Native and perennial plant grower (small scale)
Grow native plants and perennials in hoop houses on your own land and sell trays and pots to garden centres and landscapers.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- From home
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small growing operation on a rural or large residential property. You raise perennials, native wildflowers and grasses from seed or plugs in simple hoop houses and outdoor beds, then sell them in bulk by the tray or pot.
Your first three steps
- Visit local garden centres and landscapers to learn which plants they buy and what they pay
- Start with 5 to 10 reliable varieties and one hoop house, and test them over a season
- Take a sample list and prices to buyers in winter and ask for spring pre-orders
Who pays
Independent garden centres, landscapers, landscape designers, restoration projects and local retailers or farm stores.
How it makes money
Wholesale price per pot or tray, usually with minimum order sizes. Pre-booked orders for spring let you plan what to grow.
Skills that help
- Plant knowledge and patience
- Planning a growing calendar
- Selling to trade buyers
Watch out for
- Check municipal zoning and whether a home-based business licence is needed
- Check with your province and the CFIA whether nursery stock licensing or plant health rules apply to you
- Frost, cold snaps and overwintering losses, so plan heat, cover and cash for the off-season
- Commercial general liability insurance and the rules on pesticide use in your province
- Check water supply and any restrictions on watering
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: native and perennial plant grower (small scale)
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a small plant nursery?
Estimates typically run around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many hoop houses you build, your water supply and your growing supplies. Plan some cash for the off-season as well.
How much can a native plant grower earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $500 to $4,000, depending on how many trays and pots you sell to garden centres, landscapers and other trade buyers. Frost and overwintering losses can also affect results.
Do I need a licence to grow and sell plants in Canada?
Check municipal zoning and whether you need a home-based business licence. Ask your province and the CFIA whether nursery stock licensing or plant health rules apply, and check pesticide rules, liability insurance and water restrictions.
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Photo: ThorstenF on Pixabay