What I sell and charge at my farm stand | spring 2025 edition

Spring at the Pollinator Farm Stand in Upstate New York

Spring has finally arrived in upstate New York, bringing warmth and renewal to my 6.74-acre property after a long, cold winter. For those in the Northeast, you know exactly how brutal these winters can be. Today, I’m thrilled to take you down my driveway to my farm stand, which my mother and I reopened on April 1st. I want to share what we’ve been selling, the joy it’s brought, and the mission behind my land—a pollinator farm dedicated to saving bees, monarch butterflies, and more.

The Farm Stand: A Community Hub

Our farm stand, built last year by a local Amish family, has been a game-changer since I purchased it in June. It’s a simple setup, allowing us to sell unprocessed agricultural products and handmade goods directly to the public without needing special permits. From farm-fresh eggs to hand-painted pottery, the stand is a reflection of our creativity and commitment to the community.

Sales have been strong, and I’m amazed at what’s possible with a farm stand. Some items, like free seeds, draw people in, while others, like my mother’s artwork, keep them coming back. The honor system—cash or Venmo in a drawer—works flawlessly. No one has ever stolen from us, a testament to the trust in rural communities. For those curious about the specifics, I’ve detailed every item and its cost in a Substack article linked below.

What’s New This Year

This season, we’ve added farm-fresh eggs from my six hens, proudly displayed with a $10 sign from Amazon and stored in a reusable plastic egg carton (better for the environment than cardboard). We also have a certified wildlife habitat plaque, a symbol of my pledge to protect pollinators. My mother’s contributions shine through in her hand-painted pottery, featuring native plants like milkweed to support monarch butterflies. Her wood-burned drawer pulls, framed prints, and original bunny paintings (we have eight rabbits!) add charm to the stand.

We’re also offering free pollinator-friendly seeds, including milkweed and goldenrod I harvested last year. A local company, Bentley Seeds, generously provided a free pollinator seed display, which we give out to encourage planting. These small acts—one plant in an ecological wasteland—can make a big difference.

Other items include pollinator waterers with rocks for safe drinking, bug hotels for solitary bees to overwinter, and even moon pebbles (bunny poop!) for gardening. We’ve had to start charging $3 for Amish directories due to overuse, but the 2025 edition is now available. My old freelance writing book and farmers’ almanacs round out the offerings.

A Pollinator Farm: My Big Idea

After much deliberation, I’ve decided to transform my 6.74 acres into a pollinator farm—a sanctuary for bees, monarch butterflies, birds, lightning bugs, and more. You might be wondering, “What’s a pollinator farm?” Honestly, I might be inventing it. My goal is to create a case study for others to replicate, proving you don’t need vast acreage to make a difference. The statistics for pollinators are grim—70% of monarch butterflies have vanished in the last 30 years, and bees are struggling too. I’m dedicating this land to their survival.

How will I pay the bills? That’s the adventure we’re on together. The farm stand helps cushion expenses, and I’m exploring other creative ways to sustain this mission. I write daily on Substack and share updates on YouTube, hoping to inspire others to save pollinators and maybe start their own farm stands.

Tips for Your Own Farm Stand

You don’t need to grow crops to run a farm stand. I haven’t planted anything yet this year—our last frost hasn’t passed. Instead, we sell eggs, crafts, free seeds, and items from neighbors. Consistency is key: we open daily with predictable hours, closing only for thunderstorms. Social media helps, but local word-of-mouth has built a loyal customer base. One to five people stop by each day, some for eggs, others for free seeds or a chat.

If you’re feeling the pull to start your own stand, get creative. Resell local baked goods, crafts, or produce. Embrace the entrepreneurial spirit and lean into the community’s trust. It’s been less than a year, and this stand already brings so much joy.

Looking Ahead

This 6.74 acres, purchased spontaneously with a loan in 2023, is my canvas. I’m working it mostly alone, without a tractor, which shocks some folks. Whether you think I’ll succeed or fail, I invite you to follow along. More content is coming—gardening, farming, and pollinator-saving adventures. Subscribe for a mix of entertainment, education, and inspiration.

Spring is here, and I’m back. Let’s save the bees and butterflies together. See you next week.

Bunnies.

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