On 10/8/04 14:12, in article , "David Hill"
wrote:

Philip wrote "............Hello Mike

I do not have any tips or hints for you, but I do have some questions of my
own. Sorry if it appears that I am hijacking your thread.
My questions relate to the feasibility of doing this on a small scale.
I have been tempted down that route myself, then I look at the prices in the
mainstream outlets (DIY sheds and Garden Centre chains) and wonder if it is
possible to make a living in this way...."

Just think that "IF" you could make 50% on all you grew then to make a
modest living of say £15,000 a year you would have to sell £30,000 of
produce a year.

It might be possible to do it as a side line and perhaps to specialise in
e.g. Herbs or something. But nurseries are NOT a way to get rich and in
fact, nor are garden centres it seems now. One huge garden centre here is
struggling and has laid off 5 staff recently, we hear from trade chatter and
we heard the other day that 5 nurseries are up for sale in Devon alone. The
general word going around among the trade and this includes suppliers to the
trade, is that times are not good. Perhaps people are feeling the credit
pinch and non-essentials to sustaining life are going by the board. House
prices and sales are slipping back, too and tourism is not having a
wonderful time, either.
I would query whether this is a good moment to be starting *any* new
business that is expected to be a sole source of income.
--
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.co.uk
South Devon
(remove the weeds to email me)