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Q: I passed my horticulture exams last year and would like to open my own plant or tree nursery in my own 20-acre grounds.

Aug 23 2005

Answered by: Philip Wilkinson Ask a question

The Horticultural Trades Association (head office is 0118-930 3132) is the trade association for horticultural businesses of all kinds. Your first point of contact should be Marion Warden, at the Information Centre.

The suppliers you want to contact will depend on exactly what you want to acquire. It could range from bare root material, liners and ready for sale stock to floristry trees, cut flowers, soft fruit and vegetables. The appropriate supplier will also vary depending on your target market. Are you hoping to sell smallish stock for the private gardener, or for garden centres, or suppliers? Once you have sorted this out I would contact the Horticultural Trades Association.

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