What Do You *Really* Need to Make This Work?
You've got the idea. You've maybe even made a few things. But if you're going to turn your garden product hobby into an actual business, you'll need more than a good pair of secateurs and blind optimism.
No worries - you don't need a factory or a marketing degree. But you do need some basic resources to keep the wheels turning (and your hands splinter-free).
So grab a cuppa, pull out a notepad, and let's look at what it really takes to build a business from garden goods - practically, emotionally, and financially.

1. Space to Create (Even If It's a Bit Makeshift)
Let's start with where the magic happens. You need a space to make your products - and no, the dining table doesn't count forever.
- A shed or garage is perfect for woodworking, potting or messy crafts
- A well-ventilated corner of the house can work for painting, assembling, or smaller items
- A dry storage area for finished products is certainly advisable - no one likes a soggy bird feeder
The key? Make it safe, practical, and a place you're happy to spend time. Bonus points for a radio and an electric heater.
2. Tools of the Trade
Don't go buying everything on day one. Start with the basics and upgrade as you go. Your actual list will depend on what you're making - but here's a general starter pack:
- Electric drill/driver (you'll use this more than you think)
- Jigsaw or hand saw
- Sander (electric, if you want to keep your wrists)
- Workbench or sturdy table
- Measuring tape, clamps, set square
- Paintbrushes, sealant, varnish
- Protective gear - goggles, gloves, dust mask
Buy quality where it matters. Cheap sandpaper and screws will come back to haunt you.
3. Materials (aka The Stuff You Actually Sell)
This is where your budget will start to go. Be super and strategic about sourcing.
- Timber: Reclaimed wood, pallet wood (check it's HT-stamped), sustainably sourced planks
- Fixings: Galvanised screws, nails, brackets, hinges
- Paints & finishes: Weatherproof outdoor products are a must
- Decorations: Rope handles, stencils, metal accents - optional but add flair
Shop local where possible, compare prices online, and keep receipts - it's all claimable.
4. Packaging and Presentation
Customers judge with their eyes. Your product might be lovely, but if it turns up in a soggy shoebox with duct tape... well, you get the idea.
- Sturdy, recyclable packaging boxes or wraps
- Labels or tags with your logo or name
- Optional but magical: handwritten notes, care tips, or even a tiny gift (like seeds)
- A logo stamp or sticker adds a professional polish
Even if you're only selling at markets, presentation matters. Your stall should feel inviting, warm, and reflective of your brand.
5. Time (and Realistic Expectations)
This one's huge. Running a garden product business takes time - not just for making, but for marketing, answering messages, planning, wrapping, and yes, sometimes fixing mistakes.
- Making = 40%
- Marketing & selling = 30%
- Admin & prep = 20%
- Staring into space and thinking "What am I doing?" = 10%
Be honest with yourself. Can you give this a few hours a week? A day or two? Full time? There's no right answer - but clarity will shape your pace.
6. Digital Tools to Keep You Sane
Even the most rustic business needs a bit of tech help. Here's a short list of useful (and mostly free) resources:
- Canva: For quick, pretty designs for labels, flyers or social posts
- Trello or Notion: Organise tasks, orders and ideas
- Google Sheets: Simple bookkeeping, product lists, costs
- Instagram & Facebook: To show off your work and take orders
- Square, Zettle or SumUp: Easy ways to take card payments
Tech doesn't have to be fancy - just useful.
7. Support from Other Humans
You may be a one-person business, but you don't have to do it all alone. A few good people make the journey lighter.
- Other makers: Join local Facebook groups or market communities
- Supportive family/friends: Sometimes you just need someone to tell you it's not daft
- A bookkeeper or accountant: When numbers start to blur
- Mentors or small business groups: They've been there, done that, and might save you some mistakes
Don't be shy - makers are generally a lovely bunch.
8. A Little Bit of Money
It's not free to start a business. But it doesn't have to break the bank either. Start small and reinvest your profits.
- Initial tool/material spend: ~GBP200 - GBP500
- Branding & packaging: GBP50 - GBP150
- Market stall or event costs: GBP30 - GBP100 per event
Keep receipts. Track everything. And don't panic - many small UK businesses started on a shoestring.
9. Grit, Curiosity, and a Bit of Gumption
Let's not kid ourselves. The biggest resource you might need? You.
Your energy. Your ideas. Your patience when the paint smudges. Your resilience when a customer cancels last-minute. Your enthusiasm when someone lights up at your work.
That's what'll make your business thrive - not just the tools or the timber.
In a Nutshell...
You don't need a huge budget or a glossy workshop to start a garden product business. But you do need the right blend of physical tools, space, support and patience.
Set yourself up with what you can. Improve it as you go. And remember - every successful maker started with a first planter, a borrowed drill, and a cup of tea in a chilly shed.
You've got this.