Made From Scratch

Louise Placek

$20.00

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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 

Author Louise PlacekLouise 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.

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