More, please!

Published January 13, 2010

A recent reader survey pretty much confirmed what we already suspected: The Great Edible Craze of 2009 still has some bounce in its step.

Consequently, you’ll likely be able to challenge sales records on cuisine-related plants again this spring – especially now that you’ve had a year to practice.

But let’s play “what if” ...

Imagine what kind of numbers you could put up at your garden center this spring if you went above and beyond the mere practice of selling seeds or plants. Surely, there’s a place in your store – or maybe outside your store – where you can market “The Ultimate Edibles Gardening Kit.”

To that end, we suggest you consider the following complementary parts (or, better yet, consider selling them) ...

What is it? The blueberry line from Fall Creek Farm & Nursery. Why should you sell it? One of the more marketable aspects of this line is the fact that Fall Creek works with customers to make blueberries a year-round proposition. Plus, as the picture depicts, you can also tout the versatility of the plant by citing its ornamental value, as well as its culinary prowess. Where to find it? fallcreeknursery.com
What is it? The OXO Good Grips Indoor Pour & Store watering can from Dorothy Biddle Service. Why should you sell it? Besides being colorful (translation: great for impulse sales), each can features a spout that conveniently rotates back toward the body, allowing for easier filling and space-efficient storage. Where to find it? dorothybiddle.com
What is it? The M BRACE from Art of the Garden LLC. Why should you sell it? The M BRACE is a revolution in raised bed construction. No tools are required; simply slide any sized boards into the patented brace, fill with soil and plant. It’s perfect for veggie beds of all sizes. Where to find it? artofthegarden.net
What is it? The Compact Pruner and Compact Shear line from Dramm. Why should you sell it? These are great tools for trimming and cutting edible plants. Plus they feature colored handles that draw attention to any display. The colored, ergonomic handles and non-slip grips fit your customer’s hand for a comfortable cut every time. Where to find it? dramm.com
What is it? The Tone line of all-natural plant foods from Espoma. Why should you sell it? Tones have been around for 60 years, but Espoma has enhanced its all-natural formulas with Bio-tone beneficial microbes to provide safe, continuous feeding for all types of vegetables. Where to find it? espoma.com