If you are a lover of gardens and have been growing your own flower or vegetable garden for a few years, maybe you should consider building a small greenhouse business. That can be a great way to turn your hobby into a profession.
As small greenhouses aren’t too expensive, you can grow your business step by step with just a small seed investment. Plus it has never been easier to find resources and information for produce growers. Various guides online will let you know ways to keep costs low in constructing and maintaining your greenhouse and marketing your business. In this little guide, we go over some essential steps to open your greenhouse business.
Research Your Market
First and foremost it is crucial to research your niche market to ensure the space and the need for another greenhouse business. You should look at the characteristics of the local population (age, jobs, income level etc) and calculate what is your projected growth according to the previous data.
Planning the crops
It is then important to figure out the type of crops you want to grow and to have in consideration what is popular in your area. A good way to do this is by reviewing industry magazines to be informed of the latest industry trends. You can then investigate what are the products of your competitors to identify any marketopportunities that your business can fill. You should then research the ideal growing conditions, soil, and planting times of the plants you would like to grow. To plan the size of your business is also crucial. As such you should calculate what quantity of crops you will need to grow in order to turn a profit.
Learn about Regulation
Research about regulation and contact the local authorities to learn the rules governing your greenhouse. If you are considering organic produce, your land must be free of pesticides for at least three years. You will need to certify your produce as well.
Design and build your greenhouse
After you secured some land, you should now design and/or purchase your greenhouse. If you wantto keep it simple you can use companies such as greenhouse stores. Greenhousestore is the leading online retailer of Greenhouses in the UK today. They offer greenhouse installation on most of the freestanding greenhouses they sell, as well as great value and a huge range of greenhouse accessories and spares at the very best prices.
You might consider as well solar greenhouses. Recent research suggests that solar greenhouses are a good, cost-effective fit for small greenhouse owners. Solar greenhouses are able to collect solar energy during the day and storing it at night, which might allow you to extend the growing season. The next step is then to implement your greenhouse with an irrigation system, fertilizer system, benches, and wire shelving to allow for air flow and fans to evacuate hot air when the temperature increases too much.
Purchase the seeds
It is now time to purchase seeds from suppliers, according to your previous plan based on your research of market holes.
Marketing
The best way to market your business is by connecting with your peers. You can attend the local farmer’s markets and contact local grocers, florists, contractors, nurseries, and farm stores to sell your products. Don’t forget to open a website and build a solid social media presence.
Good luck!
Featured image from green house store
Ingrid Maldine is a business writer, editor and management consultant with extensive experience writing and consulting for both start-ups and long established companies. She has ten years management and leadership experience gained at BSkyB in London and Viva Travel Guides in Quito, Ecuador, giving her a depth of insight into innovation in international business. With an MBA from the University of Hull and many years of experience running her own business consultancy, Ingrid’s background allows her to connect with a diverse range of clients, including cutting edge technology and web-based start-ups but also multinationals in need of assistance. Ingrid has played a defining role in shaping organizational strategy for a wide range of different organizations, including for-profit, NGOs and charities. Ingrid has also served on the Board of Directors for the South American Explorers Club in Quito, Ecuador.
