Before You Plant the Seeds... Let's Talk Planning
Planning your garden product business might not be the most glamorous part - no varnish fumes, no cheerful sanding, no birdsong in the background. But blimey, it's important. Think of it like prepping your soil before planting. You don't just chuck seeds in and hope for the best, do you? (Well, maybe with cress... but not a real business.)
Whether you're starting from your garden shed, the kitchen table, or a borrowed garage with a leaky roof, a solid plan saves time, money, and stress down the line. It also stops you from waking up at 2 a.m. thinking, "Wait, did I just order 400 terracotta pots?"
What's the Big Picture?
Before diving into spreadsheets or paint charts, pause and ask: What do you actually want from this?
- Extra cash on the side?
- A full-time gig to ditch the 9 - 5?
- A creative outlet that justifies your B&Q addiction?
Knowing your "why" changes how you approach everything. A weekend side business looks very different from a future shop-front or a nationwide Etsy empire. Be honest with yourself - there's no wrong answer. (Except maybe "I don't know, I just like flowerpots." That needs work.)
Set Some Goals That Aren't Pants
"Make money" is fine as a dream, but it's not a plan. So set goals you can actually measure. For example:
- Sell 20 planters in the first month
- Earn GBP500 profit in 3 months
- Get 100 Instagram followers by Easter
These give you something to aim for. They also let you high-five yourself when you hit them - which is surprisingly motivating.
Know Your Niche (Yes, Again)
Can't skip it. Sorry. You need to know what you're selling, to whom, and why they should care. "Garden stuff" is too vague. Be the person who makes:
- Wooden herb boxes for small kitchens
- Bold-coloured planters for urban patios
- Handmade bird feeders with a vintage twist
The more specific you get, the easier it becomes to design, market, and price your products. Also, it stops you from going off on 14 different tangents. (Looking at you, "maybe I'll do furniture AND candles AND bee hotels" person.)
Sketch Your Products Before You Build
Seriously - even if you're not "artsy." Grab a pencil, sketch your ideas, jot some notes. What materials do you may need? What size will they be? How long does each one take?
This early planning helps you:
- Avoid buying 20 metres of the wrong wood
- Work out pricing early
- Spot design issues before your third failed prototype
You don't need blueprints fit for the Chelsea Flower Show. Just enough to know what you're aiming for.
Budget Like a Boss (Or At Least a Half-Decent Human)
You need to spend money to make money - sure. But also, you don't need to bankrupt yourself buying 17 types of varnish "just in case." Keep it tight, especially at the start.
- Make a list of tools and supplies you actually need
- Track every expense - even the silly ones ("GBP1.20 on labels from Wilko" counts)
- Estimate how much each product costs you to make
The goal? Know what each item costs in time and materials so you can price properly. Not "guess and hope for the best" - that's a fast route to broke.
Space: The Final Frontier (or Just Your Garage)
Where will you make your stuff? Store it? Pack it? A dodgy table in the shed might do at first - but you'll need some kind of plan before boxes of compostable packaging take over your hallway.
Think about:
- Storage space for finished items
- Tools and materials access (not buried behind old bikes)
- Packaging area that doesn't involve balancing tape on your dog
Even the smallest business needs a space that works. Tidy-ish is fine. Just functional.
Where Will the Sales Come From?
It's not enough to just make great things - you might need people to know they exist. Before you launch, sketch a marketing game plan:
- Start a simple Instagram or Facebook page
- Pick a marketplace (Etsy, Folksy, local fairs, etc.)
- Plan 2 - 3 product photoshoots (with daylight, please)
- Write some friendly descriptions - not "wooden pot" but "handmade oak planter perfect for balconies"
Don't overthink it - but don't ignore it either. If your work is lovely but invisible, it won't sell.
Get the Boring Bits Out the Way Early
Yes, I know - admin. Ew. But if you're in the UK and planning to take money for your work, you'll want to:
- Register as a sole trader (easy and free via gov.uk)
- Open a separate bank account (keeps the taxman happy)
- Keep receipts, track income, get friendly with spreadsheets
Do it early. Thank yourself later.
Right Then - Ready to Grow?
Planning isn't flashy. It's not the fun bit. But it's the backbone of a business that lasts. When you've got a plan, you waste less time, make clear-headed choices, and actually enjoy the work - instead of lurching from one "oh no" moment to the next.
So grab your notebook, have a cuppa, and get sketching. Your future business - and your sanity - will thank you for it.