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Does anyone have experience starting a backyard garden nursery? I have found a few articles on the subject, but would really like to hear from someone who has actually done it. Is the return worth the labor and expense, etc. I was thinking of starting garden bedding plants in early spring and then try to sell them at farmers markets at or below the prices charged by retail and garden centers? I wouldn't have that big a variety, but would focus on common, hearty, and popular plants.
You need to go to freeplants.com. That's exactly what the owner of the site does. He propagates tons of shrubs and trees each summer, then sells them out of his driveway. I've learned a lot from reading his site. If there's a plant you want to propagate and he doesn't have it listed, just use google to search it. I'm going to try my hand at it next week. I figure I need about 50 more azaleas, a few wiegela, some euyonomus, and some pink dogwoods. I may try forsythia and crepe myrtle as well.
On your search engine look up little creek nursery in shoreline wa, then find her hanging baskets blog..I have been there and its small and owned by a lady who runs like the ever ready battery, full speed all the time..She use to be on the Wa thread of the National Home garden club web page...
Good luck
You need to go to freeplants.com. That's exactly what the owner of the site does. He propagates tons of shrubs and trees each summer, then sells them out of his driveway. I've learned a lot from reading his site. If there's a plant you want to propagate and he doesn't have it listed, just use google to search it. I'm going to try my hand at it next week. I figure I need about 50 more azaleas, a few wiegela, some euyonomus, and some pink dogwoods. I may try forsythia and crepe myrtle as well.
Aside from any city regulations about selling merchandise out of your driveway (probably okay every once in a while, but maybe not okay every weekend), are there any legal requirements for selling plants?
Meaning, do you need some sort of agricultural license? Any inspections for plant diseases on your property?
This is something I've thought of as well, and have been propagating plants here and there, but I wonder if there are any big legal obstacles when you get to the selling part?
In many States, cities, counties, you'll need a retail license, have the required zoning for a business, and an agriculture inspection periodically.
What will your neighbors say about the commotion of doing business. Some areas allow only a few weekends a year to sell out of your residence. Commercial signage will not be allowed in a residential area.
I would check with your local authorities for the rules and regulations before jumping into something you may regret later on
Thanks for all of the feedback, the points about business regulation, inspections, an zoning are good points. I was thinking more about growing the plants in my backyard but then selling them at farmers markets or at a roadside stand (if I could find an area to do that). I would definitely want to do it on the up and up; one fine could easily wipe out an entire seasons worth of work I'd bet. Thanks again!
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