Our first farmers’ market of the year is this afternoon at Historic Valley Junction in West Des Moines, from 4 to 8.  This will be our second year selling plants at markets. We were very lucky to be selected as vendors at 3 well-attended markets: Historic Valley Junction, Des Moines Downtown, and Cedar Rapids Downtown. There are 300-400 vendors on a waiting list for each!

There has been lots of stress leading up to this first market. Laminated price tags, banners, props, signage, a new iphone with a credit card app- these details have consumed me over the last week.  I have a checklist of 40 odd things that need to go in the truck with me- and this doesn’t even include the plants!

The other day I practiced setting up the canopy by myself and was not able to do it, even after consulting some youtube videos. Jeanne of Jeanne’s Soaps in Marion always helped me last year when I was struggling- I wish I could bring her with me to Des Moines (and I wish I had a bar of her lavender rosemary soap!) Alan stepped in and figured it out- but I am still left with doubts as to whether I can pull it off solo.

Fitting a canopy, tables, trees, plants and bouquets in a vehicle is tricky. Last year my dad built me a removable shelf, so that tables and canopy are one level and plants on another. Taller trees will have to ride in the cab with me. I predict that will just barely be able to wedge myself into the driver’s seat, as was often the case last year.

This is a planted chair I made and took to the market last year. How did I ever load this?

A newly planted chair I will attempt to load.