How to Grow Herbs to Sell

Growing herbs to sell is not a difficult or expensive endeavor. In the beginning, at least, you will not be able to make a full-time living selling herbs. You will need to start on a smaller level until you have discovered the best-selling herbs in your location. You can sell plants, fresh-cut herbs, dried herbs and herb crafts, such as wreaths. Sell your herbs at Saturday markets and farmers markets. Inquire at restaurants and vegetable stands about selling your fresh herbs to them. However, before you get into the selling game, you need to know how to grow herbs to sell.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Herb seeds
• Potting soil
• Seed tray (or containers)

1. Decide on which seeds to purchase and grow. Some of the best-selling herbs are basil, rosemary, cilantro, oregano, chives and thyme. Even though you are starting small, don't be afraid to experiment with lesser-known herbs. You must, however, know about the herbs and how they can be used, as customers will ask questions about them.

2. Consider purchasing organic seeds. You will not be able to advertise your herbs as organic unless you are certified by the state in which you live. Certification may be too large and expensive to take on for a small seller. However, you can advertise that you used organic seeds and grew your crop with only natural fertilizers and pest control.

3. Start your seeds indoors in the late winter months. You may use a seed tray (many pockets to plant seeds in one tray) or recycle small plastic food containers. Fill each container with potting soil to about a quarter inch from the top. Wet the soil with water, and insert into the soil the number of seeds recommended by the package directions.

4. Place your seeds by a sunny window or in a greenhouse, if you have one. Make sure the seeds are kept moist and warm.

5. Move your herb seedlings outdoors after all threat of frost is over in your location. Your herb plants will need direct sunlight to flourish. Plant herbs that you plan to cut for sale in raised beds, planter boxes or in the ground. For herbs that you will sell as plants, transplant seedlings when they are 3 to 4 inches tall into 3- or 4-inch pots.

6. Sign up for local farmers markets and Saturday markets. With this plan, you should be ready to sell your herbs at the first markets of the season.

References

• Growing Herbs for Profit

Resources

• Herb Guide

[milcliar]

on 8/25/2009 Thanx, good article, growing herbs is on my do do list, LOL