Market Planning

Supply Chain & Scheduling

Plan your harvest for consistent market supply. From succession planting to market channel selection, optimize your farm's profitability.

10
Crops
4
Market Channels
7
High Demand
5
Categories
Sort by:

Crop Scheduling Guide

Lettuce Mix

High Demand Greens

Plant every 2 weeks for continuous supply

Farmers MarketRestaurantsCSA
45
Days to Harvest
14
Harvest Window
14d
Succession
$8-12
Per Lb
Shelf Life: 5-7 days

Cherry Tomatoes

High Demand Fruiting

Premium prices for heirloom varieties

Farmers MarketRestaurantsDirect
65
Days to Harvest
60
Harvest Window
21d
Succession
$4-6
Per Lb
Shelf Life: 7-10 days

Basil

High Demand Herbs

Pair with tomatoes for cross-selling

RestaurantsFarmers Market
30
Days to Harvest
45
Harvest Window
21d
Succession
$12-20
Per Lb
Shelf Life: 3-5 days

Microgreens

High Demand Greens

High value per square foot

RestaurantsGroceryDirect
12
Days to Harvest
3
Harvest Window
7d
Succession
$20-35
Per Lb
Shelf Life: 5-7 days

Peppers (Sweet)

High Demand Fruiting
Farmers MarketRestaurantsDirect
75
Days to Harvest
45
Harvest Window
N/A
Succession
$4-7
Per Lb
Shelf Life: 2-3 weeks

Kale

High Demand Greens

Sweetens after frost

Farmers MarketGroceryCSA
55
Days to Harvest
90
Harvest Window
30d
Succession
$4-6
Per Lb
Shelf Life: 7-10 days

Garlic

High Demand Allium

Plant in fall for summer harvest

Farmers MarketDirectOnline
240
Days to Harvest
14
Harvest Window
N/A
Succession
$8-15
Per Lb
Shelf Life: 6-8 months

Carrots

Medium Demand Root

Rainbow varieties command premium

Farmers MarketCSAStorage
75
Days to Harvest
30
Harvest Window
21d
Succession
$3-5
Per Lb
Shelf Life: 2-4 weeks

Zucchini

Medium Demand Fruiting

Harvest small for best prices

Farmers MarketCSA
50
Days to Harvest
60
Harvest Window
21d
Succession
$2-3
Per Lb
Shelf Life: 1-2 weeks

Radishes

Low Demand Root

Fast cash crop between main crops

Farmers MarketRestaurants
28
Days to Harvest
7
Harvest Window
10d
Succession
$3-4
Per Lb
Shelf Life: 2-3 weeks

Market Channels

Farmers Market

Direct sales at weekly markets

Pros

  • Direct customer relationships
  • Premium prices
  • Cash flow

Cons

  • Time commitment
  • Weather dependent
  • Competition

Best For

Mixed produceSpecialty itemsValue-added products

Restaurant Sales

Weekly deliveries to local restaurants

Pros

  • Consistent orders
  • Higher volumes
  • Less retail time

Cons

  • Price pressure
  • Specific requirements
  • Payment terms

Best For

HerbsMicrogreensSpecialty produce

CSA Program

Community Supported Agriculture shares

Pros

  • Upfront payment
  • Guaranteed market
  • Loyal customers

Cons

  • Commitment to variety
  • Weekly harvest pressure
  • Member management

Best For

Diverse operationsSeasonal produce

Farm Stand

On-farm direct sales

Pros

  • No travel
  • Flexible hours
  • Lower overhead

Cons

  • Location dependent
  • Limited traffic
  • Self-serve challenges

Best For

High-traffic areasU-pick operations

Harvest Planning Tips

Succession Plant

Plant the same crop at regular intervals to ensure continuous harvest. Most greens need weekly or bi-weekly plantings.

Work Backwards

Calculate planting dates by subtracting days-to-maturity from your target harvest date. Add buffer for transplanting.

Diversify Markets

Don't rely on a single market channel. Balance farmers markets, restaurants, and direct sales for stability.

Plan Your Season

Use our calendar and economics tools to plan profitable crops.

Planting Calendar Crop Economics