A GREAT SELLER at the Farmer's Market! Making Money on the Homestead

Last year at our local farmer's market, lettuce was one of our biggest selling items. This year is off to a great start as well, so today we will show you how we pick, wash and package our lettuce for the Farmer's Market.
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Living Traditions Homestead is all about living a simple and sustainable way of life. We believe the world has gotten too “busy” and that people are missing out on many of the true blessings this world has to offer. We started as a small urban homestead in Gilbert, AZ and after the city grew up around us, decided it was time leave corporate America and take a big leap of faith by moving our family to the Missouri Ozarks.
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[@eliassolomou5503]

heres some more free advice , as a former farmer with 40 years of on the land expirience always water your crops at least an hour before you harvest. this will ensure your fruit or vegetable will look fresher and have a longer shelf life, they will not wither or discolor as fast and its also good for the plant you picked from as it will recover quicker, better and be more productive.

[@Brenda0312F]

Except tomatoes! NEVER water tomatoes before you harvest them. You don’t want your maters tasting like water. 🥰 😍🍅😍🥰

[@cbak1819]

Thank you.. I harvest in around 7:30 am.. I was told that is best for plump vegetables.. I can't remember now if I water before... but I will keep this pro tip from now on!

[@johndeleonardo9133]

If i could make a suggestion? I'm a chef and using metal blades on lettuce or salad greens turns them brown faster.. That's why they invented the green plastic lettuce knife.. Ceramic is also ok.. But something in the metal reacts with the lettuce.. Just giving you my knowledge as you do to us..

[@sharleendavies7858]

John DeLeonardo I do the same! Love my plastic knife. No more rusty cut ends!

[@TM-jo1ei]

John DeLeonardo Great advise. I also use a plastic knife for cutting warm brownies!

[@ryeken6115]

beautiful!!! changing blades now :)

[@sandraroland2048]

Wow who knew! ... I learned something new today! Thanks for that info😊

[@MsRESPECT90]

Thank you for that advice chef🙏🏾

[@patriciaabell9393]

I don't know if you'll see this msg, as this video is an older one ...you say alot that you are doing the best you can, as if we would believe you capable of anything else! Your family is a friendly one, which for alot of us is reason enough to tune in! So don't sell yourself short! Personally, I enjoy learning how 'you' do your thing... Keep up the good work!:-)

[@ovenbird50]

I don't have room for a spinner,so I just put my lettuce in a square yard of muslin, step outside, and swing it in vertical circle to my side. It works great!

[@madamtwonky4076]

When I do this, I've added a little vinegar to the second rinse water. It adds a little extra life to the greens.

[@debbieedwards5093]

The colder the water, the better, it helps the lettuce stay firm and not start to wilt. This I found out when I did collards also

[@singleman1986]

I know it's a bit rude to say but, yer adorable. Although I learn a lot from your 'kitchen times', sometimes I get more from your great attitude and smiles. (offered with much respect to yourself AND Kevin).

[@theducklinghomesteadandgar6639]

Singleman In other words you receive a sense of welcome and family, love, happiness and joy when watching, and, purely platonic, like she could be your little sister or cousin!!! 😉

[@danikasmithenhouser5370]

@@theducklinghomesteadandgar6639 I certainly have her dimpled smile but not much of a green thumb, I'm afraid. I have much respect for family homesteading. IT'S HARD WORK! I was raised on a homesteading farm & ranch and get so much joy from watching this family as it takes me back 50 + years. My husband raises Barbados Black belly sheep here and we get our joy from every wee lamb born.

[@danakarloz5845]

singleman doesn’t she have the sweetest lil dimples?! 🥰

[@naturedegree5671]

Lovely farming friend🌺🥀🌹🏵💮🏵🌹🥀🌺💚💚💚💚💚💚💚

[@CountryViewAcres]

Are you going to make a video on your table setup at the farmers market? And show everything you sell? I am sure what you sell changes through the season, it would be interesting to see how it varies through the summer.

