Bamboo is one of the most widely used landscaping plants, so there is a high demand for healthy bamboo plants. You can take advantage of this demand by growing bamboo for profit. Here’s how you can make $80,000 a year growing bamboo:
It’s important to know that growing bamboo is not a get-rich-quick scheme. You certainly won’t make $80,000 overnight. But with some smart choices and hard work, you can really make a nice income. As with any business, it’s recommended that you start small. Don’t try to grow too many varieties of bamboo at first, and let your business grow naturally. Soon, you could be making $80,000 a year.
So, let’s do the math. Container-grown bamboo, on average, sells for $40 each. In a quarter acre, you can fit 2000 plants. Selling 2000 plants priced at $30 a piece will get you $80,000.
When you’re ready to begin, consider your climate and environment first. If winter temperatures frequently drop below zero F., then you should consider growing something other than bamboo. If winter temperatures consistently stay above zero F., you should be able to grow healthy bamboo plants. To protect your plants from winter temperatures and winds, consider planting them on a slightly sloping hill that faces south or in a sheltered area.
Now, you need to think about your soil. Is it healthy enough to grow bamboo plants? By growing your bamboo plants in containers, you can mix a custom soil blend that will be just right for bamboo. Also, be sure you have plenty of room for your plants. Remember, a quarter acre can earn you about $80,000 annually, growing in 3 to 5-gallon pots.
So, what should you grow? Simply put, you need to grow what sells. For a business to succeed, it needs to offer a product people want to buy. It’s no different for a bamboo business. Visit your local garden center and find out what the top sellers are. Ask landscapers what they frequently buy and use. If you can provide high-quality bamboo plants at a fair price, you’ll sell many plants.
Once your plants are potted, give them the care and attention they need. Most bamboo varieties need a lot of sunlight, so be sure to plant them in an area that can provide just that. Also, only use organic fertilizers. You want the bamboo plants to grow big and healthy.
When you’re ready to sell your plants, you have many options:
Direct retail sales
If your town allows it, you could sell right out of your backyard nursery. You get paid immediately, and it gives you a chance to interact with customers. Be sure to put out a sign-up sheet for your mailing list, as this is a great way to contact your customers with future sales offers.
Mail-order sales
Mail-order sales have proved profitable for many growers. Once you can grow a diverse selection of bamboo varieties, put together a flyer, catalog, or website. You can place a classified ad in a gardening magazine or even Craigslist.org
Bamboo products
You can make many products with bamboo, such as vases, fencing, privacy screens, and parrot stands. Making and selling bamboo products is your chance to get creative and add value to increase your profits.
Landscapers and garden centers
Selling directly to landscapers and garden centers is a proven way to get repeat business. Plus, landscapers and garden centers usually buy in large quantities at a time. Put together a flyer or brochure and start passing it out.
You can make $80,000 a year from growing bamboo for profit. Soon you’ll be making the profits you’ve always dreamed about. To learn more, grab a copy of our detailed bamboo guidebook:
Each chapter covers all the basic information you need to get started growing these profitable bamboo varieties, including:
Best dwarf, midsize and timber bamboos to grow – 33 in all, with descriptions and photos.
How to start and set up your bamboo nursery – water, spacing, potting soils, containers and more.
How to grow and propagate bamboo.
Eight ways to market your bamboo.
Wholesale sources for hundreds of bamboo varieties & grower supplies.
Grower forums, organizations and videos.