My Plant Sale, How I Did it And How Well it Did

Here is a little mini documentary of my plant sale. I followed the seet starting calendar I gave in a previous video to start my seeds with the average last date of frost as the date I wanted to have the plant sale on. The ad was posted on craigs list and included a full list of what was available to sell as well as a video preview of the plants. I chose to share this info with everyone because I wanted to show how easy it is to not only start the garden starts for your own uses but even ones to sell and make money doing it.
How to Create (and Stick to) a Seed Starting Schedule: • How to Create (and Sti...
Seed starting supplies I used (trays and inserts): www.greenhousem...
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[@roosterp.5662]

Yea i agree with the price being too low. But still inspiring. Thank you. Just to do it for fun and make some cash is a cool experience.

[@heyyall888]

I have never seen such a supportive comments section. Either way, you deserved it! Great job! I agree with everyone else, you under-priced most of the things you sold but you were a success! Cheers!!

[@frugalgreengirl]

Hello everyone! The purpose for this video is to show those of you out there that may have thought about selling plant starts that it can be a worth while and profitable thing to do. I hope it also helps to show what a valuable skill learning how to start garden plants can be. Enjoy and I hope this can help you :)

[@1bustari]

+frugalgreengirl I was actually thinking of doing something like you. I recently got back into my interest of gardening, and wanted to craete my own mini nursery. DO you think people would want to buy plants in AZ?(Especially since no one ever wants to grow their own plants here.)

[@buddhakarma9626]

Well done on you're sales 😀👍

[@lmaprez7447]

Thank you for sharing, that’s definitely very helpful thank you 🙏🏼 I was intimidated to sell anything in a farmers market, this is definitely something to consider besides vegetables

[@Growyourheirlooms]

Good to see more home growers selling plants. It's a wonderfully fulfilling endeavor.

[@mark_osborne]

Good for you !!!!!! Look at yourself....absolutely love your entrepreneurial spirit !

[@frugalgreengirl]

Thank you :)

[@Itwasallwonderfulnot]

Gardening is the best! Thanks for the great video!

[@TheRedheadsrus]

I loved the way you said oh yeah. Great job, proud of you!

[@jeffery19677]

Prune the top 1/3 of your tomato plants two weeks before the sale and they will fill out and you can get even better prices. Try it on a few plants next time.

[@shortchanged.]

Yep then root all tops and sell them also

[@lelaburnett4197]

Do you simply just cut the 1/3 of the top and it will bush out?

[@darrenford8146]

Im having my sale in a week and wish I did this lol

[@karianngardenguru]

Great Job! I do the same- I have an entire room dedicated to plants in my home- and am adding a DIY greenhouse this year to expand- keep growing!

[@PetalsonthePavingSlabs]

Well done you, nice one!

[@catherinebruce5836]

Hi my friend thank you for the advice I love flowers plants a lot for the coming year I want to start to sell plants so keep me up to date have a blessed day.

[@guyeshel9316]

Sounds like so much fun

[@mrkofi105]

I enjoyed the video! Simple and no hidden agenda. I am glad that you had a great turn out.

[@frugalgreengirl]

+MrKofi Haynes Thank you! Im glad you enjoyed it and appreciate your support!

[@davidhastings7714]

Well done mate!

[@alphasxsignal]

Sounds like you are doing a great job. Glad to see things are going good for you. You are a hard worker.

[@ufoufo9182]

What a cute puppy

[@silviaandrade8820]

Thanks for the advice! 2018 looks like a good year to start my own business!

[@KaityLowe]

Silvia Andrade good luck!

[@TheOntarioGardener]

Nice seedlings! Sounds like you did a great job!

[@frugalgreengirl]

Thanks! I really think more locally grown food, seedlings, eggs, etc. is the wave of the future. Its been gaining popularity by leaps and bounds lately and those of us that are able to be producers will best be able to benefit from the trend.

