Full-Time wholesale plant nursery on rented land

Garden centres, landscaping firms, local authorities' contractors, farm shops and retailers buying in bulk.

Wholesale sales by tray, pot or pallet, with contracts or standing orders for regular customers and seasonal peaks in spring and autumn.

• Horticulture and crop planning
• Managing stock, costs and pricing
• Selling to trade customers
• Managing seasonal helpers

• Check planning permission for structures, trade traffic and agricultural or horticultural use of the land
• Check plant health registration and passporting rules that may apply when supplying plants to businesses
• Check water abstraction or supply rules with the relevant authority
• Public liability, employer's liability if you hire, and cover for stock and equipment
• Heavy seasonal workload, energy costs for heating and the risk of unsold stock

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the land, number of polytunnels, irrigation, potting facilities and the range of plants you grow. These are estimates, so build your own budget from real quotes.

Monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on your plant range, volumes and trade customers such as garden centres and landscapers. That is revenue, not profit, so allow for heating, energy and unsold stock.

Check planning permission for structures, trade traffic and horticultural use of the land, plus plant health registration and passporting rules when supplying businesses. Also check water abstraction or supply rules, and insurance such as public liability and employer's liability if you hire.