Neighbourhood garden shop

Homeowners, condo and balcony gardeners, community garden members, allotment holders and small landscapers.

Retail margins on plants and supplies, with the biggest sales in spring and early summer. Extras like fall bulbs, holiday greenery and gift items help fill the quieter months.

• Plant knowledge for your climate zone
• Retail and stock management
• Friendly customer advice
• Lifting and outdoor work

• Sales are heavily seasonal, so plan cash to cover the winter months
• Plants die or go unsold, so order cautiously and track your losses
• Check whether your province or the CFIA requires permits or has rules for selling nursery stock, and which plants are restricted or invasive
• Pesticide and fertilizer sales are restricted in many provinces and municipalities, so check before stocking them
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, plus a municipal business licence
• WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire seasonal staff (rules vary by province)

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on premises, display areas and opening stock. Monthly revenue is estimated at about $8,000 to $40,000, depending on location and the season.

Check whether your province or the CFIA requires permits or has rules for selling nursery stock, and which plants are restricted or invasive. Also check pesticide and fertilizer sales restrictions, your municipal business licence, insurance, and WCB/WSIB if you hire seasonal staff.

Estimates suggest at least about 35 hours a week, depending on opening hours and staffing. Sales are heavily seasonal, so check your cash plan for winter. Useful skills include plant knowledge for your climate zone, retail and stock management, and customer advice.