[@michaelstamp9368]

What you didn't mention is your time investment, gathering your supplies, time in the greenhouse and time spent at the sale and the process of selling the leftovers to the retailer. Sounds like a fun hobby that pays for itself and suppliments your regular income a little.

[@Rootedandreaching]

you are brilliant and thank you for an option to selling seedlings. we can always use a new but old way of earning a living. I'm attempting to sell clones and seedlings. wish me luck and God bless you and your family frugal green girl. continue to Rock!

[@frugalgreengirl]

I'm so glad to know I was helpful to you! Thanks a bunch and Good Luck!!

[@DJMovit]

Congrats on your success. Here in New York, the state wants their cut of your profit! Awesome amount of plants! I for one would over look some of your leafy greens as I don't know much about some of them and would pass them by. Siren in the background I figured it was a police escort for your shoppers LOL The big box stores have a lot of overhead including the payroll for the employees but that being said I think you priced well. If I shop a big box store I always look for plants with two or three in a pot so I can divide them up and get more plants for the money :-) Most of the time all the plants survive. Nice that you pointed out the cost you had to put into growing the plants, at least some of the stuff can be reused so your profit will increase if you continue. Again Congrat's Tim

[@pangtou9733]

Great info. We sell starter plants at our farmers market and we have to know a lot about our plants too. It's so much better and cheaper than the big box stores. $2 each or 3 for $5 great deal for heirloom tomatoes, peppers, etc

[@GabeJRivera]

Great vid! You made a great point about knowing your plants. I sell potted irises and this past year to save some ink I had my laptop out to show more pics vs ink and printing cost of more signs. You also state you had issues or less interest in some plants. You can always try to market to restaurants, asian markets, or personal chefs, that's another story and may need a USDA or state certification. "Simple works the best though". I placed signs out in a 8 mile radius 1 month in advance and I couldn't keep up with the demand. I did get a little scared when a city vehicle pulled up, but they ended up buying $40 worth and placed em all in a firefighter station garden. Good luck this year!!

[@robertpaidprice]

Great video!! Great job👍🏾👍🏾 Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@jfree1998]

I think you underpriced it. Considering cost of soil seeds packaging and time definately should have charged at least $2 each

[@Nelson4207]

jfree1998 She could have charged more...sure, but why? You want ppl to get a good deal and WANT to come back. People don't go to walmart to pay the same price as anywhere else. Sell it low and watch the flow! 😉 Personally i get most of my dirt and materials free or very very cheap. Greed is just ruining society! Everybody wants a million dollars for 10 minutes of time.😊 Did you hear how she said she 'gave' some away...no need for greed. 😎

[@Crazy4Crafting50]

Nelson4207 It would have to bring in at least double what she spent on energy (heating) and materials. You might not need to price very high just because your soil is free. Soil alone is a huge cost to people who have to buy it. If she is making a good profit at the price she sells the plants, it's not necessary to raise the price. However, if she barely broke even, and did not add in a salery or hourly wage for herself, she took a loss. The time and energy you put in is valuable and you should track the hours you spend on your plants, start to finish, and make enough to pay yourself at least minimum wage for each hour plus profits on materials. Where do you get free potting soil?

[@kosycat1]

I agree,but I guess is the point it you should at least break even and if you are having fun and feeding people,thats all that matters.. =]

[@CraigMansfield]

jfree1998 There's human psychology as well. People think if they spend more, it's worth more. Call it organic and put another few cents on it.

[@nocogarden]

Not factoring your labor is a huge mistake. It's cost you more than you think.

[@frugalprepper]

I think I may grow a few extra trays next year and see what happens. I will start small and see if there is any interest.

[@frugalgreengirl]

FrugalPrepper ❤ That idea!

[@joshualee8852]

wayyy too cheap. Don't disrespect yourself by going too low on your prices. That's why people swarmed because they can't say no to an extreme bargain. inspiring though!

