Small wholesale nursery from a garden or plot
Grow a few lines of hardy plants in polytunnels and sell trays and pots to local landscapers and garden shops.
- £2k-10k
- Side hustle
- From home
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
858 UK companies in this field, 21% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 01300 “Plant propagation”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A small nursery run from a large garden, allotment-sized plot or rented field, growing a narrow range such as perennials, herbs, hedging whips or bedding plants in polytunnels and outdoor beds.
Your first three steps
- Visit local landscapers and garden centres to learn which plants they struggle to source and at what price
- Choose 5 to 10 easy lines to grow and set up one polytunnel with basic watering
- Take samples and a simple price list to five trade buyers and ask for a trial order
Who pays
Local landscapers, garden designers, independent garden centres, farm shops and florists who want reliable, locally grown stock.
How it makes money
Selling plants in trays, multipacks or batches at wholesale prices, usually on repeat orders through the main planting seasons.
Skills that help
- Plant knowledge and propagation
- Planning crops months ahead
- Building relationships with trade buyers
Watch out for
- Check with your local council whether you need planning permission for polytunnels or trade use of land
- Check whether you need to register as a plant supplier with the plant health authorities for your part of the UK, especially if you sell to other businesses
- Public liability and product liability insurance
- Buyers often pay on 30-day terms, so plan your cash flow
- Weather, pests and unsold stock are real risks, so start with a small range
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: small wholesale nursery from a garden or plot
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: 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 wholesale plant nursery?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on your polytunnels, growing space and plant stock. Starting with a small range can help limit the risk from weather, pests and unsold stock.
How much can a small wholesale nursery make?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £500 to £3,500, depending on the plants you grow and how many landscapers, garden centres and florists buy from you. Buyers often pay on 30-day terms, so plan your cash flow.
What rules should I check before running a wholesale nursery?
Check with your local council whether you need planning permission for polytunnels or trade use of land. Check whether you must register as a plant supplier with the plant health authorities for your part of the UK, especially when selling to businesses. Arrange public and product liability insurance.
Other ways to run this business
Similar farming and garden ideas
Native tree and hedging grower
Grow native trees and hedging plants on a small plot and sell to landscapers, farms and planting projects.
- £2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Online irrigation kit shop
Sell drip lines, timers and watering kits online to gardeners, allotment holders and polytunnel growers.
- £2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Online
Rare breed breeding stock on a smallholding
Breed a rare or pedigree breed, such as pigs, goats or sheep, and sell breeding stock to smallholders.
- £2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Small greenhouse plant nursery
Raise bedding plants, veg plug plants and perennials in a greenhouse and sell to gardeners and garden shops.
- £2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Small-scale meat chickens and ducks
Rear batches of chickens, ducks or other birds on a smallholding and sell them direct for the table.
- £2k-10k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Small grass and DIY livery yard
Rent out field space and a few basic stables to horse owners who look after their own horses.
- £2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Photo: ThorstenF on Pixabay