Start a plant stall at markets and fairs

Market shoppers, local gardeners and allotment holders who like to buy plants in person.

Retail margin on each sale. Pitch fees are the main running cost, and you can build repeat customers by always attending the same markets.

• Plant knowledge
• Friendly selling
• Loading and driving
• Planning stock for each season

• Public liability insurance, which many markets require
• Street trading licences or consent in some council areas, so check with your council
• Plant health rules, including plant passports in some cases, so check with Defra or APHA
• Bad weather and unsold stock, especially for delicate plants
• A vehicle big enough to carry stock safely

Startup costs are estimates, typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on your stock, stall equipment and the vehicle you need to carry plants safely. Pitch fees at markets and fairs are another cost to check.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000 as an estimate, depending on the markets you attend, the season and your stock. Bad weather and unsold stock, especially delicate plants, can affect what you take home.

Check public liability insurance, which many markets require. Also check whether your council needs a street trading licence or consent, and plant health rules, including plant passports in some cases, with Defra or APHA.