Growing and Selling Fresh Cut Herbs or Wedding Cake Book

Growing and Selling Fresh-Cut Herbs

Author: Sandie Shores

This definitive guide for those looking to start or expand their own herb business focuses entirely on fresh-cut herbs for the grower who supplies restaurants or supermarkets, vends at farmers markets, or sells from her own retail space. Discussed are the value of a business plan and how to find the right niche for the business. Whether selling to supermarkets, wholesalers, brokers, or caterers, growers will benefit from these business tips. Valuable advice is provided on financing; honoring local zoning laws; creating invoices and packing slips; managing employees; pricing and marketing; maintaining accounts; and increasing business. All aspects of building a greenhouse are addressed, from selecting a prime location and building a structure to the equipment needed to grow, including lights, thermostats, benches, and irrigation systems. Other topics include growing and nurturing plants from germination through harvest; assessing the needs of different herb crops and edible flowers; and harvesting and packaging the finished product.

About the Author:
Sandie Shores has operated a fresh-cut herb business in Minnesota for more than 10 years. She is a speaker and consultant on commercial herb production. She lives in Zumbro Falls, Minnesota.

Table of Contents:

	Dedication	v
	Acknowledgements	vii
	Preface	ix
	Introduction: The Herb's Herb History	1
Part 1	Starting Your Herb Business	9
Chapter 1	Planning Your Business and Market Research	11
Chapter 2	Finding Potential Markets	27
Chapter 3	Managing Business Details	49
Chapter 4	Doing Business	57
Part 2	Building and Maintaining a Greenhouse	75
Chapter 5	Selecting a Greenhouse	77
Chapter 6	Construction Know-how	103
Chapter 7	Interiors	121
Chapter 8	Operations and Maintenance	133
Part 3	Growing and Nurturing Your Plants	151
Chapter 9	Starting Seeds and Plant Propagation	153
Chapter 10	Growing Herbs	185
Chapter 11	Controlling Insect Pests	223
Chapter 12	Controlling Plant Diseases	267
Chapter 13	Harvesting, Handling & Packaging	285
Part 4	Successfully Growing More Than 20 Herbs and Flowers	309
Chapter 14	Arugula	311
Chapter 15	Basil	317
Chapter 16	Chives	325
Chapter 17	Cilantro	335
Chapter 18	Dill	341
Chapter 19	Marjoram, Sweet	349
Chapter 20	Mint	355
Chapter 21	Oregano	361
Chapter 22	Parsley	367
Chapter 23	Rosemary	375
Chapter 24	Sage	385
Chapter 25	Sorrel	391
Chapter 26	Tarragon, French	397
Chapter 27	Thyme	405
Chapter 28	More Herbs with Commercial Potential	413
Chapter 29	Edible Flowers	431
	Glossary	443
	Resources	459
	Index	467

Book review: The Kosher Billionaires Secret Recipe or Travel Yoga

Wedding Cake Book

Author: Dede Wilson

The wedding market is a $32 billion business. Experts say that brides-to-be generally buy every book and magazine they can get their hands on when planning a wedding, and yet, remarkably, The Wedding Cake Book is the first cookbook of its kind -- a gorgeous idea book that really shows you how to bake a beautiful wedding cake. There are 30 complete recipes in all, with detailed, step-by-step instructions. A one-of-a-kind resource, with gorgeous photography throughout, The Wedding Cake Book is sure to become a classic cookbook among bakers, and makes the perfect shower gift.