Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

New Nursery Business in Northern Ireland

pattie120GPjnOKvqpattie120GPjnOKvq Posts: 3
in Problem solving
Hi All
I have bitten the bullet and handed in my resignation after working for over 30 years in bookkeeping and then accountancy. I am based on a farm beside a busy road in Co Down. I intend to start off with containers, tubs and pots, selling from here and perhaps at fairs etc if and when they reopen. I could also do delivery. My question is does anyone have much information on passports and registration as a Professional operator in NI. Also I had wanted to do an online shop so that I could sell to GB but I would need other documentation for that. I'm happy enough with all other aspects as I have set up 3 businesses before and am aware of everything legally required in running a business. My one major flaw and it is quite major!! I'm relatively new to gardening but I absolutely love, adore and am obsessed with it. Especially growing from seeds and cuttings. Here's the thing. Do I need a plant passport for every cutting I grow even if it is sold here in NI? Do I need a plant passport label printing machine etc. ANY suggestions around the passports and registration would be brilliant. Many thanks.

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Hi @pattie120GPjnOKvq - I have zero experience on this, but I'm not sure anyone else here will either.
    Would it be maybe be better to contact other similar businesses, or government agencies for some guidance? 
    Many of us use a nursery called Ballyrobert, based in Ballyclare, NI - I don't know if they would be able to help you in some way. 
    Good luck :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    This is the government department with all the information you need (the NI equiv of DEFRA). 

    https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/

    Good luck 😊 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    Here is the UK one about importing and exporting plants. https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/importing-and-exporting-plants-and-plant-products

    Good luck from me too.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • pandakoalagirl49lS9c8QR_pandakoalagirl49lS9c8QR_ Posts: 71
    Love the enthusiasm, but I would not emphasise your inexperience in your advertising. 😁If I buy from a nursery, I (hope) plants have been carefully managed/bred to be such and such variety, kept disease free, grafted onto healthy rootstock, are a hard to obtain variety, whatever- I mean I may as well just sow seeds and take cuttings myself as buy from someone who is newer to gardening than I am, if that makes sense? There is an art and a science to it and I buy from e.g. Ballyrobert or Trevor White because their experience does translate into quality.

    Good luck!
  • RedwingRedwing Posts: 1,511
    If it's your passion Patti, go for it.  Good luck!
    Based in Sussex, I garden to encourage as many birds to my garden as possible.
  • pattie120GPjnOKvqpattie120GPjnOKvq Posts: 3
    pandakoalagirl49lS9c8QR_ said:
    Love the enthusiasm, but I would not emphasise your inexperience in your advertising. 😁If I buy from a nursery, I (hope) plants have been carefully managed/bred to be such and such variety, kept disease free, grafted onto healthy rootstock, are a hard to obtain variety, whatever- I mean I may as well just sow seeds and take cuttings myself as buy from someone who is newer to gardening than I am, if that makes sense? There is an art and a science to it and I buy from e.g. Ballyrobert or Trevor White because their experience does translate into quality.

    Good luck!

    Oh yes absolutely. Before starting I'm taking a year out to study using the RHS online study platform. I'm also researching everything that I can about the nursery business hence my question on here. No doubt I will be pestering you all again for further advice. There is so much I need to know but I'm desperate to do it properly and be the best that I can. I am taking it step by step. Many thanks for the advice.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Good luck with your venture :). It sounds like your location would be ideal for catching passing trade, so it might be wise to begin with relatively easy non-specialist things that loads of people buy, like bedding plants, potted bulbs for spring (buy in bulk and pot up in autumn for sale in spring), ready-planted hanging baskets, that sort of thing, at least until you've built up more experience with the harder-to-propagate things, and maybe discovered a passion for a particular type of plant.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • pattie120GPjnOKvqpattie120GPjnOKvq Posts: 3
    Yes great advice. Thank you
Sign In or Register to comment.