In order to control the problem, the US Department of Agriculture has issues a new directive. This encourages farmers to shift to organic farming.

With organic farming, farmers will no longer need to plant crops using genetic engineering, irradiation and sewage sludge. Instead, this will be replaced with crop rotation.

Crop rotation is the practice of planting a different crop in the same area where another crop once occupied. This keeps the soil’s nutrients fertile so it can be used again in the following season.

If you think about it, this approach is easier said than done as farmers are accustomed to the old ways of doing it. To help them change their minds, the government offers incentives and subsidies to farmers who decide to follow this plan.
 
But the main reason why organic vegetable gardening is so important is the fact that the crops harvested have 50% more nutrients and vitamins compared to that of conventional farming methods.

This means the food they consume will reduce the risk of people suffering from a number of diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and certain cancers.

Children who drink milk will be able to get more anti-oxidants, CLA, Omega 3 and vitamins when this is extracted from pastured grazed cows that will really strengthen their bones and muscles.

You can buy organically grown vegetables from the supermarket. The sad part is the almost everywhere you go, although the packaging comes from Department of Health, Quality Assurance International, California Certified Organic Farmers or the Oregon Tilth Farm Verified Organic, most of these are only 50% to 70% organic.

This is why homeowners who want to eat 100% organic vegetables are encouraged to grow these themselves.

There are two ways to make this happen. First, you buy the seedlings until they grow so you can harvest the. Second, you buy them fully grown and then just plant it into the ground.

Most people prefer the first because it makes them proud to know that what is served on the table was done from scratch.

In both cases, you have to prepare the soil, use compost and make sure that these are safe from threats such as insects, weeds and other animals that will eat what you have planted.

You can fight these with other animals, insects, organic fertilizers, deodorant soap and a few other items which you can find out after doing some research.

For those who don’t have a big garden, they can try growing these organically grown vegetables in containers. They require more water than those planted in the soil so give doses frequently.

There is no doubt that organic vegetables and other products are important these days. If you value your health and those of your family you can buy these from the store or plant it yourself.

For those who decide to buy organically grown vegetables, remember to wash before cooking them. This will remove any harmful substances or residue that may still be there which is invisible to the naked eye.

The décor aspect of inside greenery is a given, plants add to and beautify space – indoors and outdoors.  The different plants choices available include various colors, sizes, shapes, flowering vs. non-flowering and this is just the tip of the plant life ice berg. 

Just as trees and plants are crucial to our air quality outside, plants can provide the same service for you inside your home.  By taking in carbon dioxide from our breathing, plants flourish.  If you smoke inside your home, plants can help clean the air of the excess carbon dioxide.  Besides the exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide, plants will purify the air from other unhealthy elements such as air-bound mold particles.  This makes them a natural air filter for your home.

It is well known that gardening is a relaxing past-time.  Having an indoor garden will give you the benefit of this relaxation year round when it is too cold outside to garden.  If you live in an apartment, an outdoor garden may not be possible.  Gardening inside is only limited by the amount of space you want to dedicate to it in your home.  Beautifying your living space and caring for living plants makes owning an indoor garden a peaceful endeavor.

Another benefit of indoor gardening is you can decide how much time you have or want to dedicate to caring for the plants.  If you want a plant that has to be watered less go for a cactus or if you want the challenge of coaxing a flowering tree to blossom buy a camellia.

There is a market for potted plants if you you’re going to engage in this lucrative business whether as full-time or just merely a sideline.

What is only important is your passion to do the dirty work of gardening. Like any other business, however, you have to produce plants that are in demand. Plants that are high ticket in price, and high quality, that is they are disease-free, robust, and are of the right size.

Looking for in demand potted plants In this scenario, you have to be observant. You have to look around. Visit some plant nurseries, plant shops or you can ask homeowners what type of plants they need.

You can also inquire from landscapers what plants they are looking for in big numbers. Or else, you can attend some garden shows to find out which plants are hot sellers.

