So You Want to Start a Nursery [ILLUSTRATED] (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "I really feel I've heard it all: "It looks like so much fun," or "I love plants, so I think I should start a nursery,..." (more)
Key Phrases: many nursery owners, most nursery owners, prospective nursery owner, United States, Plant Delights Nursery, North Carolina (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Within the greater horticultural community, Avent and his Plant Delights Nursery are known for taking a high-spirited approach to a business that offers a select inventory of plants appealing to sophisticated gardeners. Befitting Avent's effervescent personality and commercial acumen, he steers clear of penning a purely technical manual, and alternatively presents a thoughtful, realistic overview on how to go about building and managing an enterprise based upon cultivating, marketing, and selling live plants. Avent writes for those aiming high in terms of income, as well as individuals who value freedom over profits, as he explains options associated with different types of nurseries. From the importance of business plans, to essential skills, mission statements, structuring a business, and selecting a site, Avent spells out all the necessary practicalities he has learned from experience and sheds light on the stresses one can expect to encounter as he takes readers inside every aspect of the nursery business. Alice Joyce
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

"If I were truly thinking about starting a nursery, this book would be an indespensable starting point, and if I were already operating one, this book would make me closely re-examine my business practices, reduce costs, and increase profits ... it will spare every nursery owner (or dreamer) from the hundreds of headaches they are likely to encounter on the road to success."
—Ronny Lopat, American Gardener, May/June 2004 (American Gardener )

"When I saw his book "So You Want to Start a Nursery" I half expected to open the cover and find a four-letter word: don't. What I found instead was a comprehensive how-to textbook as well as a sober reality check."
—Ken Druse, New York Times, September 11, 2003 (The New York Times )

If I were truly thinking about starting a nursery, this book would be an indespensable starting point, and if I were already operating one, this book would make me closely re-examine my business practices, reduce costs, and increase profits ... it will spare every nursery owner (or dreamer) from the hundreds of headaches they are likely to encounter on the road to success. Ronny Lopat, American Gardener, May/June 2004 (American Gardener )

This book far surpasses anything I’ve seen presenting this subject. I think this sets a new standard for our industry. -- R. Wayne Mezitt, President of the American Nursery and Landscape Association

When I saw his book "So You Want to Start a Nursery" I half expected to open the cover and find a four-letter word: don't. What I found instead was a comprehensive how-to textbook as well as a sober reality check. Ken Druse, New York Times, September 11, 2003 (The New York Times )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 340 pages
• Publisher: Timber Press, Incorporated (July 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0881925845
• ISBN-13: 978-0881925845
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #59,287 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST HAVE for Nursery start ups, March 25, 2004

By	Shelley M. Darland "perennialtressure" (ligonier, in USA) - See all my reviews

Gotta say the author gives a realistic picture of starting a nursery business. By the time you finish this you will have a clear picture of the business basics. If you are looking for a book on how to grow plants look elsewhere - this is a practicle guide to starting the business. Includes the Web address for additional info.

EXACTLY the information I needed!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific Book, October 7, 2005

By	P. F. Zimmerman - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As the owner of a five year old Rose Nursery I found this book to be a great combination of theory and pratical advice. I particulary like the chapters where he breaks down the numbers for what you should be charging and what your production costs should be. Anyone thinking of starting a nursery should read this book before they start.

The first chapter alone where he talks about the personalties that start nurseries is well worth the price.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 'two cent opinion' - Excellent Book !!!, July 22, 2005

By	David H. Dudley "'Two Cent' Opinion" (Sacramento, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As a nursery hobbist, somewhat new to the nursery industry, and as a person trying to grow my nursry hobby into a side business, I found this book to be truly wonderful. It is packed with lots of valuable information and seems to cover every aspect of the nursery business. I had initially bought the book thinking I would resell it when finished, but I liked it so much & found it to be such an excellent reference book, I have decided to keep it. I found this book to be very helpful, thorough, and delightfully written. Well, that's my 'two cent' opinion.