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

Yes. 😊

[@Steve-ps6qw]

Oh, I would love to see that too, can't wait!

[@missmamtube]

I wold also like to se that as well. Blessings!

[@kimbenz]

Me too!

[@bengali481]

I would also like to see the business process, licensing, reserving your table, costs, how and how early set up, start to finish!

[@kitzcat]

I don't understand why anyone would dislike this video. I love a good salad and if I were near you, I would certainly come buy your goods.

[@donna7338]

An alternative to cutting the lettuce is one of the serrated plastic lettuce knives. I use on lettuce and basil. No brusing.

[@kekkelpenneypeckeltoot5700]

Not a homesteader, I live in a suburb and my husband is a Dr. However, I love to grow food and flowers, to can and bake, to diy etc and I love this channel. I’m sure there are a lot of people like myself who are enjoying and learning from you so thanks from us and God bless you🤗💛

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

Thank you!!!

[@andrewthomas3930]

The spout at the top is not to drain the water out, it is so you can run the tap through the hole while spinning. Saves heaps time and water changes.

[@shondiaevans12]

Sarah great video and I appreciate your willingness to share your successes and failures with us. God Bless you and the family for your example to all of us!

[@amandabarnes5235]

Thanks for this video! I'm learning a lot from you guys and other homestead pages. By the way, Sarah, you are adorable. I love your energy and smile. It's easy to see that you really love what you do. Keep up the good work! :)

[@43pasadena]

Amanda Barnes. I agree, I love her dimples when she smiles. 😊

[@theducklinghomesteadandgar6639]

Amanda Barnes 49pasadena I agree with you both!!! She is like a little pkg. of joyful energy!!! I love that and how she teaches and encourages!! Great teacher and great channel!!!

[@suzannemoak3813]

My husband and I are starting our homestead from the ground up, so I having been looking into ways to make money while we build and start our homestead. I love your videos on how to make money on the homestead... please don’t stop making them!

[@doramather4729]

I clean my vegetables , fruits & lettuce by dusting them with baking soda, then running water on them and spin drying or laying on a dish towel. It is natural and it cleans without harming my product or leaving a bad residue on my food. I made a shaker out of my yogurt container with holes on the lid. I buy a extra large bag from Costco for $7.00 for 13.5 lbs. A really good deal.

[@missmamtube]

What a great suggestion for famers market products. Thank you and blessings!

[@annmittelstadt2938]

Lettuce be thankful.

[@Otheraccount-01]

Ann Mittelstadt 😂😂😂

[@terradeloach8540]

Small is better. You are teaching me so much.

[@sheilavilla6707]

Oh my, I just love your videos. Im almost too inspired. All these ideas but I live in the city for now. Trying to get back out to the country. I miss that life so much!

[@scotto9591]

Growing up, my mom had to use the washing machine to rinse collard greens, Etc. Three growing High School football players can really go through the food. She would do a white load in the washing machine using Clorox and hot water. Then she would do a second load with just fresh water and no clothing. That gave her a chance to stem the greens, Etc. After running the washer on the wash cycle with the greens, no detergent of course, she would let it spin and she was ready to cook. You might also think about putting a good blast of white vinegar in your rinse water. Of course rinse that off before you package the greens

[@manmani2463]

