Running a greenhouse...

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   writingloverposted 10 years ago

   I need some advice. I'm 24 years old and my grandmother, who will be 96 in February, brought up the idea of me running the greenhouse (mainly flowers). I'm considering the proposition but what are the pros and cons of running such a business?

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      DreamerMegposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      It depends on (a) how big the greenhouse is  and thus how much time you would need to put into it (b) what do you know about greenhouses, flowers, heating, pests and costs and (c) do you have any interest?
      (a) is this a smallish greenhouse with specialist plants that YOU would be solely responsible for or giant sized greenhouses with lots of employees?
      (b) Have you been involved with the greenhouse and everything to do with it, including how to prevent pests, keep the temperature and humidity correct, sow or purchase plants, re-potting, paying bills, working with employees, lifting any heavy stuff, etc. Or is there training, help and support available to ease you into doing this?
      (c) Are you interested in a business running a flower greenhouse? Many writers have been involved in outside work which has contributed to their writing success. I am thinking here of "The Egg and I" and other books in the series written during the great depression (great comedy), in which the author, Betty MacDonald, wrote about her problems running a chicken farm with her husband. But if you have no interest, it may not suit you (or the flowers).

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      1. 66

         writingloverposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         Hi, DreamerMeg!
         
         This is what I needed! I'll be honest. I hadn't a clue what I should consider in this venture. I already have two jobs and I don't want to give them up unless I know what I'm up against. It's a small greenhouse run by my grandmother. It's just her and me and the greenhouse is the size of a large tool shed (maybe bigger--enough for one person to tend to). Of course, my grandmother would be my teacher since it kept her so active.
         
         
         I just want to take everything that I can think of into consideration and you have helped me further in this venture. Thanks a bunch!

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            DreamerMegposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            Looks like you could just ease yourself into this, with you taking on more gradually, as she takes more of a back seat.

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