How to be SUCCESSFUL selling PLANT STARTS!

Sharing tips and tricks to help you get the most success at your next plant sale!
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[@AnneGoggansQHHT]

People know better than to break plants. You are being nice. They need to cool it!

[@kawi321]

I have never seen such a more beautiful, gorgeous, elegant looking green house before.😀

[@GEOsustainable]

Excellent presentation. Tons of great info. After my first year, I can see there is no money in it. 1000 Plants X 5 bucks is only $5000 for the entire year. Tomato plants go for $1.49 here. Not worth the space to grow them. I figure to make money you need to grow $60 per square foot in a greenhouse to make a living, unless you have acres of greenhouses, likely only selling a forth, making $15/ft. 1 acre is 43,560 sq.ft. That can generate $650,000 /4 = $163,000 = I spent a couple thousand on a greenhouse and made about $200 for the first year. Doing the math for $1.49 brings you to tears. Hanging baskets looks to be the only way to make any money, and I detest doing those. Strawberries are the way to go. Fast growing, gives next years crop for free, your inventory continues to increase, and I can grow vertically, so I can get close to the $60/ft. Still far from $100K. And, if they don't sell, overwinter them for next year. No waste. 10 bucks at WalMart for a tiny one from seed. I sell mine with fruit on them already for $17.

[@wingabouts]

Good points! I'm just getting started on a backyard nursery. I'm not doing any vegetables though. Fruits, shrubs, trees, bulbs, and perennial flowers. I hate the thought of tossing out dozens of tomato starts that didn't sell. So far, everything that doesn't sell can just be sold later on. I'm getting tons of useful information from the YT channel Savvy Dirt Farmer. His older videos are when he sold from his back yard but now he bought land and is going more full scale. Thanks for mentioning the strawberries, I'll give it a go! 👍

[@amandajones2808]

You might couldve had a better set up but I think people should be more respectful and calm down when pulling plants out. When i shop for plants, im always slow and careful when pulling my plants out that i want.

[@TheSoilandGreen]

Marvel is a yellow with orange stripes tomato. It runs very late so it’s great for July planting. SO for your business it would be great for making new customers and end of summer sales. ALSO lol take the suckers off the plants,those cuttings will flower in Jan - March and be huge in March and April. Keep cuttings in water till they have a great root system. Cheers

[@whitneyb4020]

I wonder if you could make a QR code that links to a list of your varieties and more information about them (like the printed list you have). It might be nice in combination with the cards in front of the plants and a couple printed (maybe laminated?) copies.

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Good idea!

[@tangentgaming8126]

You could make a QR code that links to a specific website page that gives the information you want them to have access to digitally. Maybe set a specific page on the website for the sale, hide it when not in use and update what varieties you want to talk about for each preplanned sale, if its worth the typing to you that is.

[@curiouscat3384]

@@tangentgaming8126 I have a favorite educational website that I refer people to for more information. Gardening Know How is mine and there might be others more relevant to your plants. It could be printed on a the tag you stick in each plant. Because you want the buyer to be successful so they will come back next year and tell their friends.

[@7ceasers]

Excellent video! Concise and informative.

[@whipsandchains1]

This is such a great, informative video!

[@candicepetty1179]

My hardest and most stressful issues is figuring out what to price for. How to price. Do you price per node per plant? Per leaf per plant? What is the typical amount of nodes that would go into 4” 5” 6” pots that you want to sell?

[@Susq15]

This is invaluable information. Thank you so much!

[@curiouscat3384]

Super tips and well presented! I'm just starting my teeny tiny nursery system and have subscribed to stay on track :)

[@denisek5208]

thank you SO much for sharing these tips. my church is having a plant sale to help pay for our new community garden. I will be sharing this with them.

[@PigsDream]

Great video and nice tips, I'm in a garden club that has an annual plant sale just before mothers day. They resell plants from a local greenhouse mostly flowers. This gave me a few ideas for suggestions.

