Opening a Nursery in South Dakota
There is a lot to think and plan about when you want to start a nursery business. I am starting from scratch. Luckily a lot is already decided in my case, as I have the land and the space. The first thing I decided to obtain was a license to legally sell plants in South Dakota. I chose the farm as the obvious location. The license was easy enough to obtain with the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Pierre. The only thing you really need is a location and a name and a few wholesale businesses that you plan to purchase your plants from in the future. The online application option is for returning applicants, for a first time application you will have to print the application and mail it to the Joe Foss Building in Pierre, South Dakota. The entire process only took only about three days and I had a license in my hand. Basically, the license is revenue for the State and they send a promise that they will come and inspect in three years. Meaning, I would owe another two hundred some odd dollars for that inspection, can't wait! Besides that there is not a lot of concern for the business from the State of South Dakota at this point. I contacted three medium sized wholesale suppliers and one large wholesaler, which was just too big for my needs. One was a re-wholesaler and although they were pleasant to deal with, I found their prices a little high. They did have the comfort of only having to purchase a few plants vs the bigger wholesalers that require larger orders. I went with another wholesaler in Tea, South Dakota. They grow their own plants and the prices and amounts were a good fit for Coteau Valley Farm Nursery. At this point, the decision of what is really going to be grown and sold at the farm needs to be made. We have thrown around peonies, Iris, and now somewhat landed on ornamental grasses which seem quick and easy. The only drawback for them is the thought of ticks invading them, not so attractive. Selling one niche plant seems smart and possibly easier, but perhaps we will sell other plants alongside the ornamental grass. The amounts to initially purchase from the wholesaler are a risky decision. I will just plant and grow whatever I do not sell, hypothetically. I have an idea to possibly plant a large enclosed garden showcasing all the grasses with other perennials. It would make a lovely garden and the grasses will be shown off in a setting that others will desire to have at their own homes. I will let you know how this goes or if I give up!
Coteau des Prairies
South Dakota Hobby Farm
Thank you
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