God bless you and your family

[@thinkingofothers353]

~~~ O'yes Sarah , I will ask my friends to watch this video . Even if they do not grow lettuce this video will help them pick the best bags of lettuce for their table and family to eat .......I am enjoying your channel.....thank you for your time.

[@jeffreyvasby3230]

Beautiful lettuce! I love y'alls homestead and am so Happy you and Kevin are raising the girl's in a Beautiful environment. Stephanie and l are praying for healing so we might move to Missouri or Arkansas and homestead. Love and God Bless! Uncle Jeff!

[@JessieSamanthaEmily]

I've worked in big restaurants (like a hotel restaurant) and we still use the two sinks and put it in the spinner method haha. The spinner I had was just about 4x the size of the one you have. it was like a big bucket

[@bengali481]

I saw a video of someone cleaning a huge batch of greens in a washing machine and drying it with the spin cycle.

[@lilipitsul6122]

NICE ,THANKS AND WISHING YOU THE BEST AT WHAT YOU ARE DOING

[@leaeades3929]

Lady i will sit and watch you all day!!!!! This is just amazing!!!! Hey i hope you don't ever feel rushed making these!!!!! I love seeing how much time and effort you put in to these!

[@danikasmithenhouser5370]

I wish I lived near you guys...I would so enjoy your products. So much loving care in every thing you do. Bless you!

[@0404buddy]

Great explaining and not all talking. You have pleasant positive attitude.

[@martysgarden]

Top Stuff,,,I used to add Microgreens, Baby leaf and herbs to a mix to sell as a mix, when I was running my micro farm in Byron Bay,, It was a real hit for me,,,now my close friend does it and his buyers love it. Once the season changes you just change the mixes that grows best in the season. Hope that helps others looking to make money from their homesteads and small farms. Warm Regards Marty Ware (small space gardening Australia)

[@timjones1583]

martysgarden what micros did you add to the salad mix

[@martysgarden]

I usually add purple radish, sunflowers, peas shoots,,,a couple of herbs and baby leaf

[@mansikulkarni8017]

Despite hardships n working in open air n farms u r beautiful because be with nature gives u different energy

[@robertgoss4842]

I never miss your videos.

[@daylynahmed8602]

Very nice sister god bless

[@happydays1336]

This is probably the best homesteading channel I've watched. The husband and wife are articulate and have a happy personality. There are other sites that I'll stop viewing after a minute or two because the people are plodding and boring.

[@samtom4291]

MORE POWER TO YOU

[@Karen-ip8qk]

I hope that you will have a presentation at Baker Creek Spring Planting Festival. Would love to see and listen to you both! We live in central Arkansas so we have about the same climate. I am enjoying your channel!

[@Thisisit120]

To be able to spin large batches of lettuce, you could put the lettuce in a pillowcase then put it in the clothes washer and set it on the spin cycle.

[@circuscats67]

You have inspired me. My husband and I started our own vegetable garden. We had a very good crop on zucchini, cucumbers, green beans and tomatoes. Yes, we picked very, very easy vegetables to start! Thanks to your many videos and tips about gardening, we want to tackle fall gardening.

[@tinkagain]

If you squeeze one lemon juice into the water with one tbsp salt, it will wash off all germs and dirt. I do this with all veggies that I bring home. The lemon juice and salt make a type "bleach" which is sAfe. One more rinse to get rid of the lovely lemon flavor.

[@SteveSmekar-ll6ln]

Which begs the question "why would one want to get rid of the lemon flavor?"

[@anitabellefeuille7362]

If you do this with produce you are going to sell please let people know that it was done. My sister is extremely allergic to citrus and has almost died 4 times because people have used lemon juice in a marinade or as a cleaner or to enhance the flavor of something and not told her about it.

[@cherylklaas7171]

I would not buy lettuce cleaned in salt water. I would feel defrauded to buy lettuce and then discover it also contained lemon and salt-even trace amounts.

[@dirtdiggerjerry]

Use a 30% shade cloth over the lettuce beds and mist them a couple of times aday to trick them into thinking its cooler than it really is

[@analizaj4724]

I hate doing desk jobs too! Weeew! You always get me excited Sarah! Gonna watch all your videos for more farming tips! God bless!

[@Realatmx]

If you dnt like dnt do desk job.. Time to follow your heart.. Do something wat u like..