[@naturekins604]

I use some simple strait sticks and twist ties to attach my taller plants to the stick to prevent damage to the plants.square has an option to allow you to take a picture and load your stock into the program and we use the new reader you have to buy that allows you to do tap with cards or the customers phone.

[@sydneybrooks7419]

So much great info!!! Thanks so much Lauren! Look forward to all of your posts! ❤️❤️

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Thanks, Sydney!

[@Phantastischphil]

You will be so successful for your learner’s attitude! Thanks for sharing what you learned with us!!

[@emilybh6255]

You mean, she'll be "so successful with her learner's attitude" or "having a learner's attitude".

[@4beefarm265]

It was great meeting you! Loved the signs to see what all you had to offer. Maybe one day I’ll be able to grow enough to sale. You’re doing great! Thanks for sharing 💚🌱

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Was so good to meet you too, Brittany!!

[@donnabrooks1173]

Very in-depth, informative video. So many good points to keep in mind. Thank you.

[@IndianaBackyardGardener]

I appreciate you sharing all of this! I needed more than a couple of these tips 😉 new sub!

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Thank you for subscribing!

[@cindylong8056]

This was extremely helpful with great information. Thank you for sharing. I've been in my classroom learning ☺️. You guys stay well.

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Thanks for watching, Cindy!

[@amandar7719]

Super tips for growing starts for sales. Sounds like you had great fun and learned a lot to progress your business. A special day, too, for meeting your customers and subscribers. Thank you for sharing. 🙂

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Yes! It was such a good day!

[@Zeppy11810]

I like that you are not afraid to keep it real and say the stuff that many youtubers would avoid! Customers rush in and heavy crowds can overwhelm even the most prepared setup. Stuff breaks, people steal and PP Here has to be tested right before EVERY event lol.......if someone's not mentally prepared for the bad along with the good, we set them up for a not so desirable experience.

[@AnneGoggansQHHT]

This is great, thank you

[@SeedFaithHomestead]

Thank you for all of the great information! I would love to try this next year.

[@tangentgaming8126]

It was really good information wasn't it? I liked hearing about the sale of the plants in a way a start up person would more easily be able to grasp without too many big words and all that technical information videos give. Would you like to tell me more about your homestead, I am hopefully starting soon on my first 5 acres. Learning is Earning & Earning is Learning! 😋

[@thecemeteryguy]

Great video, thanks for sharing

[@603livefreeordie]

Awesome info!.. Love the southern accent.

[@heathernevarez4466]

This was so helpful I’m definitely working towards selling starts so any info is helpful

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Yay! Best of luck to you!

[@tangentgaming8126]

Thanks for all the information! Exactly what I was looking to hear about. ❤ 💯 - Charles NC 🇺🇸

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Thank you, Charles!

[@ellirouse6308]

I bought the opposite of what sold the best. Ha. I did buy one purple Cherokee but only bc my mother in law loves them & I only started 3 of them. I bought mostly German pink & brandywine, from your tent. I was a little flustered bc of the crowd & I forgot my list at the hotel. But I’m very happy with all the plants I bought from all vendors.

[@BerkeleyFarms]

I was flustered too😂. Thank you for supporting us!

[@gointothedogs2]

Brandywine is one of the best flavors. I also love Large Barred boar and amana orange bit i found kellogs breakfast and was told its the same type so im excited to get another yellow orange meaty but fruity tasting type tomato. Theres some tried and true but i find growibg conditions water etc all has variables that can change things. Cherokee purple is a heart plant that keeps giving and it gave longer than our season could give it what it needed last year or i would have gotten quote a,few more tomatoes from just one plant.

[@JustineMcGuire]

Thank you for this video! I plan on doing a plant sale myself this year. I am in Missouri. This video had so many great tips!! Thank you!

[@BerkeleyFarms]

So glad it was helpful!