[@awake8794]

Joshua Lee Not necessarily. She had a bunch of "early bird" buyers a while before she even got her signs out. And she said she Varley had time to stop and get her signs out. So i wouldn't completely write that off as the reason she had "swarms" but i do sed where your coming from. I also think she could've priced them a little higher.

[@CraigMansfield]

Joshua Lee I think she might have been so nervous about selling, that she created bargains. But yes she could definitely charge more. And even though it's a lovely idea to sell your plants, if she calculated all of her actual costs, she'd need to put her prices up to make a real profit. But of course yes, she did a fantastic job of it, and I'm really happy for her. Even though it's quite an old video. It's still inspiring.

[@mikeguitar9769]

Even though the idea of growing watermelon is compelling, people say it is quite challenging to grow successfully. If it was me, I figure it might not be a good plant to sell if one wants the best chance of customers having a good experience so as to try to get repeat customers, but idk I could be wrong. If I did I'd try to start it super early in a big pot because the days to maturity are so long.

[@maureenwatts9073]

every bit of that sounds right, mike!

[@graciegordon6552]

You can make your own extremely cheap potting mix with compost, peat moss, perlite and whatever you want to put in it! The pre made bags are EXPENSIVE!!! It'll stretch far. Good job!

[@xobrebre23]

How awesome! Congrats! That must be an awesome feeling. Knowing you put all that hard work & money into it and you came out on top with even more money (: (:..Again, Congrats!!!

[@aliciaambrus8736]

Great job! You will make even more money next time. Good healthy plants at a cheap price will build your customer. You can always go up on the price later.

[@catherinebruce5836]

Hi awesome video I love it keep up your good job,

[@howardcase4420]

My wife and I are totally doing this next season!!!!

[@frugalgreengirl]

Cool! Its an easy way to make some extra money with out that much work involved.

[@cathyanderson8197]

It is really nervous the first few times and then you just get used to it, and it's just a flow. I hope you do really well. Get the soil hauled in and it will cut your costs, and buy your pots online. Get some cheap pvc pipe and put plastic over it for a greenhouse. you can concrete them into the ground if you wish. you will do well.

[@TheRealHonestInquiry]

Great advice ty Cathy! Another great way to cost cut is learn to make your own soil/compost with free organic materials

[@buttercreampainter8443]

Thank you! This was so helpful!

[@abboudnac6552]

I really enjoyed your video! i was thinking about making the same thing u did but worried it wouldn't pay off and have alot of unsold plants, you really encouraged me :) and thanks for your data about which plants sells the most! best regards and good luck in future plant business.

[@Fries2145]

great job, tanks for sharing your story . You know your stuff! 👍

[@allotmental.]

The flower stall on my way to work sells big tomato plants for a pound each! Super cheap and very good condition. Well done on the sale :-)

[@tphilbro]

congrats!!!

[@smeghed1025]

Congratulations! Sounds like it went swimmingly.

[@andrewbeaton3302]

Not bad, but question is, was it worth 3 months? Would you have gotten more if they were further along? I think you underpriced, but maybe it helped your get customers that will come back now... Good job!

[@MycketTuff]

To me, getting anything from your hobby is nice. If it's how you pay bills though; you might want to be a bit more aggressive :)

[@CraigMansfield]

Good for you! You should have charged a little more. If you added just 50c/p on each, you'd get a fair amount more that would cover your costs. Maybe take the cost of your expenditure and divide that by the number of plants you sell; so your profit isn't hit so hard.

[@diggingthis6305]

i guess the early birds didn't catch the worms this time... hehe... just kidding : ) oh, by the way... so happy for you! : )

[@ADVNevada]

Nice, thanks!

[@evelynesimon5758]

awesome lady, great help.

[@heckyeah4357]

Hello and thank you for this interesting video! 😄

[@dreamwonders6091]

Excellent, Keep going.

[@tanngaeth8758]

hi I like your video

[@mikeguitar9769]

How did you promote your plant sale?

[@LtColDaddy71]

If your in IL, I’ll buy every plant you grow for those prices. 1000? I’ll take’m, 10000? Sold! Girl, I’d buy 100k plants at that price, and save myself a ton of work!

