If you enjoy growing plants and don't mind getting a little dirty, perhaps an herb garden business is right for you. The best thing about it is, you can do it all at your own home and at your own pace. Starting an herb garden business doesn't take a large amount of money and you won't need a huge space to do it in. Here some tips to get you started.
Instructions
Creating Your Growing Area
1. Educate yourself about herbs. Read books about them. You can't have too much knowledge when it comes to growing any type of plant successfully. Know each herb's specific requirements so you'll be able to meet them.
2. Set up a growing area. Do this before you buy plants, seedlings, or seeds. You might need some shelving to put plants on, but if that's not feasible at the start, improvise.
A small tarp on the ground will keep your plants safe from insects and weeds that may infiltrate them if they are placed directly on the dirt. Place your pots on top of the tarp. Make sure your area gets the light needed for each plant.
3. Choose the herbs you'd like to grow. You can buy herb seeds at gardening stores, other stores or on line. It can sometimes take several months from the sprouting stage to full grown, ready-to-sell plants. Plant nurseries sell inexpensive herb starter plants. The less money you have to invest in your plants, the more profit for you.
4. Set your area up to look as if it's specially designed to grow herbs in. Once you make some cash, you can invest in building a small shade/growing area if you desire. If you plan on getting a nursery license, the inspector will want to see that your area is designated specifically for growing herbs. It doesn't have to be fancy. Call your local licensing facility to find out exactly what inspectors will expect to see in your growing area. With a nursery license, you will be able to purchase plants and materials at wholesale prices.
5. Purchase any materials you might need for your plants. These include fertilizer, soil products and pots or other containers. If your plans are to plant herb gardens for clients, you'll need basic gardening tools such as shovels, rakes and smaller hand tools. Check with local nurseries to get discarded pots for little money or for free.
Getting Business
6. Make some business cards. Hand your business cards out at every opportunity. List your contact information and a brief blurb about your services. Friends and family are great sources to help you obtain business.
7. Go to craft shows or local festivals and display your herbs. Many times the entry fee is relatively cheap. Once your herbs are fully grown, you'll be able to sell them separately, display several in a dish garden or make hanging baskets. Some people find success selling herb starter plants. Let people know if you are willing to come to their homes and plant an herb garden for them. Attach a business card to every pot you sell. Get your name out there.
8. Visit local plant nurseries who might purchase herbs or sell them on commission. Many smaller nurseries don't have a vast selection of herbs. You might be able to make an instant business deal to supply them with herbs as they need them. Once the herbs start selling, the nursery will more than likely call back for more. Let them know that you will also plant herbs, if needed.
9. Talk to restaurants that might be interested in purchasing your herbs. You might even be able to display your herbs in the restaurant for patrons to purchase. Be sure to leave your business cards with the restaurant, as well as attach one to each plant or dish garden you are trying to sell.
10. Visit local tea shops, herb stores, flower shops, health food stores or other places that might be interested in herbs. Many times the business owner will allow you to place some plants in the store for sale. Offer the business owner a small commission on each sale.
11. Advertise and promote your business. Place an ad in your local newspapers advertising your herbs and your gardening services. It may take a little time for people to become aware of your business, but don't give up. Growing herbs and creating herb gardens, can be fun and financially rewarding. It will just take a little time and patience.
Tags: your herbs, your business, business cards, your area, your plants, about your, business owner