Start a small wholesale nursery on your own block

Landscapers, local garden centres, councils, revegetation and landcare groups, and independent retailers.

Per-plant or per-tray wholesale prices, with repeat orders from regular trade customers. Pre-orders or contract growing for a specific project can bring in steadier income.

• Plant propagation and care
• Knowing which plants suit your local climate
• Basic bookkeeping and pricing
• Reliable delivery and communication

• Check with your local council whether a home-based nursery or selling from your property needs approval
• Check your state or territory rules on plant health, pests and diseases, and any restrictions on moving plants across borders
• Some plants are declared weeds in certain areas, check before growing or selling them
• Public liability insurance, and check whether a water licence or restrictions apply to your supply
• Plants take months to grow, so cash flow can be tight before the first sales

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your growing space, how many plant lines you start with and the equipment you need. Plants take months to grow, so allow for tight cash flow before your first sales.

Check with your local council whether a home-based nursery or selling from your property needs approval. Also check your state or territory rules on plant health, pests and diseases, and whether any plants you want to grow are declared weeds in your area.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on the plant lines you grow, your volumes and your trade customers. Expect to spend at least about 10 hours a week, and remember revenue is before your costs.