[@LtColDaddy71]

You can use my land, my high tunnels, and I’ll throw in a few kids as helpers (you have to give them back after about 5-6 hrs per day. 😀

[@rancidscooter]

I noticed this is from 2014. Do you still sell plants every year?

[@fbibadboys]

good for you -good job

[@daublex2388]

Awesome...good job!

[@JenniferLKersten]

I’ve sold small amounts of plants and the time ,effort and supplies was not worth it! I actually got so many orders and ignored the plants I wanted to start for my own garden. This year I have one big order from a CSA coop but other than that, I’m focusing on my own garden. These seedlings were my babies and I felt whatever the price it wouldn’t be enough for the love effort$$ time I gave. If you want to make ca$h sell your veggies to neighbors n coworkers!

[@wesledford8564]

Thx your so helpful

[@kosycat1]

AWESOME! you are too generous with the prices! Honestly, you COULD charge the price the box stores are charging because your plants are way better!

[@southsidemikevlogs]

beefsteak tomato's are good also i am growing them i am selling them plants for a $ 1.50 a plant i hope i do really good on them also

[@cybersecretary]

good for you!

[@stephenmaischoss4146]

not bad good job

[@nellspop1]

awesome job, congrats

[@lifewithjenniferHS]

Can you film you plant sale this year? if you haven't already had it.

[@frugalgreengirl]

It's today, and yes I am filming it!

[@BalloonGuild]

So, $400 is not the profit btw... Other costs you didn't seem to consider are: - time planting and tending the plants - time working the booth -signs and equipment for the booth -water you used for the plants -time you spent on the videos, etc. -cost of the greenhouse and upkeep -cost of space where you could be doing something else There are many different things to consider when running a business like this. In fact, it sounds like you could make more / spend less time by ONLY selling to the big box store instead of sitting outside for a bit. Just a thought. Also, assuming you had $400 in profit, that is $400 over a few months. So, that comes out to about $100 - $150 per month. So, the turn over gets kind of expensive. Now... If you want to make a living doing this... Is it still viable at a larger scale? The size? The number of plants? The grow lights? The infrastructure? etc. Either way, greats on making some money on something you love and that you were going to do anyway! I will probably try to seed more items this year and sell the leftovers myself as well. I think it is a great way to pay for my hobby. Thanks for sharing!

[@joeorabona6170]

Two things you left off of your expenses. I'm guessing you were at some kind of fair or public market, did you have any fees to be able to set up your booth? Mileage is also a factor. IRS mileage rate for 2014 is $0.56 per mile driven. Sorry I'm an accountant. Some people go on the internet and correct grammar, I correct financial statements.

[@frugalgreengirl]

Haha, the number cruncher is back! Hello again :) actually I sold them in my driveway so my numbers are good, thanks though

[@joeorabona6170]

Oh wow. That's a really impressive amount of foot traffic for your driveway. It looks like you're in a residential area. Was this part of some event or are you just awesome at marketing? How did your extra plants get to the building supply place?

[@frugalgreengirl]

Joe Orabona I am in a residential area but right where the business area ends and the houses begin. Plus I am just yards from one of the main roads (a highway) in my city. That and everyone likes craigs list, lol. I drove them to the building supply store but I was there to buy something for work anyway so I was just multitasking. You must be a very good accountant, you are very through! Thanks

[@thailandthomas9185]

I grew 500 varieties of heirloom tomato plants in 4 " pots, sold for $1 each, couldn;t even give them away. Had over 5000 plants and I sold maybe 15 plants.

[@lexb277]

Wow only 15? Where did you advertise?

[@thailandthomas9185]

@@lexb277 Every local newspaper, facebook, craigslist, anywhere and everywhere I could find.

[@mianicholas3107]

can u legally sell at flea market because i want to sell my plant starters

[@SteveHovland]

Great start. But they are worth more :)

[@nolanderskidaddy]

Way awesome! How did you advertise?