[@Thatcntrygirl1]

I put mine in a garment bag and put my washer on spin cycle. Done! Not bruised

[@jayanthdt5552]

I am so happy about ur great homestead

[@gayleshort1510]

I have learned soooo much watching you . You 2 have a talent for teaching . Might try the lettuce amazing Thank you and God Bless your family

[@judya.shroads8245]

Hello Sarah, A lady I know has a large green house at her house. She plants early, cabbage beets, onions, cukes, zucchini and other kinds of squash inside etc. She also makes nut & fruit breads, pies and cookies. She makes jams too. She is in her mid 70's. Does all this work by herself. She does have house keeper to clean up. Specialize and maybe only sell the goodies a few times a week. As the demand comes, then decide what you want to do. In doing the goodies, measurements have to be accurate, she found this out. Good luck at the market. Just a thought.

[@cassieoz1702]

I just snap outer leaves off individually and leave central ones whole to regenerate the plant. Over time the lettuce develops a stem and it keeps edible leaves off the soil/mulch

[@virtualiceskatingcoach798]

Love this video!!! Thank you for sharing! This was helpful learning about the washing and prepping!!! Usually it is what I do when I harvest lettuce and I always questioned if I was doing it right! Thanks for sharing!

[@sewmanyquilts8042]

Thanks for the seed referral

[@suzie2080]

We had our first Buttercrunch for supper tonight. It was delicious. I checked my catalog and noticed that the variety that you have is not in there. Great video!

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

It is on page 127. It is considered a Salad Blend.

[@WalkScripture]

This is my second year on the homestead and my garden is going to explode compared to last year. I just got my grow tent set up in my basement (we live in the New England woods), and I plan on sowing some lettuce and spinach in a bin for some fresh winter greens! I am contemplating selling plant starts this spring if I can get the hang of things. Now is the time to practice!

[@dericktharp5796]

I hit like and subscribe because you guys seem nice and willing to share your experiences. Just trying to help you out. I REALLY liked that your trying to not get a corporate American job! Love that!

[@PixieSuds]

Oh, how I miss the farmers markets 😥 I would love to see your farmers set up. Ill keep looking through your videos. You may have posted one already. Stay safe. Blessings.

[@daisyhazarika4229]

Love to see your ideas, dedication and wonderful life style.God bless you and your family.

[@tanapittsford5067]

Why don't you grow your lettuce under a white shade? I do this, and I have great lettuce all summer. I get my cover at Menards, and have used different types. I like the frost cover. I keep my lettuce covered in the heat of the day, and uncover in the evening, overnight, until mid morning, about 11:00 am. in eastern Indiana. Just a thought to extend your growing season.

[@flowerlovers9536]

Great looking greens

[@bellesparks4374]

Thanks:)! I've always wanted a better way to clean and store my lettuce for home use without squishing them and keeping the leaves fresh!

[@giselecollins2133]

What a good idea well done

[@smittenkittenfiberarts5025]

really loved this video ♡ doing our first big garden this yr up in northern Minnesota on our off grid homestead.... this was helpful to see how you can cut and come again ♡

[@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123]

I’m in northern Minnesota too, not far from Itasca state park :)

[@fyrftr521]

Start hydroponic lettuce and it never goes out of season. I grow so much all year long

[@jonnies6655]

I like Baker Creek for the heirloom seeds and Johnny’s for others.

[@Spiceandicesights]

Very explanatory & helpful. I actually learned something from your video. Thanks for your help & time. Keep on homesteading from one to another.

[@dwightallen4595]

Here’s one for you, I use large meshed laundry bags and the spin cycle on my washing machine, does a large batch in one spin with no damage and saves tons of valuable time.

[@daliacastello2608]

I just picked fresh lettuce from my garden, lots of little gem and cos romaine growing.

[@jeanneamato8278]

I shade my lettuce so it doesn’t bolt. In the summer I plant my lettuce under the tomatoes.

[@GeriatricWoodturner]

Nice looking lettuce mix.

[@j.j.lisaadams8133]

What a great way to make some extra cash! Thank you for sharing! Blessings!

[@cjstewart1583]

