple: No complicated recipes. Print your favorite easy recipe on a small, business card-sized piece of cardstock. Example: “Easy Roasted Kohlrabi: Slice into chunks, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 20 minutes. Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside!” I test every recipe first—if I can’t make it in 30 minutes, it’s out. I used to hate kohlrabi until I tried roasting it, so I had to include that recipe. A customer once said, “I never would’ve bought this if it wasn’t for the recipe—thanks!”

• Display Strategically: Put the recipe cards right next to the corresponding vegetable. If you’re selling kohlrabi, the “Easy Roasted Kohlrabi” card goes right next to it. Use a small clip or stand to keep them neat—no one wants to pick up a crumpled card. I once had a windstorm blow all the cards away, so now I use heavy clips. Problem solved.

• Add a QR Code: To save on printing, put a small sign with a QR code next to the produce. Link it to a recipe page on your blog (or even a Pinterest board—free to make! My sister uses Pinterest, so she helped me set it up). I started doing this because I was going through cardstock too fast. Now, some customers follow my Pinterest board for more ideas—they even message me to say they tried a recipe. One lady made the roasted kohlrabi and said it was “the best thing she’d ever eaten.” High praise.

12. Consider a Small "Pick-Your-Own" Section

How to Execute This Idea:

• Choose Easy Crops: Don’t start with something complicated. I started with a small patch of cherry tomatoes—they’re easy to pick (no tools needed!), kids love them, and they’re hard to damage. Other options: sunflowers (people love picking their own bouquet), zinnias, or a pumpkin patch in the fall. I once tried PYO lettuce, but people kept pulling the whole plant instead of just the leaves. Oops—lesson learned.

• Clear Instructions: No one likes confusion. Put a big sign at the entrance that says: “PYO Cherry Tomatoes: $3 per pint. Stay in the marked area. Only pick ripe (red) tomatoes. Thank you!” Use stakes with string to mark the boundaries—so people know where to go. I once had a guy pick tomatoes from my neighbor’s garden by mistake, so the sign helps.

• Provide Supplies: Make it easy for them. Offer small buckets or baskets for picking (I got mine at a dollar store—they’re bright red, so people can’t miss them) and clippers for flowers (labeled “Please return after use!” I once had a clipper go missing, so now I count them every hour). I also put a small trash bag nearby—so people can throw away any bad tomatoes they pick by accident. It’s the little things that make the experience good. A family came last week and picked three pints of tomatoes—they said it was “the most fun they’d had all weekend.” That’s what it’s all about.

13. Implement a Simple Loyalty Program

• The Classic Punch Card: Design a simple punch card—business card-sized, so it fits in wallets. Mine says, “Buy 9 items, get the 10th free!” or “Spend $10 on 5 separate visits, get $5 off your next purchase.” I printed them at a local print shop—500 for $20. When a customer buys something, I punch the card. It’s quick and easy. I once forgot to punch a customer’s card, and they reminded me—oops, but they were nice about it.

• Keep it Simple: Don’t overcomplicate it. If the rules are hard to follow, people won’t use the program. I used to have a “spend $50, get $10 off” program, but no one remembered how much they’d spent. The punch card? Everyone gets it. A regular once said, “I love the punch card— it’s easy, and I get excited when I’m close to a free item.”

• A "Mug Club" Twist: For something fun, sell branded mugs with your farmstand’s name on them. Mine cost $3 each to make, and I sell them for $10. Customers who bring their mug back get a free small coffee (I sell local coffee too— it’s strong, just how I like it) or a $1 discount on their purchase. It’s a fun way to build loyalty—plus, seeing people walk around with your mug is free advertising. My dad has one, and he brings it every Saturday. He always gets a coffee, and he talks to everyone—he’s my best salesperson.

14. Create a Social Media "Check-In" Spot

How to Execute This Idea:

• The Photo Frame: This is my favorite. I found a large, ornate vintage picture frame (no glass, no backing) at a flea market for $8. It has a little crack on the side, but I painted over it with gold paint and it looks fine. I propped it up next to my flower display. Customers hold it up and take photos with their produce—“Look, I’m in a frame with my tomatoes!” It’s silly, but it works. A group of teens came last week and took a bunch of photos with it—they posted them on Instagram, and their friends came the next day.

• A Beautiful Backdrop: Pick the prettiest corner of your stand—maybe a wall of sunflowers, a perfectly arranged pile of pumpkins, or your main sign. Add a few fairy lights (battery-powered, so no cords— I once used plug-in ones and tripped over the cord) for extra charm. I did this last summer, and so many people took photos there—my Instagram followers doubled in a month. A lady once said, “This is the prettiest stand I’ve ever seen—I had to take a photo.”

• A Clever Sign: Add a small sign that says, “Share your haul! Tag us @MaggiesGardenStand” (use your own handle, obviously) with a little drawing of a camera. Give people a clear call to action—they won’t tag you if they don’t know to. I had a customer tag me in a photo, and their friend saw it and came to the stand the next day. Free marketing, baby. That’s the power of social media.

15. Offer Themed Ingredient Bundles

How to Execute This Idea:

• Think of Common Meals: What do people make with fresh produce? Salsa, soup, roasted veggies. Create bundles for those.
• Salsa Kit: A basket with 3 tomatoes, 1 onion, 1 jalapeño, a handful of cilantro, and 1 lime. I tested this by making salsa with my neighbor—we added too much jalapeño, so I adjusted the kit to include a small jalapeño. Now it’s just the right amount of spicy.
• Soup Kit: Carrots, onions, celery, potatoes, and a sprig of thyme (the “mirepoix” base—people love that you’re doing the work for them). I once forgot to add the thyme, and a customer asked for it—oops, now I double-check.
• Roasting Veggie Pack: Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and a head of garlic. I wrap them in kraft paper and tie with twine— it looks nice, and it’s easy to carry.

