The ornamental nursery industry in Idaho has proven
highly successful and generates hundreds of millions of
dollars annually for the state economy. Enterprises range
from production and sales of flowers and other bedding
plants to large trees. Production nurseries and
greenhouses tend to be localized in several regions, but
can be found throughout the state.
As with any enterprise, however, starting and operating
a wholesale or retail nursery carries risks. Before
investing in land, buildings, equipment, or plants,
develop a business plan for your intended operation.
Carefully evaluate your intended market. Determine if you
have the technical skill and capital to start and run a
nursery until it is self-supporting. Ensure that you will
have adequate, affordable, and suitably skilled labor to
run the operation successfully.
Talk to other nursery and landscape professionals. The Idaho
Nursery and Landscape Association is an excellent
source of information on the nursery industry in Idaho and
holds regular meetings and conferences where you can visit
with successful nursery professionals. For those in Bonner
and Boundary Counties, consider contacting the Kootenai
Valley Nursery Growers. You may also contact a
nursery specialist at the
University
of Idaho.
Here are some resources to help you get started on the
planning process.
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