How to Hold a Plant Sale

You don't have to be an avid gardener to hold a plant sale. All it takes is some basic potting skills and good presentation. Follow the guidelines below to make a little green using your green thumb.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Plants
• Containers

1. Source your plants. You can buy in bulk at a home-and-garden store or nursery, but don't overlook the value of your own backyard. Look for ornamental shrubs and hearty perennials. The more eye-catching, the better.
2. Gather an array of attractive pots and planters. Shop at thrift stores for the most diverse selection and cheap prices. Also consider five-and-dime stores for a good selection of affordable and functional potting containers.
3. Get creative. You don't have to use actual planters to hold your plants. Make your own out of alley wood or other discarded materials. Also consider using less conventional containers as planters, but make sure there is a drainage hole to prevent rot. Old watering cans, wooden boxes and even an old shoe are just a few creative ideas that will draw buyers in.
4. Add potting soil to the halfway point of your container and transfer selected plants. Put some thought into each of your arrangements. Think about whether the plant will be indoor or outdoor and if it needs heavy watering. Try to match the plant with a complimentary container both functionally and aesthetically.
5. Price your plants. Use your best judgment when pricing individual pots, but try and keep it simple. Consider color-coding to indicate three different price points.
6. Advertise your sale. Place an ad in the classified section of your local newspaper or community ad sheet. Also post ads on Craigslist and online classifieds announcing the sale.
7. Make several eye-catching signs and hang in high traffic areas in and around your neighborhood. Be sure to write legibly and to include the date and address of sale.

Tips & Warnings

• Hang announcements up at your local library and community centers.
• Plan your sale well in advance and prepare vegetables, succulents and other desirable plants.
• Be sure to have change on hand the day of your sale.
• Have cardboard containers available for customers to transport their plants home.