On 10/8/04 15:59, in article
, "Nick Gray"
wrote:


"Mike" wrote in message
...
Ive, been dabbling in plant propagation on a very small scale but want to
take the next step and begin to make a profit .Mmmm ? Has anyone any
recommended sites for begginers . Anything even basic stuff to avoid
mistakes , maybe someones online diary .

Thanks in anticipation .

Hi Mike,

I'd suggest having a chat with a local independant garden centre near you,
if you approach a multiple like Wyevale or Notcutts, their purchasing power
is restricted by head office (at least it was when I was in the trade). See
if they will purchase the stock you grow, they'll also know if there is a
retail market for the particular plants that you intend on growing.

This is a good suggestion but I'd like to add a rider. Under NO
circumstances would I suggest that anyone puts their stock output into the
hands of any one outlet, either supermarket or garden centre or local
garage. You are entirely at their mercy and if they choose to reject your
goods, you have no other market for them.
One thing that the OP and people like him could consider is growing plugs
for selling on to nurseries but that takes green houses, heating and some
considerable investment. Some nurserymen go into that because with modern
machinery they can go into wholesale only, reduce staff and be pretty sure
their outlets won't let them down, unless real disaster strikes their stock.


If you are looking to start up on your own, then go and work (part or full
time) at a garden centre (again an independant) for a while, it's hard work
but you'll get a good idea of what's involved, without burning huge amounts
of cash.

Good idea.
snip