Growing and selling seedlings and plants
Raise vegetable seedlings, herbs and pot plants and sell them to home gardeners, community gardens and at markets.
- To startR300 to R4 000
- First randabout 6 weeks
- WhereIn person
- Effort Fairly easy
Is this for you?
Best for
Green-fingered people with a sunny spot, water and patience.
In South Africa: Strong everywhere with water.
What you need
- A phone is enough to start
- Works on everyday data
- No camera needed
- No cold selling
- At least 4 hours a week · age 18+
- Practical/hands-on work (learning or better)
The money
What it can earn
- Pocket money
- A top-up
- A second income
- Can become a full income
This is usually pocket money: helpful, but rarely enough to live on by itself.
What people charge
No reliable SA figure yet
We found no published South African price list we trust for this, so we do not quote a rand figure. Ask three sellers near you what they charge before you set yours.
Costs to plan for
- Start-up
- R300 to R4 000
- Every month
- Seeds, trays, seedling mix, water, pots.
- Payment fees
- Cash or QR.
- Margin
- Good; seeds are cheap.
How it is paid: Price per tray, punnet or pot. Our viability score for it: 55 out of 100 (how we score).
How to start
Test it cheaply Before you spend
- Sow three trays of fast seedlings
- Check nursery prices near you
- Success signal: a sold-out batch
First week Days 1 to 7
- Choose crops for this season
- Buy seeds, trays and seedling mix
- Sow and label your first trays
First month Days 8 to 30
- Sell your first batch and note what sold first
- Sow every two weeks
By three months Days 31 to 90
- Approach a community garden or school
- Add herbs and pot plants
Seedlings are ready in about four to six weeks. First income usually takes 28 to 90 days. A day-by-day version for your situation is in the full plan.
Growing and selling seedlings and plants: your step-by-step start
18 short lessons with scripts, templates and rand prices to copy. R149 once-off, and the first lesson is free.
See what is insideCustomers and demand
Who pays
Home gardeners, community gardens, schools and markets.
Healthy plants close to home.
Is there demand?
SA suppliers publish seedling tray and container prices (Damax, Martin Dale Seedlings), so you can cost a batch. Small-seller prices vary; check nurseries near you.
Gate salesMarketsSupplying community gardensHerb pots for gifts
Getting customers
WhatsApp status, markets and gardening groups.
Word of mouth and referralsResponding to enquiriesIn-person networking
Risks and rules
Watch out for
- Seedlings dying in heat or cold: shade cloth helps
- Selling out of season
- Water restrictions
Competition: Moderate.
Room to grow: Grows with a tunnel and orders from gardens and schools.
Legal and tax in South Africa
Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start growing and selling seedlings and plants in South Africa?
Our research puts start-up costs at about R300 to R4 000. Recurring costs: Seeds, trays, seedling mix, water, pots.
How long until the first income?
Typically about 45 days, and between 28 and 90 days. Seedlings are ready in about four to six weeks.
Can I do it with only a phone?
Yes, a smartphone is enough to start, although a laptop helps as you grow.
What about tax and legal rules?
Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).
Sources (3)
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Researched by the Earn Path team · editorial policy