Planning a spring seedling or plant sale, starting in late winter
Use the quiet weeks of late winter to plan a plant sale: what to grow, when to start it, and how to label and set up on sale day.
A spring plant sale starts long before spring. Late winter is when you decide what to grow, order supplies and start seeds, so your plants are sturdy and ready when people are itching to garden.
Pick what to grow
- Start with plants you already grow well and enjoy: vegetables, herbs, flowers or houseplant cuttings.
- Favor easy, familiar choices that shoppers recognize, plus a few interesting extras.
- Divide perennials from your own garden. They're often the easiest stock of all.
Work backward from your sale date
- Choose a date around your area's usual planting time. Your local extension office or seed packets are good guides.
- Count back the weeks each plant needs from seed to sale size, and mark seed-starting dates on a calendar.
- Leave time to harden seedlings off outdoors before the sale.
Gather supplies
- Seed-starting mix, pots or cell trays, and trays to carry them.
- Plant labels and a waterproof marker.
- Lights or a bright window, and a way to water without flooding.
Label everything clearly
Each plant needs a name, the variety if you know it, sun needs and mature size. Shoppers buy with more confidence when they know what they're getting. Keep a master list so you know what you have.
Check the rules
Some towns and markets have rules about selling plants or holding a sale at home. If you plan to sell at a market, ask the market manager what they require.
Set up for sale day
- Group plants by type: vegetables, herbs, flowers, houseplants.
- Use clear price signs and a simple cash box, plus any payment apps you accept.
- Have boxes or trays ready so shoppers can carry several pots.
- Water the morning of the sale so everything looks its best.
The Plant & Seedling Sale Kit includes a seed-starting planner, labels and signs. A plant table also fits nicely into a family yard sale; see the 7-day tag sale countdown.