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Good things to grow from seed to make money for charity

Sazz101Sazz101 Posts: 248
in Plants
Hello everyone. I have a lot of small plastic pots inherited from a neighbour who moved away. I also have a lot of spent compost, some BF&B and a sunny space on top of my garage roof. I’d like to try to raise some money for the hospice who looked after my mum. Was thinking of doing a plant sale in the front garden. We have a neighbourhood FB group so advertising shouldn’t be a bother, but I’m stuck on what to grow. 

I live in the South East. 

Are there any big dos and don’ts? I was thinking of growing from seed but happy to spend more if it means I’ll make more. Have I already left it too late this year? I know the church fete ladies barely make anything from the plant stall and they focus on tomatoes and annual bedding, so want to steer clear of that. 

Thanks in advance for any advise :) 
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Posts

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    How about some Cosmos. Most people are happy with a few extra bedding plants. I think other things will need time for roots to fill the pots. No one wants a plant in a pot that may look ok only to find it hasn't rooted
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • Sazz101Sazz101 Posts: 248
    Thanks @GardenerSuze, of course you are right they are fast and easy. Also I’ve collected at least 3 free packets from magazines over the last year. Nice way to use them!
  • Sazz101Sazz101 Posts: 248
    Thanks @pansyface. Of course you are right. Lucky for me I’m a hoarder/ worrier so always over plant and already have 40 tomato plants cooking when I only need 5 tops for my tiny greenhouse. Perhaps will do my cosmos seeds and see how it goes on year 1.

    £200 for the animal charity ❤️ I would be very chuffed with myself. 
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    edited April 2023
    Nasturtiums grow really fast too.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • Sazz101Sazz101 Posts: 248
    Thanks B3 great idea! I’ve seen some really pretty colours this year. Will have another look. 
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    There's a house just around the corner that also does just as @pansyface describes. I pass it twice a day when out with my dog.
    The plants are raised by her, so suit the local conditions and well priced.
    She just has a table with the plants and an honesty box.
    I've bought several perennials from her over the years.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • Sazz101Sazz101 Posts: 248
    @Pete.8 one of my favourite things about holidaying in the UK is finding these stalls. Usually in beautifully kept villages. I always find something to take home :)

    We don’t have tourists and it’s not pretty. Worth a try though! 
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    If you want to think long term, you could consider growing hardy perennials from seed. 
    It also depends if you can use things that you already have in your garden.
    I divide a lot of perennials such as Helianthus in the Autumn and overwinter them in pots up against the house wall. There are 3 boxes of plants ready to go to the first charity plant sale of the year on the May Bank Holiday.

    Usually l would have things such as sunflowers as well(always popular with children),  this year they are way behind due to the colder weather, but it's not too late for you to sow some to sell in a few weeks time.

  • Sazz101Sazz101 Posts: 248
    Thanks @AnniD. I do have a few pots of perennials earmarked already, but not enough to make the stall interesting. Sunflowers are a great shout. I’m sure I’ve got a half used seed packet somewhere. Thanks :) 
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    My mum has grown plants for sale from the house for decades. When B and Q and Lidl wiped out her sales, the hospice shop took the lot (free), doubled the price  she couldn't sell them at, and sold out in 3 days.
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