[@jacklasalle9575]

Great video! Very good info, I mostly sell salad greens but also spring plants and potted herbs, thanks :)

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Very cool! My dad just built me a salad washing station. Excited to be able to use it soon!

[@TheIslandFarmer321]

great advice i've been wanting to sell starts in my neighborhood for our veggie season!

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Thank you! If I can do it, anyone can!

[@BlackDogDesigns]

Great tips, thank you for sharing👩🏼‍🌾

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Thank you for watching, Shary!

[@MinnieAcresFarm]

This was so helpful as I think this could be something I want to do in the future 😁

[@IndianaBackyardGardener]

👋

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jorgemercado7505]

Thank you for sharing. This helped.

[@BerkeleyFarms]

So glad you find it helpful!!

[@AnneGoggansQHHT]

So jealous of that greenhouse!

[@saolyartstudio752]

Awesome information. Thanks 👍your tomatoes plant is so big now. Wish you all the best and more successful in the near future🙏 Great inspiring.👍👍see you next video. Have a great weekend.

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@lawyerjade1979]

I'm going to buy all your plants just because you are so pretty

[@southerngardengigi]

This was a great, informative video 👍🏼

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Thank you for watching!

[@lynnes3659]

Great information, so helpful thank you.

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ChynaRose]

Super great video and very helpful! Thank you ! 😺

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Thanks!

[@kieraconte5874]

Thanks for the info!!

[@BerkeleyFarms]

No problem! Glad it was helpful.

[@jenniferrescott1149]

Great advice

[@AmzBackyardOrchardandVineyard]

thank you for your truth! new subscriber

[@dorriwaldera3081]

Great information! Thank you!

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Thanks for watching, Dorri :)

[@duncanfamilyfarm1284]

Donna and I enjoyed visiting with you and your hubby. We got so focused on talking youtube that we didn't get a picture 😆. Your booth was great 👍. Hope to see you all again sometime. Blessings

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Thanks, Greg! It was great meeting y’all!

[@MelissaJohnsonlovetorun]

Great tips! Cheers from California!

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Thank you, Melissa!

[@sean2val]

What an awesome accent cheers from Australia

[@growyourgreenthumb9581]

Great info thanks

[@lisasmeltzer8008]

Have you figured out the best way to create the plant info cards for your sales? There are so many ways to go about it but I am looking for ease to create, looks, economical to print. I have scoured your videos and find them so helpful and encouraging. This year I am going to try to do a fundraising plant sale for my church. Wish me luck.

[@lindsaycate2429]

It was awesome to meet you in person! It’s been nearly a week and I still feel like a start struck fangirl! I was super excited to learn that you had shirts. I’ve got my super cute tank on order! I’ll be looking forward to hats in the future. Are you planning to do stickers? I’ll reserve a space on my cup, just in case😜 Thank you for providing myself and others with beautiful plants, and great information for those looking to start a business with their plants. Can’t wait to see your high tunnel soon😍🤩

[@BerkeleyFarms]

It was great to meet you, Lindsay! I might have a sticker or two up my sleeve 😉😉

[@lindsaycate2429]

@@BerkeleyFarms can’t wait!!🤗😍

[@Mainly-boy-outdoors]

Thank you for the advice I live in Maine and I'm thinking about starting my own greenhouse business next year though I gotta pay a $25 fee for the license.

[@KansasGardenGuy]

Great tips on selling at market! We also watch the "flow" of other vendors to assist us next time. We use PayPal card services starting last fall and love it!! Thanks for the honest words, people don't realize the anxiety and or stress of us vendors at market.

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Thanks for watching!

[@carystanley33]

Great tips!!!! Thanks for sharing!!! I'm working on a 3 year plan for flower farming and hope to host a local plant sale in my community next spring!! Love your greenhouse!! Keep up the videos!!!

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Thank you! Best of luck with your future plant sales!

