Starting a Gardening Business

Follow the right steps to make starting a gardening business an exciting and successful endeavor

Starting a gardening business can be a very exciting endeavor, but one that requires you to carefully plan your product expenses, and manage the needs of your employees and clients. Many people consider the entrepreneurial route, but it is a risky road to take, especially if you don't set yourself up for success. You don't have to sell a unique product, but you should offer a one-of-a-kind service.

Anyone can start a gardening service with the right attitude and financial backing. Competition will be fierce. You can't expect to put your feet up because it's your own business. On the contrary, you should expect to work very hard in the beginning. Before quitting your full time job in the hopes that you become your own boss and open a gardening center business, ask yourself the following:

1. Are you committed? It takes more than just a good idea to develop a gardening biz. It takes time, money and hard work.

2. If applicable, do you have the right partners? Friends are not always good business partners. Vet potential partners as objectively as possible.

3. Have you done your research to make sure there's demand for your product or service? You may have a great idea, but how many others have the same idea?

 

Develop a gardening opportunity with credibility and get licensed

When you start a gardening small business, you are legally required to obtain some type of government license. Horticulture is regulated and licensed in most states by local horticultural commissions. Check with your state's Department of Agriculture. Other official documents include seller's permits, federal and state employer tax ID numbers, and trade name certificates. There are many online resources and state departments that can assist you with filing these documents.
Try: Business Licenses is a fee-based resource that offers license and permit access for those in the agricultural and horticultural field. FindLaw provides a checklist of all licenses and permits necessary for opening your own business.

Join an association and build industry credibility when you open a gardening center

As a new business owner, you don't have to go it completely alone. Consider joining an industry association for support. Organizations bring together professionals with the same goals and challenges. As a member you have access to educational opportunities. Professional organizations also organize events, so you can meet your industry peers, vendors and suppliers.
Try: The National Gardening Association and the American Horticultural Society both provide an online calendar with upcoming events for educational and networking opportunities. They also offer access to publications and other tools to give you a leg up.

Partner with reliable vendors when you open a gardening small business

As a business owner, it's imperative that you partner with vendors that can help you build success. Your vendors must be dependable, accommodating, offer a wide variety of products, and be reasonably priced. You want to build a long-term relationship with your suppliers, so they must share your interest in pleasing your clients.
Try: B&T Grower Supply sells nursery supplies to gardening businesses, including chemicals, irrigation and watering equipment, and greenhouse equipment. Nature Hills provides a wide variety of trees, brushes, perennials and more. It also offers wholesale inventory to gardening businesses.

 

• Marketing your business is a very significant part of developing your gardening service. Consider advertising in trade magazines and newspapers to begin with, and think about publishing a website.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

---