Home Harvesting: How to Cater to DIY Gardeners

Like many trends that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, gardening is more popular than ever. According to a recent survey from gardenpals.com, 55% of American households engage in gardening activities, with 35% growing their vegetables, fruits and other foods. With the rising interest in sustainability and inflation increasing grocery store prices, more consumers will turn to their backyards for some of their nutritional needs and become DIY gardeners.

Here are four tips to capitalize on the upcoming gardening season and make your store stand out to local customers with green thumbs.

Have a variety of seeds. Keeping your shelves and endcaps stocked with a variety of vegetables, fruits, herbs and edible flowers is the best way to grow your seed sales this upcoming grow season. When stocking seeds, think about where your store is located in relation to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s plant hardiness zone map. The map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which perennial plants are most likely to thrive at a location

Consider selling starts. Although starts can be more costly, or take longer to cultivate before sale, they can be a great way to get beginner gardeners, who may not want to start from a seed, into gardening.

Stock all the accessories. From trowels to pots, hoses and fertilizer, making your store a one-stop-shop for gardening supplies caters to beginners and experienced gardeners. Stocking accessories also opens the door to educate customers on how to have the best gardening experience.

Provide education. Whether it’s hosting workshops on various aspects of gardening, or even live streams showing off your store’s selection, providing customers with education on gardening is a great way to keep your customers engaged.