[@dianaanderson6448]

I think it would be cool to have a booklet of all the varieties at the entrance so customers can review while waiting in line. Thanks for sharing!

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Good idea!

[@GEOsustainable]

Then everyone would stop at the entrance? Bottle neck. I like the cards at the table idea better.

[@dreyno64]

This was awesome! I was going to use a QR code for each category of plants. But the idea didn’t occur until I was too late into plants and day job. I was going to do a general welcome and refer people to Jess, Jill , you, VW, etc. I like the card stock idea too! Will be watching this several times to absorb all the info. And I need a Tshirt!!

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Thank you for the kind words, Denise! Would love to see you sporting a Berkeley Farm shirt!

[@cbk1232]

I love brandywine tomatoes. I also like the sun gold cherry tomatoes

[@larryhenry719]

I start my cold tolerant plants around end of August and Heat tolerant in February I'm in central Florida.

[@gointothedogs2]

Thanks for explaining the considerations for growing! Theres so much work you put into your plants and i can only imagine all the stresses involved with transportation...and the wind. The set up, payment options and then masses of people handling your plants. I love Brandywine and wanted to try the yellow...and got one of each from you. If youd still want to sell more, id love to get some. And if you still have a carbon, i forgot to get one and maybe others. Your greenhouse is beautiful and i remember watching anout it being built by your father...and i didnt put it together with you at sale, then i also didnt realize that when going through your list on Bell urban, i was looking for a blonde..lol i was more confused then normal...loli really like how you show the process and somehow i will figure out what my issue was for loosing my starts. I did come back home and look close and i have a few that didnt germinate at the same time and a few are popping up...but its been three weeks since planting, so im really not expecting much and am starting over. Sadly i have every bed and ground covered in end of season garden mixed with the prettiest weeds you have ever seen and varieties ive never seen before. Let me know if your wanting to sell more and hopefully this weekend i will start getting the ones i already have in the soil! And shoot for more!

[@BerkeleyFarms]

It was great chatting with you! Hope your seedlings are doing ok!

[@gointothedogs2]

@@BerkeleyFarms all your seedlings are doing great! Haven't put them in the ground yet cuz it's been raining so much and got to get some more compost but soon! We made it past all the cold good thing I didn't put them in the ground before that!

[@AnneGoggansQHHT]

I taped index cards to the table or front of the tray

[@augustagootee6254]

Awesome advice !!

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wonderfullymadehomestead4179]

I’m having my first plant sale in a few weeks, I’m in Mi so we are a few behind y’all, but I appreciate this info so much!! I’ve been so encouraged and inspired by you & Jill! ❤️

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Good luck with your sale!

[@jswhosoever4533]

Where in Michigan? I'm in Gladwin and was going to sell at the farmers market this year. I'm not sure though...Gladwin city is upping their price per table and it's actually pretty ridiculously high😕

[@wonderfullymadehomestead4179]

@@jswhosoever4533 small world! I’m in Gladwin! I Hosted the sale in May 2021 right at my house! Garage sale style 🙂 It went well, and made enough from selling starts to pay for my starting supplies and the 10x20 greenhouse I purchased that year.

[@jswhosoever4533]

@@wonderfullymadehomestead4179 that's beautiful! I was thinking the same thing, but I'm out of town a bit...I'm going for it! (I'm Mrs. Smokin' Bob-B-Que...do you know it?)

[@wonderfullymadehomestead4179]

@@jswhosoever4533 we aren’t in town either, we are around sugar springs area. Yes I think I know that! The mobile BBQ place? How neat!

[@birdseedranch1653]

Hey! I saw myself! 😆. It was amazing meeting you. You are so awesome and can't wait to get a shirt!

[@BerkeleyFarms]

😂I took one picture the whole day. Had to steal a few from Instagram 😉

[@birdseedranch1653]

@@BerkeleyFarms 🤣 you were super busy so it's understandable. 🥰

[@ogj5]

Also more info for your veggies that are big helps.. and this isn't the easiest but a HUGE help is HOW they can use the veggies in cooking. Not full on recipes but how they can cook these. What they taste like raw, cooked, in certain dishes. That's my top gun move. Keep on growing!

