I'm opening a flower shop, and I will be growing a large portion of my own materials. However, there are some things I won't be able to grow, and I can't only operate a business during the peak of the growing season and expect to make any money.

I will be able to grow SOMETHING from February on when the earliest tulips begin to bloom until it just absoultely freezes here in December. Although I do have a relatively mild and short winter, I know my limitations and I'm trying to start on a shoestring budget. This summer and fall I will have some really nice zins and sunflowers that I'll be wholesaling to a local florist to get my feet wet, but I would like to be able to quit my full time job within 2 years. Possibly a pipe dream, but a girl's gotta start somewhere!

Here are my requirements:

-Grown in the US, preferably regional to Mississippi. I know this is a long shot.

-Sustainably grown.

-Fair labor practices.

Suggestions are welcome, and if you would like to take it off forum, please feel free to shoot me an e-mail.

Thanks!

Jennifer