Made From Scratch
Made From Scratch: How to Start and Operate a Successful Organic Container Plant Business, is a comprehensive guide that takes you step-by-step through the whole process.
Chapters thoroughly cover such topics as:
- Start-up
- Greenhouse Options
- Certification, Licenses and Fees
- Botany Basics
- Growing Container Plants
- Making Compost
- Disease and Pest Management
- Demonstration Gardens
- Marketing and Merchandising
- Dealing with Employees
- Safety
Appendices include example activity logs and forms, instructions for making a soil-texture analysis, even tips for creating a simple employee handbook! An extensive list of resources and a handy glossary round out this information-packed manual.
Copyright 2003, softcover, 287 pages. 28 per case.
About the Author
Louise Placek undertook the transition from a 20-year traditional career in nursing to the unknown world of owning and operating a small container plant business. Now, to help others with the same goal, she shares her extensive knowledge and experience in regard to becoming a successful organic plant grower and business owner. With her husband Chris, she bought a hilly, 22-acre site with sandy loam soil, lots of prairie grasses, an oak and cedar woodland with wonderful wildflowers and a 50-mile view. Misty Hill Farm and the container business grew into a successful commercial venture all without the use of the standard industry chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Louise had a mission to grow outstanding plants commercially using only natural, earth-made products. A challenge at times – because there wasn't a manual or mentor to turn to – it has become a very worthy cause.
My Farmer, My Customer
New! Learn from Marty Travis's experiences converting the Spence Farm into one of the most successful farming co-ops in the United States today.