7 Reasons Why Agricultural Steel Buildings Are Perfect for Garden Centers

We all love a little greenery around us, don’t we? Plants make you happy & give you peace of mind. The connection that we feel with nature is called biophilia. It is trendy on social media for people close to nature to call themselves Plant Mom or Plant Dad.

But how about planning to build a whole business on it? Yes, that’s right! You can start your very own Garden Center. Here are some prerequisites. Let’s begin, shall we…

First of all, let’s start with the very question that may come to your mind, “What is a Garden Center?”

Garden Centers sell plants, tools, and equipment to customers, both retail and wholesale. They may have a nursery or greenhouses and import most of their items. Some examples include plants, nursery products, potting soil, hardware, power equipment and machinery for lawns, hoses, rakes, shovels, and other garden tools and utensils.

By now, an obvious question might spring into your mind: What is the difference between a Garden Center & a nursery? Let’s see.

Difference Between Garden Center Vs. Nursery

Garden Center	Nursery
It sells plants & related products such as tools, pots, shovels, hoses, rakes, etc.	It sells plants – trees, shrubs, perennial plant material, etc.
They are usually large.	They can be small.
They may sell small pet products for rabbits, fish, etc. They may have a cafeteria in-build in them.	They only sell domestic plants.

Features of a metal farm building that suits a Garden center

So, you might be wondering, “Why should I choose a metal farm building for a garden center?” That’s a valid question. Let’s look at some of the features a metal building has that make it perfect for a Garden Center.

Steel buildings can be clear span.

You get more use per square footage than a conventional wooden barn. There are no columns. So you can build an obstruction free interior design. Your customer will have the freedom to browse through products freely and with ease.

Metal barns are eco-friendly & sustainable buildings.

You wouldn’t want to sell a part of nature by destroying another part of it. By not choosing a wooden structure, you will spare multiple trees. Eco products sell a lot in the market these days. You would be surprised to know that people are willing to pay more for sustainable products.

According to Statista, 38.5% of consumers have purchased green or eco-friendly products for their homes.

Steel buildings are durable & long-lasting.

You save money when you choose steel. Metal buildings are highly resilient to external factors. They will protect your seedling and delicate flowers from getting ripped off by high speed wind or getting destroyed by rain.

Unlike wooden, steel buildings will last long. They will maintain their structural integrity.

Metal farm buildings are low maintenance.

Well, that one is not a brainer. A steel structure needs less repair & replacement. With no rotting & no decaying, you can save a lot on upkeep. This money can be spent on expanding your business. Isn’t that a great deal?

Metal buildings are resistant to pests, termites & insects.

Metal does not suffer from pest infestation. Termites do not build homes on metal posts. This is an added advantage as plants tend to attract small animals & insects. After all, it’s their home.

You can filter out insects like wasps & bees from entering your barn using metal nets instead of metal panels. It will bring air circulation & light as well.

How can you use a steel barn as a garden center?

Products Catalogue:

Decide what you want to sell. It would be best if you do some research and find the best selling plants in your area.

Location:

Make sure your store is located in the central area with a lot of traffic & not in some city outskirt. It will help you attract potential customers. Ensure that your shop is easy to browse.

If you are planning to grow your own plants, it is going to take up a lot of space. In this case, you need to spread info about your garden center with the help of banners, pamphlets, or by organizing free seminars.

Appealing Exterior:

Keep gorgeous flowering plants outside your shop. Not only will it make your shop look more appealing, but it will also attract people like bees. Keep your most selling plants at the back so customers browse other plants while reaching for them. Supermarkets use this strategy to increase their revenue.

Utilities:

Do not forget to add electricity and water supply for your plants. You will need a well lit place with ample water storage to feed your plants daily.

Correct Customization:

The dimensions of your metal barns must be according to your business plan. Choose length over width to reduce the overall construction cost. If you plan to expand your barn further, mention it to your metal dealer. A flexible design would reduce expansion costs.

In a nutshell:

You should bear in mind the safety rules for a garden center. Since fire & pests can spread across plants easily, ensure proper vents and sprinkler systems. Plants are living assets for us – humans. They are a part of our ecosystem. They are the only producer species.

Educating people by organizing seminars & small meet-ups can help spread awareness & grow your business revenue at the same time. So, don’t wait; get a metal barn & start your garden center.