An enterprising business can be run part-time until it's grown large enough to warrant leaving your present job. It can also be kept small and used as an additional income source. A container herb garden business is a good choice for these purposes, especially if you love gardening. If you don't know that much about herbs, learn all you can. Become the expert that can answer any question about herbs. This is the biggest marketing advantage you can have when selling your herbs.
STEP 1
Use seed trays to get your herb seeds started. They come with a removable bottom tray that catches any water run-off. The small compartments in the seeding tray are the perfect size for planting a seed in each one. These will save you a lot of spac, over using individual seed containers.
STEP 2
Fill each seed compartment with an all-purpose commercial potting soil, leaving ½ inch of clear space at the top.
STEP 3
Moisten the soil with your water bottle mister. Stir the soil around so it is completely moist, but not so wet that it is sopping.
STEP 4
Plant your herb seeds at the soil depth recommended by the manufacturer on the seed packet. Each type of herb has specific planting recommendations. Mark each tray or section of the tray with the name of the herb planted. You don't want to be guessing about the herb's identity later.
STEP 5
Cut a sheet of clear plastic wrap and place it over the top of the seed tray, to keep seeds moist and warm.
STEP 6
Place the planted tray near a sunny window, in a comfortably warm room. As you grow your herb business, invest in grow lights and/or a small greenhouse.
STEP 7
Mist the seed tray soil as it begins to appear dry. Remove the plastic sheet as soon as the herb seeds begin to germinate (green sprouts come through the soil). This will take between a few days and a few weeks, depending on the variety of herb. Continue to water the seedlings, but allow the soil to become a bit dryer before misting.
STEP 8
Transplant the herb seedlings when they are between 3 and 5 inches in height. Use small commercial plastic nursery pots and larger pots for mixed herb container gardens.
STEP 9
Harden the new plants outdoors, after the last frost in your location. To do this, place the herb pots in an outside area where they will get plenty of sun, but be protected from wind. Leave them out a few hours the first day and then bring them inside. Extend the outdoor time each day, until they have been out for a full 24 hours.
STEP 10
Sell your small herb plants and herb container gardens to local nurseries and shops. Sign up to sell at Saturday and farmer's markets in your areas, as well as celebrations and festivals. As the unsold herb plants grow, transplant them into larger containers. At the end of the season, dry any annual herbs to be sold in your next sale as culinary herbs, ready for use.
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