How to Start a Garden Shop

For those who love to garden, opening a garden center can be a great way to earn an income while helping others create their own beautiful gardens.  There are several steps you can take to ensure your garden shop is a success.

• Obtain knowledge on horticulture by taking classes at a local community college.  You can also work at a garden center or nursery to learn more about flowers and plants, as well as get an inside look at how a garden shop operates.


• Research all of the different types of flowers, plants, trees and edibles that grow well in the region you live in.


• Research and obtain any licenses or permits that are needed to run a garden shop in your area.


• Write a detailed business plan, including how much it will cost to open the shop, the services you will provide and what your expectations are for the shop.


• Find a good location to open your garden shop.


• Determine whether you will need a wholesale permit which will allow you to purchase plants for your shop without having to pay tax.


• Decide whether you would like to buy or grow the plants for your shop.  If you decide to grow your own plants, keep in mind that some of them can take a while to grow.


• Obtain the funds you will need to open your garden shop.  You may need to obtain a small business loan.


• Consider whether you would like to offer other services besides selling plants and flowers, such as assisting others with planting and maintaining their gardens.


• Advertise your business by passing out fliers or business cards.  You can also create a website for your garden shop with information on the plants you sell and the services you provide.