• Pricing: Price the bundle slightly less than the items would cost individually. For example, if the salsa kit ingredients cost $8 separately, sell the bundle for $7. It creates a sense of value—“I’m getting a deal!” I sell way more salsa kits than individual jalapeños now—people love the convenience. A mom once said, “This saves me so much time—I don’t have to pick out each ingredient for salsa.” That’s exactly what I wanted.

16. Add a "Hydration Station" on Hot Days

How to Execute This Idea:

• Infused Water: Get a large glass beverage dispenser with a spigot (thrifted, $10— it has a little chip on the spout, but it doesn’t leak). Fill it with ice water and slices of lemon, cucumber, and mint from your garden. It looks pretty and tastes refreshing. I put it on a small table next to the stand—easy to reach. I once added too much mint and it tasted like toothpaste, so now I use a light hand. Lesson learned.

• For Sale Option: Add a cooler or galvanized tub filled with ice. Put in bottles of local cider, kombucha, or old-fashioned soda (the kind in glass bottles—people love the nostalgia). Sell them for $3 each—they’re a nice add-on to a produce purchase. A guy once bought a soda and said, “I haven’t had this since I was a kid—thanks for having it.”

• A "Must-Have": Put a small cup dispenser next to the free water and a sign that says, “Help Yourself!” No pressure—just kindness. I refill the dispenser at least 3 times a day on hot days, but it’s worth it. A customer told me she chooses my stand over the one down the road because “they have cold water, and it’s the little things.” That’s the truth— it’s the little things that keep people coming back.

17. Host Small Workshops or Demonstrations

How to Execute This Idea:

• Keep it Short & Sweet: No one has time for a 2-hour workshop. Host 15-minute demos right at your stand. Ideas: “How to Arrange a Wildflower Bouquet,” “Quick Pickling 101” (use your pickled beets as an example—my mom’s recipe, of course), or “Making the Perfect Pesto” (bring a food processor—small, portable. I use a mini one that fits in my bag). I once did a 30-minute demo, and half the people left early. Oops—15 minutes is the sweet spot.

• Schedule and Promote: Announce the demo on your chalkboard (“Saturday at 11am: Pesto Demo!”) and social media a few days in advance. I post a photo of the ingredients and say, “Come learn how to make pesto—we’ll even let you taste it!” I once forgot to promote a demo, and only two people came—my mom and my sister. We still had fun, though.

• Lead to a Sale: Have all the necessary supplies available. For the pesto demo, I sell basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan (local, of course). For the pickling demo, I sell empty jars and pickling spice. After the demo, people are inspired—they’ll buy what they need to try it at home. I sold out of basil after my first pesto demo. A lady bought three bunches and said, “I’m going to make pesto for my whole family.” That’s the goal.

18. Make it Pet-Friendly

How to Execute This Idea:

• Water Bowl: This is the bare minimum. Get a large, sturdy bowl (ceramic, not plastic—it doesn’t tip over as easily) and fill it with fresh water every morning. Put it in a shady spot (so the water doesn’t get hot—dogs hate warm water) and hang a sign above it that says, “Pawsitively Welcome!” I clean the bowl every night—no one wants their dog drinking dirty water. A golden retriever once drank the whole bowl, so I started keeping a backup.

• Homemade Dog Treats: If you’re feeling ambitious, bake simple dog treats. I use pumpkin puree (from my stand!) and peanut butter—no added sugar. I put them in a small jar labeled “Dog Treats: $1 each.” Dogs go crazy for them, and owners love that you thought of their pup. My dog, Max, tests them first—if he doesn’t like them, I don’t sell them. He’s a tough critic, but he loves these treats.

• Tie-Up Spot: Install a few sturdy hooks or a small fence where customers can tie their dog’s leash. It keeps dogs from knocking over flower buckets (I learned this the hard way—RIP to a sunflower bouquet that a dog knocked over) and makes owners feel safe. I put mine near the water bowl—convenient for everyone. A lady once said, “I love that I can tie my dog up here—other stands don’t let dogs, and it’s a pain.” That’s why I do it.

19. The "End-of-Day" Surprise Bag

How to Execute This Idea:

• The Concept: At the end of the day (usually the last hour I’m open), I pack up any produce that’s still good but might not look perfect tomorrow—slightly bruised apples, bendy carrots, or small tomatoes. It’s all edible, just not “display-worthy.” I used to throw this stuff away, and it made me sad. Now I turn it into magic bags.

• Package and Price: Fill a paper bag with a variety of this produce. I call it the “Magic Bag” (sounds more fun than “end-of-day leftovers”). Price it at a steep discount—for example, “$20 value for only $10.” People love feeling like they’re getting a steal. I once priced it at $8, but people thought it was too cheap and didn’t buy it—go figure. I raised it to $10, and it sells out every day.

• Create Scarcity: Put a sign that says, “Magic Bags Available Only in the Last Hour!” It creates urgency—people will stop by later in the day to get one. I used to throw away so much produce, but now I sell most of it in magic bags. One customer said she found a rare purple carrot in her bag and now comes every day at closing. She even brings her friends—they call themselves the “Magic Bag Club.” That’s the kind of community you build.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What can I sell at a farmstand besides fresh produce?

How can I make my roadside stand more attractive to customers?

How do I get more customers to visit my farmstand?

Conclusion