Destination Herb Farms
Agritourism Trends among Herb Farms
A Hensley's Seed Co. guide, drawing on advice from Lynn Byczynski, founder of Growing for Market
Equal parts nursery, gift shop and classroom, herb farms have become one of the most popular kinds of agritourism. People will drive a long way to stroll display gardens, enjoy tea and a scone, or take a class.
- Display gardens matter because they show visitors how many ways herbs can be used in a garden. Organize them by theme: a kitchen garden, healing garden, fragrance garden, butterfly garden, moon garden (all white), sunshine garden (all yellow) and so on. The gardens themselves don't bring in money, but with clear labels and plants for sale nearby, they can boost sales.
- Plant labeling. A retail greenhouse should carry a broad range of plants labeled with their uses. More information is better; people find plants far more interesting when they know the stories behind them.
- Vegetable and herb seedlings, sold together. Some farms also sell a full line of vegetable starts in season, often heirlooms. Organic vegetable and herb transplants have an edge at an herb farm, since gardeners who plan to eat or use their herbs often want to grow them organically.
- Dining. For farms with the room, skills and interest, a tea room or restaurant is a natural next step. Herb farm eateries range from tea and scones on the patio to fine dining with multicourse local menus. Naturally, the menu should highlight herbs. Some examples: lavender shortbread; parsley–lovage sauce; chervil–chive butter, rose geranium ice cream, rosemary–thyme chicken salad, and countless more.
- Educational opportunities cover gardening, cooking, crafts and natural health in talks and workshops. Some farms bring in local authors or chefs for free classes to attract visitors; others charge for hands-on workshops where people take home something they made, such as a wreath, an herb container garden, a tea blend or a garlic braid.
- Gift shops. Herbs lend themselves to a huge variety of products, homemade or bought in, including foods, body care, candles, books, cut and potted herbs, garden tools and accessories, and seasonal décor.
- Weddings, retreats and other events can bring in extra income for a farm with suitable buildings or a beautiful setting.
An herb farm takes horticultural skill, a liking for retail and a knack for marketing. An attractive site, tidy grounds and easy access from a city or major road also help. If the idea appeals to you, search online for herb farms to see how others run this interesting and potentially profitable business.
About the Author
Lynn Byczinski
Founder of Growing for Market magazine
Founder of Growing for Market magazine
Lynn Byczynski grew organic vegetables and cut flowers for market before starting a magazine to help market gardeners across the country swap experience and know-how. The first issue of Growing for Market came out in January 1992, and GFM went on to become a respected source of practical, realistic advice on growing and selling produce and flowers.
She and her family have grown vegetables and cut flowers in Kansas since the late 1980s, selling through CSAs, farmers' markets, restaurants, grocers and florists.
Her books on market farming include The Flower Farmer and The Hoophouse Handbook.
She and her family have grown vegetables and cut flowers in Kansas since the late 1980s, selling through CSAs, farmers' markets, restaurants, grocers and florists.
Her books on market farming include The Flower Farmer and The Hoophouse Handbook.
