There are four considerations in learning how to start a profitable backyard plant nursery. Nowadays, it’s not surprising that many people are looking into sustainable ways to earn profit. Some universities in Canada are even offering courses on making the greenhouse industry a sustainable venture.
From a simple hobby that benefits your physical and mental health, you might be surprised by the returns you can get from plants in terms of finances. However, no business is possible without a framework and a willingness to invest. In the case of a profitable backyard nursery, investment not only pertains to money but also means putting the time to create a plan.
How To Start A Profitable Backyard Plant Nursery: Read This First
Consideration #1. The secret that you must know
Let us discuss the one secret you have to know before anything else. Ask yourself, what plants should you specialize in? Often, people get too excited with the idea of starting a plant nursery and using it to earn money. There are so many plants to choose from, and it’s easy to want to grow as many varieties as you can.
However, it’s best to focus on specific plants, whether edible or ornamental, then work your way to knowing which of them are in the highest demand. You can do wholesale to retail, and as you learn the ins and outs of your plants, you might be able to supply more prominent garden centers miles away.
Consideration #2. What to plant in the backyard nursery for profit?
Now that you know the secret, what plants will be profitable? First, the plants that will sell more would depend on your area and the demands of where you’ll supply them. More so, don’t forget to check the plants’ needs and optimal growing conditions if they match your location.
It’s best to use a greenhouse as a safety measure or start with plants that you have experience with. You can also play it safe and think like you’re a customer. For example, if you live in a college state, you can have a succulent nursery since students prefer them from easy maintenance.
Besides the plants themselves, you can also check wholesale nurseries, and use plant starts for your garden. The advantage of using plant starts instead of seeds is that they usually take only a year to reach a size that you can resell. You buy them at a low price, and you can sell them at a higher price.
Once you have the plants, learn various propagation techniques such as rooting from divisions and cuttings. You don’t have to buy more plants this way, but you’ll still increase their number in the nursery. Therefore, you can sell them in large numbers without the need to start from zero or buy more for resell.
Consideration #3. What are the initial investments for a profitable backyard nursery?
We all know that you need to shell out some money for the plants and materials to grow and maintain them. However, things like business licenses, permits, and employees will also take part in your initial expenses. With them in mind, you can decide whether your savings are enough or you need to loan.
Over time, you will need to enroll in some classes to learn more techniques from professionals. Remember that just like any business, you learn as you go, and you grow as you know. The key to maintaining a profitable backyard nursery is always being dynamic and never stop learning.
Knowing how much your initial investments and expenses will also make it easier to create reasonable pricing for your nursery. For example, some areas require a hefty fine to get a business permit, which may influence your plants’ prices.
Consideration #4. How to advertise a backyard plant nursery?
Lastly, you need to plan and create advertising strategies to stand out from the competition. Advertising can start as simple as talking to potential customers and setting the backyard to get them interested. You can also utilize the internet and create ads for your nursery on social media platforms.
As you get to know the demands and customers, you can adjust your advertising techniques. It’s crucial to be hands-on and learn how to modify your nursery in the ever-changing market. For example, you may start with plants in high demand, but you can try and introduce other species upon knowing your customers.
You can use plants that sell low wholesale and also doesn’t have many demands for growth. This way, you’ll get a good return on investment without too much risk.
Conclusion
Gardening and growing plants is a hobby that you can potentially turn into a business venture. If you’re interested, you can learn how to start a profitable backyard plant nursery and have a business that you love doing. However, it’s essential to treat this suggestion as you would with any business.
Create a structure and consider four factors. First, focus on the plants that you want to specialize in and buy plant starts wholesale for quicker reselling in the future. It would help if you also considered the initial investments that will affect your pricing, including permits, licenses, classes, and employees.
And lastly, create a marketing strategy specific to your location. Make sure that you are always in-the-know with the trends and maintain communication with your buyers.