[@frugalgreengirl]

Thanks, I put it on Craigs list

[@TheRealLukeOlson]

Do you know your cost per plant to produce the seedlings? I can't seem to get my cost per plant below $1.05. How did you save costs?

[@9gemini]

Honey, grow rare house plants. The efforts and time might be the same but you will make so much more. Value your time and decide how much you want to be paid for it to make a living

[@KaityLowe]

I’m so happy for you :) is this something you still do?

[@frugalgreengirl]

Kaity Lowe Yes! This year I'm planning for a giant sale 😀

[@Z71Ranger]

Here you need a License and Insurance to sale plants... I bet you are supposed to also in your area... Here if you try to sale plants the local nursery will turn you in to the city and county.... They can fine you 1,000.00 to 10,000.00... I was lucky they just told be to shut it down or get the correct License and Insurance... It was not worth it to much money... I always see people with ads on craigslist with plants for sale at .50 cents each...

[@theriverschool822]

In my state you need a hobbyist nursery certificate from the state. You need to go legal if your going to keep doing it so you don't get fined. It's not hard or expensive, but it will cut into your profit margin.

[@mycominer]

Here in TN it isn't bad to get the certification at all.

[@zeonixreaper4552]

my area doesnt really care much, selling plants here is just a side job to make extra cash

[@cassandragonzalez6906]

Im thinking of having a plant sell in my neighborhood memorial weekend next year. I was supposed to do it this year but then chickened out... I also have some varieties of tomatoes and peppers and many other things. This being said, how many of each plant would you suggest I grow to sell being a first timer? I dont want to make all these plants and not sell 😞 but please give me some tips and tricks

[@nofaithrequired859]

There is no reason to sell for less than the big box stores. Ever. Advertise as 'Local grown' and you can charge 50% more than the box store. Still, great job, and thanks for the video.

[@southsidemikevlogs]

next time try using wax cups because u can get them at the dollar store and they work good for growing plants and you would make alot more money

[@Crazy4Crafting50]

How much did you make with this sale? Did you have plants leftover? What size pots did you use and what did you price them at? Did you figure (do the math) what your profit /loss was at the end of the sale?

[@HospitalWaste]

Hi I have been having a very disappointing year with cucumbers. This is my second year growing cucumber plants and I went with 3 plants this year apposed to last year with only one. The reason it is getting me down is there is very little amount of honey bees this year and my buds aren't getting pollinated. I have picked 8 cucumbers so far and have 4 ones growing now, the number of buds which have dried up without producing fruit just makes me sad. Is there anything I can do in the future to pollinate the buds or attract more bees? I'm just attempting to learn more about plants before I get my own house and have a large garden, any help would be great because cucumbers are my favorite plant to grow.

[@frugalgreengirl]

I wouldn't get too discouraged about the amount you are growing since it sounds like the plants are doing fine for how many fruits you have gotten. Not every flower becomes a cucumber because there are male and female flowers on every plant and only the female flowers can fruit. The male ones are just there to pollinate and then fall off. If you would like more then I would suggest choosing high producing verities (bush and non-heirloom type plants tend to be more fruitful), follow a regular schedule for fertilizing, planting in full sun, watering regularly and controlling disease as needed. Don't worry too much though, it sounds like your doing pretty well already! Good luck.

[@TheRealHonestInquiry]

Get the variety "Arkansas Little Leaf" Cucumber, it sets fruit without pollinators. Anyway let plants go to flower, plant flowers and specific plants that beneficial insects prefer, make it inviting for your pollinators

[@BlackBarbiePaige]

Do you plant one seed in a square? I know that’s a stupid question but I’m curious because I see multiple plants in a square. Also, how do you ship your items?

[@MrOsiris220]

Wow that's cool thank u

[@missysorganics1258]

I want to do this but don't know how to advertise for local people. And I'm in tucson...

[@missysorganics1258]

How did you advertise?

