From fruits and vegetables to herbs and flowers, horticulture and field crops encompass a broad range of varieties. As a horticulture producer, finding the right services and supplies in a speedy manner for your operation is essential, whether it be tracking down the right seed or selecting a quality system for indoor horticulture.

Buying inexpensive products or equipment for crop farming usually results in lower quality and in the long run may cost you significantly more in the way of smaller yields and lower operation efficiency. Not only should you be looking for quality but also support and maintenance after the sale on big ticket items.

Consider the following horticulture information:

1. The horticulture industry encompasses many different categories including the crop farmer, landscaping company or retail nursery center, among others.

2. Horticulture growers are most successful at finding niche markets to sell their crops to.

3. Many farms act as horticulture companies with the majority of horticulture land at 20,000 square feet or more.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase horticulture supplies

Running a horticulture business-whether you're an independent farmer, a small nursery or a giant nursery retailer-takes many different tools to get the job done. Supplies from bulbs, cuttings and seeds to pruning tools and plant labels are all part of your business expenses. You'll also need the proper equipment to handle your operations as well. Make sure to shop around for not only the best value but for a quality product.

I recommend: American Horticulture Supply offers a variety of items including hand tools, fertilizers, irrigation and labels. Find a full line of horticulture products and supplies at Carlin Horticultural Supplies.

Offer options in wholesale produce

The demand for wholesale produce stems from the rising cost of foods and questions about whether or not imported produce is even safe. You'll find that customers prefer locally grown produce or the chance to grow their own from seed.

I recommend: Browse the 10 different varieties of Agrico Holland potatoes with seed available from Parkland Seed Potatoes. Nature Hills Nursery offers a variety of fruit trees to purchase.

Join the movement toward organic farming

Rising in popularity, the organic food industry has moved beyond the farmer's market and into the mainstream with national grocers and discount retailers joining the ranks. With more consumer demand, organic foods nets more than $14 billion annually in the US.

I recommend: Browse through the seed and nursery stock supplies from Peaceful Valley Farm Supply. Great Harvest Organics offers organic seeds of corn, alfalfa, wheat and soybeans that have already been thoroughly researched and tested, as well as selected to perform well in organic conditions.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you operate a greenhouse, then you realize that horticulture sales go hand in hand with how well you control weeds. Weeds can harbor insects, diseases and bacteria that can spread from plant to plant and wipe out a sizable inventory.