How to Grow Container Herb Gardens for Profit
Growing herbs in a container garden is a simple way to produce a hearty crop of herbs under circumstances that are more controlled than what would be possible if your herbs were planted directly in the ground. Popular herbs like basil, chives, cilantro, mint, parsley, sage and many others are well-suited for growing in containers. If you've got a green thumb and a large crop of fresh herbs, you can easily make a profit by selling your excess herbs at local farmers markets, specialty stores or produce stands. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Various herbs
- Potting compost
- Peat moss
- Perlite
- Growing containers
- Garden hose or watering can
- Water soluble fertilizer
- Pruning shears
- Plastic packaging or twine
Instructions
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Visit your local grocery stores and farmers markets to determine which herbs are most in demand in your area. Look for any missed opportunities: herbs that are popular but, for whatever reason, are not being sold in your locality.
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Note the average selling price of herbs in your area. Consider charging just slightly less than the stores in your area to stay competitive. Consider charging slightly more for specialty items, such as herbs that have been grown organically.
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Select a full sun outdoor location for your container herb garden where your herbs can receive six to eight hours of sunlight each day. Look for a location that can also provide your herbs with a bit of light shade from the harsh afternoon sunlight.
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Blend equal parts potting compost, peat moss and perlite to create a fertile, well-draining growing medium for the herbs in your container garden. Plant the herbs in individual growing containers that are just 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter than their root systems. Make sure to plant your herbs at the same level that they were growing in their nursery containers.
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Water the herbs in your container garden regularly to prevent the growing medium from drying out completely. Water your herbs from the top until water drips from the drainage holes in the growing containers. Allow the top 1 inch of growing medium to dry slightly to the touch between watering to prevent overwatering.
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Fertilize container grown herbs with a half-strength solution of balanced, water soluble fertilizer every fourth time you water your herb garden. Regular light fertilization will help ensure that your herbs have access to the nutrients they need to grow vigorously.
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Harvest the herbs in your container garden, as needed, using a pair of sharpened and sterilized pruning shears. Be sure to sterilize your pruning shears between harvesting various herbs to help prevent the spread of plant diseases.
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Package your harvested herbs in plastic bags or containers, or bundle the herbs and tie them with ribbon or gardening twine. Sell the herbs at farmers markets, specialty stores or roadside produce stands in your area. Contact independent grocery stores in your area to see if they would be interested in selling your herbs in their produce departments.
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Tips & Warnings
Consult the individual cultivation requirements for each of the herbs that you're growing for more information on their care.
Consult your local chamber of commerce to determine whether you will need a business license to sell herbs in your area.
Monitor your herbs for signs of increased insect activity. If an increase in insect activity is observed, mix 1 tsp. of liquid dish soap with one gallon of water. Spray the diluted soap mixture on your herbs every three to four days until no more insect pests are visible.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit kitchen herbs image by PhotographerOne from Fotolia.com