I wish I lived by your farmers market, I would buy all your products!

[@ginapaquet5563]

REally enjoyed this video ~ What I thought is common sense, you placed much clarity. Really appreciate your time with this video.

[@thefarm6918]

Love this...thank you

[@craftingwithjean5599]

Sharing videos and enjoying learning. Thank you for sharing your family tips

[@komodoizzy]

Thank you so much! I've always wanted gardeners to show the proper way to harvest without damaging further growth.

[@gospelgal78]

Love watching your videos. We are saving up for our homestead now and your family has been very inspirational in our pursuit of it. Lord bless you and your family.

[@odianari6011]

Thank you , great idea, great video.

[@stacystinson5001]

Nice

[@gaylewatkins4685]

Beautiful farm fresh lettuce. Great job! ❤

[@JOHNMORIN100]

Great job

[@juttalupi5694]

Hi, I watch you guys all the time! Just love your show!!! Am I interested in doing a homestead? Not at all, after all I am 81 years old and am just an old city girl. But I enjoy your presentations and love of your animals. I just watched where you Sarah put the straw over your planted sweet potatoes, bc Kevin is allergic to straw. However he deals with hay all the time. Isn't straw and hay from the same family? Sorry, Keep up your good work in planting, raising your animals, loving each other and your beautiful family! God bless you!

[@cathymiller3933]

I love your videos and am going to make your hamburger buns but I would like to also get your recipe for bread you mentioned. Thanks for all the knowledge you are sharing with us.

[@1gr8lpta]

I absolutely LOVE the way you guys improvise!

[@kimjohnson8561]

Im a new person to your channel i luv u and your family Videos good luck in seasons to come

[@thomasgleaton685]

You should have been in sales! Awesome. Thanks

[@justme-uw6bz]

Thanks you, I love freshly picked lettuce. My problem is a love to eat as I pick.

[@theducklinghomesteadandgar6639]

Edel Hanley That's all good unless you're a needing to get it to market to make some mullah!!! Lol!!!

[@chrisbitonti4106]

Try taking baby clothes and making a memory quilt. Kids love it, and it helps during the situations when your sitting there wishing your child was still a baby. As always, Chris Bitonti

[@olivefarmer3491]

See Charles Dowding no-dig on YT and how he harvests salads....continuously.....

[@crpth1]

Olive Farmer - That's how I do it also. No cutting involved, take the outer leaves by simply snapping them in a downward movement. Simple, efficient, leaves look perfect. The ones I take and the ones who stay! Same for many kale, etc. ;-)

[@missmartpants2269]

Thank you!

[@Gardenut52]

Just ordered the lettuce , thanks for the suggestion !

[@merylhether]

Put in clean pillowcase and spin it...the whole basket will fit in one

[@sewmanyquilts8042]

You are awesome

[@annabellavetra]

nice

[@johntrevor8815]

love you much

[@kathleenschaefer8208]

Do you ever take veggies that are long storage -like winter squash or onions etc. to these early farmers markets? Or perhaps a gourd cut so birds could nest in it...? " bluebird nest bait ; )" or offer a cast iron skillet clean and condition service or kit...

[@MPaulHolmesMPH]

You guys are so industrious.

[@virginiawisdom7170]

I've been to Ava, mo. Lived at one time down the highway in Seymour. Beautiful area. Beautiful lettuce

[@jimmylittle9393]

I actually didn't realize you could just take the leaves and they'd would regrow. We always get our lettuce here with the stem and head attached.

[@justinbreaux-yq4zp]

Lettuce sells QUICK, it also wilts just as fast. I sell my produce on the side of the road from my stand.. still trying to figure out a way to display, it and keep it fresh throughout the day. im almost tempted to just make a custom display cooler.

[@DivineDianne]

This is really interesting. I have so much respect for what you guys do. Providing for your family with fresh home grown produce. I really wanted to eat that salad while looking at this video. lol. YUM!

[@gregc9946]

So many homesteaders I watch have such healthy looking skin.

[@rkatika9]

I so love your positive energy and the way you are explaining things!

[@jm4672]

You're so awesome learning all this information is so much of a benefit to me. Thank you so much for your time and effort and all your mistakes that you made what you learn from and giving us the easy way of just following you thank you so much God bless you

[@ForgottenWayFarms]

Great video! It's so true homesteaders have to find many ways to bring in income streams.