[@ogj5]

Also where can a get a greenhouse like that. OMG amazing.

[@carolynmoody9460]

great video 👍 Blessings

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Thanks, Carolyn!

[@daughterofzion3884]

Square allows to sellers to do swipe,tap Manuel, QR Code etc. as well and a good thing too text and invoice. I like the phone app version but yeah gotta have a battery backup💯

[@annebojko9863]

So happy to have found your channel! I started following R&R a couple years ago and from them found WW and from them found you 😊 keep up the great content! Kind of random, but I love your sweater! Where did you get it? 😊

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Thank you! The sweater is ZYIA brand.

[@lnk3503]

You should include a payment in gold, it can be digital and physical gold-backs. You just need to decide you're gold prices. Millions of Americans are using gold.

[@tjphillips2017]

I was wandering how you guys did at the plant sale. I’m so happy to hear that it went well. My wife is an artist who paints with acrylics and we have sold under some of the same chaotic circumstances which we quickly learned was not the proper venue for selling hand painted art. However I’ve often wandered how it would work out if you offered pre “Big Plant Sell” day to people, maybe even a select few, who could purchase online and then just stop by on the “Big” day and pick up their pre packaged plant trays then be on their way....no waiting. Sort of like putting in a Walmart order to pick up.

[@BerkeleyFarms]

That’s actually an excellent idea and I should have mentioned that one vendor did offer that option and did very well! We will be doing that next year.

[@firemedic5777]

Great advice, what's your advice on pricing

[@haleeburch]

Next year the information guides. Maybe think about a QR code or something similar that pepper can scan and go to your website for care information. I have spent some time looking up care information etc and it seems like most websites are really outdated or poorly formatted and difficult to read. Also, when you point people to your website to get more information about what is being bought, there is another opportunity for purchasing other items.

[@homesteadinabox553]

You have great content 👏 I have watched this video a few times and gather great content each time . I have a question, How many weeks would you say from start to a good selling point with tomatoes. I know many variables however just a guesstimate. This is my first year trying to sell and there isn't a whole lot of content around this I appreciate all your insight .

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Thank you so much! This makes me so happy! I usually start my tomatoes mid February and sell good sized starts in mid April. I’m planning to shoot another video today about my plans for this years plants sale and will talk about that a little. Hopefully will have it uploaded tomorrow

[@robinbass5532]

Hi. In your greenhouse. Starting your seeds in February, how are you heating it?

[@PlowAndPantryHomestead]

Good info!

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Thank you!!

[@wingabouts]

If I were at your sale, my questions on the tomatoes would be are these heirloom or hybrids, and are they determinate or indeterminate. I think that info would be helpful on your signs/cards you do next time.

[@lcrread]

Having a QR code on each plant can bring up more information about the plant. Such as botany name, sunny/partial sun: shade. Plant care info etc. all will go to your website to that specific plant page that contains all the info. Maybe even a KZbin videos for that plant too.

[@traceydysert6096]

Whatever you don't sell, You should find a local community garden to help those in need to be able to get fresh vegetables and fruits.

[@rynophiliac]

what pots are you using to sell the plant in? Ive been using bootstrap farmer 10x20 trays and they are great but the pots they come with are too heavy duty to sell the plant in. I need to find a cheaper pot that can go with the customer

[@walkinginheavenlyplaces4103]

What average size pot do you use and your average price per plant?

[@marshagroen793]

What type of business did you classify yours as? LLC, Sole Proprietorship?

[@anvilanalysis7590]

You would make a great sign language person speaking well with your hands

[@MOJUSA]

Wow I thought your a radio host friend

[@carrolte1]

add magnesium to your plants helps them from snapping

[@gcxred4kat9]

Curious your thoughts on giving, say, a 10% discount for cash? I assume people would understand that?

