Growing Herbs for Profit
You’ve been growing herbs for a while, and suddenly you find yourself thinking about growing herbs for profit. After all, why not make money with something you love? All the gurus tell you to follow your passion, and herb growing is definitely turning out to be a passion.
You don’t have to start out with a retail shop. In fact, it’s probably much better to start out small, and expand as you get comfortable with doing business. There are several ways you can make a profit from your herb passion. So, where to start?
The obvious first choice is to start selling seedlings and herb plants. This is probably the easiest and quickest way to start a business from your hobby. First, consider which herbs you would like to focus on in your new business. Basil, that popular and well-loved culinary herb? Or perhaps an exotic herb that you just can’t find locally.
If you’re growing medicinal herbs for profit, decide which ones people would likely use and buy. Which ones are the easiest to use, and have the most benefits to health? Are there herbs that span two or more categories – used in cooking, for teas, and also with medicinal properties? You may find these more popular.
So how do you actually start selling? Start out with word of mouth advertising – just let people know that you’re starting a small business venture, and that you have home grown organic herb plants for sale. You can also put out flyers locally, or advertise on local bulletin boards.
Many shops and restaurants are happy to accept flyers for local residents. I’ve even seen small roadside stands, made attractive with colorful signs, where people sell their seedlings and other items. Some even do this on the honor system, with a locked box for collecting money! You’ll be pleasantly surprised how honest people are about paying.
If your area has a farmers market or a local flea market, how about taking a day to set up plants and seedlings there. This is a perfect venue – lots of people, expecting to spend just a couple of dollars on something! Remember to have some business cards (you can get these for free on the internet, paying only shipping and handling) and make sure everyone who stops to talk to you gets one.
Start your herb plants in late winter, in flats, and micro-manage them so you have a vigorous and lush crop. A few of weeks before you’re ready to sell, transplant the seedlings into individual pots so they have a chance to settle in. You want to give top quality, as inexpensively as possible, so your customers will come back next season for even more plants… and any new items you’ve expanded to selling!
After all, why not aim for your own herbal empire.
