Determine what plants will be sold and where you will get them. Is there a school garden that the children tend or will the plants be ordered from a business? Will you sell vegetable, flowering or holiday plants? Align the date of the sale for when the plants will be in bloom and therefore, more likely to be sold.
Advertising ahead of time is necessary to attract a large enough crowd. This includes fliers sent home, or having a local radio or television station make an announcement. Setting the plant sale alongside another event, such as a school play or bake sale, allows for a bigger draw. Moreover, if the proceeds will be donated to a school activity, note this on the advertisements.
Again, plants will need to be sold at an appropriate time of year, usually anywhere from early spring to late fall, to ensure that they are vibrant and blooming. The sale should be held indoors unless the weather permits otherwise. Be prepared with tents or canopies should it rain.
Include the children in many aspects of the sale. Have them group similar plants together with creative signs about care and price. Supervise them as they hand out fliers, talk to customers, fetch the appropriate plants and, especially, when accepting payment. Reinforce a good job with praise.