Bonsai grower for markets and garden centers

Hobbyists and gift buyers at markets, plus independent garden centers and gift shops buying wholesale.

Retail prices at markets and shows, plus lower wholesale prices per tree on repeat orders from shops, along with pots and care supplies.

• Growing and styling young trees
• Talking with customers and explaining care
• Planning stock and seasons
• Basic bookkeeping

• Many states require a nursery or plant dealer license, check with your state department of agriculture
• Market vendor permits and sales tax registration, check with your city, county and state
• General liability insurance, and a resale certificate for buying supplies tax free in some states
• Zoning, home occupation permit and HOA rules for a backyard nursery
• Slow growth means cash tied up in stock, and frost or heat can wipe out plants

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your growing space, starting stock, market stall gear, and insurance. Slow growth means cash is tied up in stock for a while.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $600 to $3,500, depending on how much stock you have ready, how many markets you attend, and whether local garden centers buy from you. Frost or heat can affect your plants and sales.

Many states require a nursery or plant dealer license, so check with your state department of agriculture. Also check market vendor permits, sales tax registration, liability insurance, and zoning, home occupation and HOA rules for a backyard nursery.