[@hazelwood55]

I notice the frame of your greenhouse is painted wood. Do you have any problem with rot, decay or mold?

[@erincarr9411]

Been working with a plant start farm for almost 2 year. Next year I'm striking out on my own. I'm so STOKED. Signage is absolutely important. You might get more of Brandywines and pinks to sell if you have a picture and description on a sign in front of it. (Is it heirloom, is it determinant, is it drawf, cherry, slicer etc.) Also, I suggest you still plant those types just not as many. People like to see you have variety weather they buy it or not it brings them I We take bakery racks full of plants in flats. We basically make a room for ourselves made out of racks. The table is part of the front wall. We leave empty flats out for people to shop easier. Cherokee purple is on some top 10 list somewhere. P.s. your green house maybe a bit too warm, your tomatoes look a little leggy. Timing is also really important so that they aren't so tall that you can't easily sell them. Congrats on the first sale

[@BerkeleyFarms]

I agree. They did end up getting really leggy at the end. I think it was a combination of poor ventilation and excessive heat. We’ve added better ventilation and are paying more attention to temps this year. Live and learn, right!

[@PlumbsmartPaul]

Cherokee Purple are the best tasting tomatoes in the world.

[@blessildajoy]

I know you're busy but It would be super helpful if this video was timestamped. Thanks for the great content!

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Noted :)

[@minhbienvlog347]

Bạn chia sẻ rất hay .chúc bạn thật nhiều sức khỏe

[@dontsmashthatbug]

Aw I saw your scratch, tough mama :)

[@Looseey1973]

Next year you could laminate your instructions them and make the bigger. You could also hang it so everyone could read it.

[@melissasullivan1658]

Also Office Max/Staples have flier stands (like self-standing menu holders at bars), which would be good. I imagine you’d have to tape the base down if it’s windy tho.

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Great idea!

[@BerkeleyFarms]

@@melissasullivan1658 love that!

[@mojoflyingsolo639]

Have you looked into donating the plants you didn't sell or lost at the plant sell and use it as a tax right off? Just a thought.

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Actually, yes! We did donate some to a local elementary school.

[@melissasullivan1658]

Regarding the Fanny pack: there’s a reason cocktail servers store their cash in the little box cubby thing on their tray - so grabby hands don’t get too grabby. Fanny pack was smart. I can’t believe nobody bought the Brady wines! Here in California they would’ve been sold out.

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Yep, unfortunately those are things we have to keep in mind. I was very surprised the brandywines didn’t sell.

[@saraloggins8365]

Do you have to have nursery license, business license, etc to sell at these plant sales? Have you done a video about this 'legal' and tax portion of the business?

[@BerkeleyFarms]

I do not. I’m Arkansas, we are not required to have one at the scale I’m selling at. It’s different in all states, though. I’d love to do video on the legal/tax side but I am nowhere near qualified to do that. I feel like I’m calling my accountant and extension office weekly to ask questions 🤣

[@debbielicona5030]

how much is the set up fee average ? at farmers market

[@BerkeleyFarms]

It varies so much. I've been to farmer's markets where there was no vendor fee and I've paid a couple hundred for others.

[@tonijurkones9797]

Hello 👋👍

[@BerkeleyFarms]

Hi!

[@bobronsons5780]

hey mommie xD

[@daleparks6781]

PayPal is a Chinese company I won't do anything with PayPal!✌️

[@emilybh6255]

Too bad you couldn't have let people know ahead of time you only wanted to be paid in cash. That way you don't have to let the powers that should not be know all the details of a transaction you may have with a customer not to mention the fact that you'd be able to keep all the money and not be charged a fee for every electronic transaction.

[@alexs2941]

This video is so irrelevant to its tittle. I just heard nothing but compliments about how she did not d D o a great outdoor sell