I always had it in my mind that one day I would grow and sell succulents, and maybe after retirement, this could even be a small income stream for me. These thoughts were pre Covid, when retirement seemed far into the future. And then 2020 arrived, and the pandemic forced us into isolation.
I’m still not sure when retirement will happen, but since being self isolated, it’s starting to sound more likely than not. It is now 199 days since I stopped working to self isolate, when it first became apparent that this pandemic was going to be serious.
When going into isolation, I decided that, regardless of the reason for it, this time at home would be precious to me, and I didn’t want to waste it. I decided to bring my thoughts about ‘one day’ growing and selling succulents, to actually doing it now.
I have been working on this project very haphazardly for a couple of years, but when I decided to get serious, I dubbed it my “isoproject, and made a plan. I’ve been spending hours every day, working to that plan, in what I call my propagating corner, tending to baby succulents, transplanting them and watching them grow.
Propagating Corner
I even bought a greenhouse, which I’ve been promising myself for years. Our winters are very cold and the succulents need to be protected. The greenhouse is the simplest way to do this. As a result, the succulents have thrived during winter, in the warmth, and have grown very quickly.
An added bonus of the greenhouse, was that I’ve been able to ‘play around’ with other plants. I have grown vegies for summer from seed, and transplanted them into pots ready for sale. I have eight varieties of tomatoes, lettuce, capsicum, beetroot, beans, corn, rockmelon, watermelon, pumpkin, silverbeet, spring onions, cucumber and zucchini, all ready for sale.
I am now ready to start selling. I have no expectation of making enough money, to live on, and will be happy with just pocket money. The fun that I’ve had getting this project to this point is almost payment enough for me.
In two weeks, I will be taking my plants to our local Sunday morning market. I will be selling succulents, of all sizes, vegie seedlings, bearded iris, geraniums and a few other miscellaneous bits and pieces. I’m a bit nervous about it, but at the same time, also excited for people to see my beautiful plants.
I’m very pleased with the progress, which if I’d thought of it at the beginning of the year, would have been unthinkable. The pandemic has been a dreadful thing for the world, but one small positive is that it’s forced me to change direction.
I’m as yet undecided if this change of direction will be permanent, but I have a little while to decide. Until then, I’m just going to keep pottering away with my #isoproject and see where it leads me.
Another work area. This is definitely not a display area.
Many areas are beginning to open up now as the new cases are becoming less. How have you spent your time while in lockdown or isolation? I’d love to hear about your experiences and promise to reply to all comments.
This post is linked up to Denyse’s Life This Week
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Fantastic. It’s good to have a project and succulents are so popular and grow so well. I hope you are able to sell them and have enjoyed the project 🙂
Thanks Pam. It’s kept me busy and been fun. Thanks for popping in
Hi Jen – good on you for following your interests and making it happen. We have succulent growers who attend the pop up markets and their plants are always popular. They also do decorative bowl gardens with several different plants and also those really cute ceramic “heads” with succulent “hair” that people snap up for birthday and Christmas presents. Keep us posted on how your market day goes and good luck – I see a profitable retirement in your future – doing something you enjoy xx
Thanks Leanne. I do love those heads. They are very popular just now. Thanks for visiting
Wow, you have been busy, what a wonderful project, congratulations.
Thanks for reading my post Carmel
Jennifer, What a wonderful project that fulfills your dream, gives you a purpose and potentially a steady stream of income! Wishing you a fun and successful time at your local Sunday market. Keep us posted. #lifethisweek
Will fo Natalie. Thanks for visiting again
There is so much I love about this. I’ve been enjoying following your plant posts through Instagram. You’ve used isolation so incredibly well and I wish you all the best with the venture.
Thanks Tracy for your lovely comments
What a great way to make the most of isolation. Your plants look amazing. We love succulents too, and bromiliads. I haven’t tried raising plants from seeds though. My project has been my blog. I’m so glad I’ve had it to spend time on. I would have been extremely bored otherwise.
I love bromiliads Christina. Good to hear your blog has been keeping you busy.
Oh wow! That’s amazing! Such a cool project! I have a couple of succulents and they’re definitely easier to manage than other plants
I’m sure that’s why they are so popular at the moment Sanch
I love this project Jen and wish you well with it! What a fabulous iso project to have.
Thanks Deb. It’s been fun
I love all your plants. I’m sure they will sell well. It’s so nice to have a hobby you enjoy and can maybe make a little money with it. I try with a garden but I’m not good at looking after it. They usually get no love or too much love.
Too much love is often a problem for me too Veronica
This made me smile. I am so pleased for you and your isoproject coming to fruition. I have loved seeing your photo updates and now I know why. Each of those pots has been made with love. Congratulations.
Thank you for linking up this week. I do hope to see you link up next week too of course. The optional prompt is44/51 Outside 2.11.2020. Wow: November is here! Denyse.
Thanks for your lovely comment Denyse