Small Holding

Davesnave

Those involved in small scale plant production and selling usually have a very strong interest in the plants. They also need an interest in people, as much of the buzz comes from going out and selling to the public.

Yes, nurseries sell their wares direct to the public who call, but many more sales may be generated by attending plant fairs, markets and so on. Joe Public is basically lazy and forgetful, so often never gets around to visiting your nursery. Also, if those who matter like your style, that's where some of the lucrative invitations come from to sell at open gardens and the more exclusive events. Of course there are large events that are yours for a hefty fee too!

But here's the rub, while you are out at shows and markets, you are not at home tending and generating stock, so there needs to be two of you. It also helps if the one who goes out in the van has big muscles and a bit of artistic flair.....not the easiest combination to achieve. That's where we fell down a bit, as I have the muscles and her indoors is the artist! :rotfl:

I wish you well, but be warned, it's a jungle out there, and even the most successful predators don't become very fat on the proceeds.

Strapped

Also, you'll want some unusual stock - 'cos us well-tight country folk all take cuttings of the usual stuff from each other's gardens rather than pay for a plant.

Mojisola

Davesnave wrote: »

Those involved in small scale plant production and selling usually have a very strong interest in the plants. They also need an interest in people, as much of the buzz comes from going out and selling to the public.

Both very important.

I'm struggling to see how gggareth has managed to complete a business plan without much horticultural knowledge.

Davesnave

Mojisola wrote: »

Both very important.

I'm struggling to see how gggareth has managed to complete a business plan without much horticultural knowledge.

I'm afraid the knowledge doesn't come overnight, though it's not necessarily something one needs to go to college to acquire. I had a day job which actually paid the bills while we were working up the business and making the inevitable mistakes.

To be honest, it was just as well we didn't do a business plan! :rotfl:

Mojisola

Davesnave wrote: »

I'm afraid the knowledge doesn't come overnight, though it's not necessarily something one needs to go to college to acquire. I had a day job which actually paid the bills while we were working up the business and making the inevitable mistakes.

A lot of mistakes can be avoided if you do some training - either a college course or by working for someone else for a while. Some things you might never learn unless someone teaches you - you can search out the information you need to cover the "known unknowns" but you never get to grips with the "unknown unknowns".

gggareth

LOl.. sorry but if you Know the Known Unknowns they are no longer unknowns..
And obviously the unknown unknowns are unknown..

I'm not sure you need to know that much about horticulture to develop a business plan.
The method is the same for every business only the product changes.

College may be a good step forward just not a great believer in theory practical hands on is more my style.

On the Imports side you have to fill a container probably 40 foot of unusual items .. and have a large sum of money invested in stock..

Dave thanks for the input .. especially the business plan part..
writing it down creates far more questions..

Bigmoney2

http://www.uklandandfarms.co.uk/horticultural-properties-for-sale/

http://www.ruralscene.co.uk/look/frame.asp

http://www.evansbros.co.uk/farms.asp

A few sites that cover smallholdings

Mojisola

gggareth wrote: »

LOl.. sorry but if you Know the Known Unknowns they are no longer unknowns..
And obviously the unknown unknowns are unknown..

But need not be unknown if you take some courses or gain some practical experience or pay an experienced horticulturist to give you advice.

I'm not sure you need to know that much about horticulture to develop a business plan.

The method is the same for every business only the product changes.

College may be a good step forward just not a great believer in theory practical hands on is more my style.

That's fine as it's your money you're risking.

Davesnave

Mojisola wrote: »

A lot of mistakes can be avoided if you do some training - either a college course or by working for someone else for a while. Some things you might never learn unless someone teaches you - you can search out the information you need to cover the "known unknowns" but you never get to grips with the "unknown unknowns".

Sure, I didn't rule out college or hands-on learning, just pointed out that many people who run small nurseries don't have any formal qualifications.

Often, this is because their business built-up slowly, and because another job often funds a large % of day to day living.

It is a world away from running something like a small garden centre, or indeed import or wholesale businesses, which are also different from the smallholding type nursery.

I didn't meet anyone who became rich as a result of owning a traditional nursery. In many respects, the average person doesn't value them greatly and prefers to visit garden centres for full-on retail therapy.

Mojisola

Davesnave wrote: »

Sure, I didn't rule out college or hands-on learning, just pointed out that many people who run small nurseries don't have any formal qualifications.

Often, this is because their business built-up slowly, and because another job often funds a large % of day to day living.

I don't think there are many who start a nursery business with a very low level of horticultural knowledge. I know people who started as very keen gardeners and were very proficient with a wide range of skills who, like you, gradually built up a viable business.