[@jadaspeers7279]

Hey love the video! What size pots were you using?

[@GARDENSTATEGARDENER]

DO you have to get a permit to sell plants and veggies at home??

[@frugalgreengirl]

We did not but it would vary from one state to another, one county to another, or even one city to another.

[@GARDENSTATEGARDENER]

was hoping it was a state thing since we live in the same state : ) How do i contact about selling plants or selling at a farmers market

[@frugalgreengirl]

Oh neat! I have never sold at farmers markets but my sister in law has. She had to pay a fee and go to a class in Denver. Once she was certified she had to pay to reserve a spot at the market she wanted to sell at. In the end she lost money since you have to sell a lot to make up for all the fees.

[@GARDENSTATEGARDENER]

THANK YOU so i have to find out if NJ requires a certification

[@JaycubL]

Thank you for your video! Did you do well with herbs at all? I built a greenhouse last year to experiment with an aquaponics system, and I am thinking about trying to get into selling some plants. Maybe with electric light and some temp control green herbs can be grown year round I think.

[@frugalgreengirl]

Hi there and thanks for your question. Yes, herbs did do pretty well. Basil did the best, by far, but parsley, oregano and chives did well also. Good luck!

[@1888CHAD8881]

How much warmer is it inside your greenhouse?

[@lesterhersh7184]

good job hope you sale alot

[@aaron6841]

Take your coast and double it

[@lindaogle3911]

Hi I like this idea, I am in New Zealand. Would people need to harden the plants up before planting outside or would they plant straight outdoors? Thanks

[@anniegrant3626]

You did a great job, where do you purchase your plant container from.

[@ModernPioneers]

Where did you advertise? The plants were GMO Free and Organic?

[@frugalgreengirl]

Modern Pioneers I advertised on Craig's list. I use organic methods in that I don't use any pesticides or herbicides but I do use regular potting soil. All GMO free seeds!

[@marksaggese8587]

Sounds great. I was thinking about doing the same thing, but was worried about permits. Did you need a permit to sell? I live in a rural area so I don't think I have to worry much about it. Will you be selling veggies as well?

[@TheRealHonestInquiry]

How much did it cost to advertise on craigslist? BTW to anyone doing this, remember ~80% of gardeners grow tomatoes!

[@davidhanson888]

what's the blue plastic drum behind you? is that a compost bin?

[@wombatjones3894]

Good job Green girl, im new to the channel....did you do it again in 2015 and 2016? All the best from Australia

[@rohnny77]

Great Job. Are u doing it this year 2.

[@angelasheppard7197]

Did you have this sale in June like when published?

[@frugalgreengirl]

No, it was mid May. It took me a little while to find the time to get it up on YT

[@angelasheppard7197]

Ok thanks for response. I will try this

[@onism3053]

I have so many different heirloom seeds, any advice on how to sell them legally?

[@JCPHARWOODND]

Do you still do your plant sales?

[@reyrodr4245]

how start a farming business do we need a city or county permit

[@ManchesterUtdFan]

Great video and inspiring. I am planning to do a "garage sale" type of sale but for plants. Now I'm a complete noob at this and I heard you mention that the best sellers were Tomatoes. Is there a particular tomato? Is it the beefsteak tomatoes that sell a lot or any tomatoe in general? Where do you get seeds from? Also are strawberries popular? Any other plants that you can grow that will make people want to come to my plant/garage sale? Obviously I'm hoping to do this by July or august sometime but need to start the planting process STAT. If you see his comment I would appreciate any advice. Take care!

[@frugalgreengirl]

Hi there! I did an updated video series last year that will probably answer a lot of your questions in more depth then I could type right now. Here it is in case you are interested: kzbin.info/aero/PLmOVDx-f8uTAypAbWGx-nitGOGmqNdRtL

[@TheRedheadsrus]

Can you reccomends a good seed for bok choi?

[@Peto68]

Where do you get your plant cells?

[@contreeman]

WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR PLANT TRAYS AND CUPS?