How to Start a Small Garden Business
Small gardening businesses help communities care for commercial and residential lawns and gardens. Before starting a gardening business, make sure you have an understanding of how to care for plants, flowers, trees and grass species common in your area. Depending on where you live, you may need a special license to use certain chemicals or to perform gardening services. Obtain all licenses and permits before opening your business so you are in compliance with state and local law.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Complete coursework in horticulture and landscaping. Master-gardener certification programs are available at many universities, community colleges, horticulture societies and local gardening clubs. For more information about gardening programs and certification in your area, visit the American Horticultural Society website.
-
2
Obtain a business license from your local small business administration office or secretary of state's office. You may also need a horticulturalist or landscaping license, depending on state regulations. Contact the Department of Agriculture in your state for additional information. Other licenses needed may include a dealer or seller's license if selling gardening supplies and equipment and a license to use potentially hazardous chemicals such as weed repellent. Register your business with the IRS and state and local tax agencies to receive an Employee Identification Number (EIN). Use this number when filing federal and state tax returns.
-
-
3
Rent a retail space if selling gardening supplies and equipment in addition to gardening services. Save money by working from home if you only plan to sell gardening services. Contact the Department of Agriculture and ask if additional licensing or permits are necessary to run a small gardening business from home. You may need to make modifications to your home that include safe storage of harmful chemicals and equipment.
-
4
Contact local nurseries and garden supply centers to sign up for small business discounts. Local gardening distributorships often offer discounts to businesses that purchase supplies in bulk. You may also be notified of sales and other retail events.
-
5
Market your business to the community. Create flyers to distribute to nurseries, garden supply centers, grocery stores, home improvement stores and other areas where potential customers visit. Create a website that highlights your goods and services. Attend local networking events to promote your services to other small businesses and government agencies.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Become a member of gardening societies such as the National Garden Association, or join a local chapter of the National Garden Club. Membership in gardening societies increases your credibility as a garden expert.
If applying for a small business loan, create a business plan that outlines start-up and monthly costs. Costs include rent, utilities, equipment, marketing costs, transportation and labor. Use this business plan to create a monthly budget.
Purchase enough business insurance to fully cover you, your business and any employees. General liability, product liability, workman's compensation and commercial property are types of business insurance to consider.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit flowers image by pearlguy from Fotolia.com
