Teens Going Green: Growing Their Own Produce for Sale

Parents and even young people today are starting to see a forward movement. That forward movement, ironically enough, has a lot to do with going back. Parents and young adults are beginning to realize that a simpler time is necessary to alleviate some of the stress on today’s busy world. Not only does going back to simpler times alleviate stress, it also has health benefits. A great way to incorporate those ideals is to grow your own garden. However, with adults as busy as they are, there simply may not be enough time to do this. Having said that, why not allow your teen to grow their own garden in the spring - one that will yield fruits and vegetables well into the summer. If your teen will be home all summer commiserating about the lack of summer employment, why not think ahead and have them plant for an early harvest. Check with Your Local State or County Office Of course, it is important to check on the regulations of your state and/or county before starting any new endeavor. Any food grown or any produce sold may be bound by rules, regulations, licenses, and even taxes. Find out and gather your information before beginning. Draw Up a Business Plan Once you have all your paperwork in line, then it is a matter of planning. Produce gardening is not as easy as planting seeds and sprinkling a little water here and there. There are many different ways to set up a garden, and knowing how to plan one out is imperative. Certain produce grow better in shade and some prefer sun, while other plants thrive greatly in rows next to one another. Draw up a plan on paper of what your garden will look like. Materials, Supplies, and Resources Help your teen get the proper books, even if you have to expend a little money in buying them. This way, those books are great references for the future. Next, make a list of your supplies according to your business plan and purchase your supplies. Speak to a local nursery and tell the owner that your teen is tight for cash and do not be afraid to ask for a little discount. Once the garden is planted and well tended to, have your teen check the surplus of the garden. If, in fact, all goes according to plan, your teen will have enough to sell for profit. At that point, it is time to set up the marketing of the produce. A small stand (again, according to rules of your area) some flyers or perhaps a permit for the local farmer’s market are all great ways to announce your teen’s going green business endeavor.