You’ll noticed that potted plants are used for various purposes. Some are used indoors in the home, in business offices, hotels, restaurants, or walkways in residential homes.

Potted plants are also used for planting in the garden, along highways, parks, subdivisions and they like.

Producing fairly priced potted plants Producing your priced potted plants will depend on your efficient way of producing them and by propagating your own plants fast and at a low cost.

Ways of propagating your potted plants

• By seed
• Marcotting
• Cutting
• Division
• Grafting

Steps in producing high quality potted plants

• Grow them in the right container. Not so big and not so small either. A very big container will be costly. It would also require plenty of potting soil which will add to the high cost. Over potting could also result in too moist condition that may be detrimental to the plant.
• Provide the right potting medium. Most plants require something that is easily drained and fairly rich soil. It should not be too heavy so it is easy to carry.
• Fertilize your plant regularly. Every week if necessary.
• Don’t overcrowd plants. Plants that are crowded are lanky and weak. There won’t be adequate air circulation so the plants are more susceptible to rot or some other disease organisms. Overcrowded plants also harbor a lot of pests.
• Make sure the plants are watered regularly. Don’t allow plants to wither, otherwise their leaves would be irreparably damaged.
• Repot plants as necessary. Usually, potted plants should be repotted evey six months or so, depending on the species.
• Provide the right lighting. Some plants love full sunlight. Others will only thrive in the shade. Make the right provision for the plants you have chosen to grow.
• Prune the plants as necessary. Well shaped plants sell more easily and at a better price.
• Provide a finishing area where the plants are groomed and readied for market.

Marketing your potted plants Selling potted plants is easy if you know where to find your target market. You can only make money if you can sell what you produce for profit.

Where to locate your target market?

At the very beginning of your potted plant business, you should know who are your clients. Buyers of your potted plans are; individual end-users, plant shop owners, traders, landscapers, nursery operators, business establishments (especially mall owners), and others.

Your buyers may come from your barangay, your town, province, the entire country, and abroad.

Strategies to be known by your target market

• Post signs along the highway where passersby will notice your message. In your message, you should be specific potted plants are available. For instance, you could say in your message that rare ornamental plants are available in your nursery. Include in your sign to tell where your nursery could be found.
• Send letters to other nursery owners, landscapers, nursery operators, known plant lovers mall owners, telling them what you have I stock. You can quote your prices so they’ll know beforehand your selling price.
• Participate in garden shows or plant sales. In this show, you’ll not only sell your plants, but you’ll meet a lot of plant lovers and fellow plant growers who could be your potential buyers in the days to come.
• Advertise your plants in the radio or television and newspapers. Issue a press release or paid ads about what plants are available in your nursery. You can feature stories about you and your plants.
• Learn to be a landscaper. When you become proficient with the trade, and you have plenty of clients, you can use your own plants in the projects.
• Conduct an open house. You can invite buyers in this event to buy your plants at a discounted prices plus giveaways.
• Sell your potted plants by whole. You produce plenty of one kind of plant and when you’re ready you can invite buyers to take all the stocks at a very attractive price.
• Grow plants for certain occasions. Anytime of the year there are special occasions being celebrated, such as; Christmas, Valentines Day, Wedding, Birthdays, Flores de Mayo, and many more. You can prepare special plants for such occasions to have a continuous supply the whole year round.

These are just some ideas you can sell the plants you grow. There could be other ways. Just let your imagination wander and your eyes open for some money making opportunities on potted plants.

Cris Ramasasa, Freelance writer, writes about home gardening and Internet marketing tips. You can get a copy of his latest ebook “How to get started in Flower Gardening” and “Vegetable Gardening Made Easy”, also get lots of tips, Free articles, and bonuses at: www.crisramasasa.com

About the Author:
Cris Ramasasa is a retired Horticulture teacher for 29 years and Freelance writer. Writes home gardening tips and resources. Written ebooks titled: How To Get Started In Flower Gardening and Vegetable Gardening Made Easy.

Soon to put up his website; www. how-to-get-started-in flower-gardening.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Growing Potted Plants That Sell