Idea of the Week: Home-Based Business Growing Plants (Part III)

Filed in archive marketing on May 18, 2007

If you're planning to go on business full time, it might be a good idea to check your local government on the permits and licenses you'll need. Make sure that growing a garden is not prohibited in your area.

If you're growing plants for a nursery, check your local, state and federal laws and regulations for restrictions. In Oregon, for example, you'll need to be licensed with the Dept. of Agriculture if your nursery stock sales total more than $250 during one fiscal year. Regulations vary depending on your location, so make sure you are informed.

Marketing your business
You could start with putting up a sign to let people know about your store. You can have flyers printed and distributed or pay a local newspaper to advertise your business. You can also put up a website to show your plants or join trade fairs and exhibitions for more exposure.

Growing your plants and your business
It's okay to start small and unless you find a really lucrative solo product, it might be a good idea to diversify. When you're growing plants for a home-based business, there are so many possibilities you can consider.

Other than house plants, trees, shrubs, flowers, fruits and vegetables, you can also market seeds. You can also grow fresh herbs or process them to sell as dried spices. If you have the skill and the facilities, you can also venture into selling pure essential oils. And don't forget about those cut leaves and grass clippings - you can sell them as compost or build a supplemental business growing earthworms. When it comes to growing plants, you are only limited by your creativity. If you have the skills and the guts, you can take this business as far as you want it to go.