Opening a plant nursery is a way to give back to your local community while doing so as you get in touch with nature. Whether you’ve always had a green thumb or if you’re interested in a new industry for work, learning how to open a plant nursery is possible even if you are new to the market or working on a strict budget. The more familiar you are with the process of investing in and operating a nursery, the easier it will be for you to find the perfect location for your venture.
Establish a Vision
Anytime you are thinking of opening a plant nursery, you will first want to establish a vision. Having a vision for your nursery will help prioritize what is most important when investing in supplies, seeds, and land. Knowing where you intend to operate can also help you become familiar with what you will require to get started while ensuring licensing, codes, and regulations are monitored at all times.
Determine Your Intended Audience
Approximately $1.9 billion is spent annually on Mother’s Day on flowers for mothers. When you want to start a thriving plant nursery, consider who you will be appealing to throughout different times of the year, based on the type of plants you intend to grow and promote. For some nurseries, promoting floral gifts is a top marketing tactic, especially if their main priority is growing various floral arrangements.
Invest in the Right Supplies
Investing in proper supplies and materials matters when you are planning to work with trees, plants, flowers, and other nursery-related foliage each day. Keep in mind that a proper garden hose should last anywhere between five and 10 years, depending on its quality. When you begin shopping around for new supplies, seeds, and materials for your nursery, be sure to do so by referencing reviews and testimonials regarding the brands you’re most interested in first.
Immerse Yourself in the World of Gardening
The more immersed you are in the world of gardening and owning a nursery, the less likely you are to find yourself caught off-guard at any point during your ownership. Becoming a gardener, taking courses, and investing time in becoming familiar with various plant families and types can go a long way in ensuring your success once your plant nursery is open to the public.
Hire the Right Staff
Choosing the right staff to employ is also a major decision that should not be made lightly. When you want to hire the right staff, you can do so by vetting their previous experience or by working with a local staffing agency. A staffing agency can streamline the process of procuring the best staffers available near you without requiring you to do the legwork on your own.
Research Employee Insurance Plans
If you plan to employ staff, you will need to provide them with proper insurance, especially if they are full-time staffers. It is important to remember that under the Workers’ Compensation Act, your employees will have the right to weekly income benefits, vocational rehabilitation (if applicable), or even the right to death benefits of their own dependents in many cases. Understanding the law is essential anytime you plan to own and operate a business, including a plant nursery. Working with an attorney is one way to ensure you are making the right decision once it is time for you to begin researching and comparing group health insurance plans that are optimal for you and your nursery.
Opening a plant nursery does not have to require decades of experience and training to do so successfully, especially once you are familiar with the industry and process. Whether you have plans to grow one type of plant or tree or if you desire a complete orchard, there are many ways to go about starting a successful plant nursery with the right vision and business plan in mind.