Connecting with others also involved in youth gardening is now easier than ever. Photo courtesy of KidsGardening
by Courtney Llewellyn
Kids introduced to gardening at a young age are more likely to become lifelong horticulture enthusiasts, and with more people gardening than ever, it’s a perfect time to get involved (more…)
Betsy Busche of Spongetta’s Garden, working on an arrangement for Art in Bloom at Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute. Photo by Courtney Llewellyn
by Tamara Scully
Bouquets are everywhere – in grocery stores, at florists, alongside the vegetables at the farm stand and even the gas station checkout counter. Those hoping to profitably grow and sell market bouquets (more…)
Jesse Eastman had to consider taking over Fort Collins Nursery from his father on several occasions, but since he kept working with plants, eventually it just made sense. Photo courtesy of Fort Collins Nursery
by Sally Colby
When Jesse Eastman started college, his plans didn’t include returning to the greenhouse and nursery his parents started. Although the Fort Collins Nursery, (more…)
Sara Ori, president and co-owner of Portland Nursery. Ori took the nursery over from her dad on Dec. 31, 2020. Photo by Aliya Hall
by Aliya Hall
With two locations on five acres in the Portland metro area, Portland Nursery has embedded itself into the fabric of the city. (more…)
People now carry cash less than half of the time they go out, and often carry less than $20 when they do have cash. Offering a credit or debit payment option may be helpful.
by Courtney Llewellyn
If you sell things, you want to make money. You also want to offer your customers as many avenues as possible to spend their money. (more…)
by Courtney Llewellyn
As Christmas trees, Fraser firs are prized for their rich color, pleasant odor and their ability to hold onto their needles. However, they’re also highly susceptible to devastating root rot diseases caused by water molds in the genus Phytophthora. There are about 170 species of Phytopthora, which can affect everything from cucurbits and fruit trees to berries and potatoes, and even firs and pines. (more…)
Millennials seem especially interested in houseplants. Social media has also helped to boost houseplant popularity, with Instagram influencers marketing unique varieties and colors. Photo by Sally Colby
by Sally Colby
Nearly everyone remembers houseplants as part of the décor in their parents’ or grandparents’ homes. But houseplants are back, and stronger than ever. (more…)
Crucifer flea beetles on cabbage. Photo courtesy of Dan Gilrein
by Sonja Heyck-Merlin
The Brassica Pest Collaborative is a multi-year project funded by Northeast SARE, bringing together Extension educators and researchers from UMass, UConn, UNH and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County. (more…)
by Tamara Scully
Leasing versus buying needed equipment is a complex decision, and is not a simple cost calculation. Factors including cash flow, tax implications, payment structure, age of equipment being considered, type of lease, financing terms and more must be considered. And in every instance, new calculations must be done. (more…)
by Courtney Llewellyn
Nothing happens until your ideal customer knows you exist. That was the blunt message presented by Monica Hemingway, a digital strategist for the green industry, during “Five Keys to Getting Your Green Industry Business Found Online in 2021,” (more…)
A few weeks ago I was enjoying a chat in the greenhouse of vegetable-growing friends. In April, everything is lush in the trays and full of possibilities. Conversation turned to June and my friend called it “the Abyss.” The hoopla of Mother’s Day is over, the bedding plants have been sold and they are in a waiting game for the first of summer vegetables. (more…)
When you’re talking tree fruit nutrition, both soil and plant nutrients play important roles. Taking a soil sample analysis and adjusting nutrients accordingly does not translate directly into the optimum nutrient availability for fruit production and quality. Many variables play a role in how and when soil nutrients are made available in the tree, (more…)
