| 1. Start small - there is so much to learn! I am in my second year, and still feel overwhelmed. 2. Per Dave Ramsey - CASH ONLY! This goes hand in hand with starting small. Don't overspend until you know what you are doing. 3. Read this forum every day. Somebody always mentions an item than is bedeviling you! 4. Ditto on the books. I especially appreciate the Alan Armatage "Specialty Cut Flowers". 5. Go to the farmer's market and speak with the other vendors. ANY other vendor. Farmers are friendly folk and can give you a wealth of information in layman's terms. They can also teach/show you how to sell, display, and create good will. 6. Enjoy yourself. If it gets to be too much like work, it isn't fun anymore. The beauty of the flowers (I'm growing dahlias for the first time this year) will take your breath away. 7. I see flowers as God's jewelry. Treat them with the respect they deserve. 8. Don't get discouraged when the other vendor(s) does so much more business than you do! They've been at it for a few more years, have an established customer base, and know, from experience, what to grow, when to cut, how to present, etc. 9. Keep at it no matter what! 10. Take notes from the beginning. Note what does well, what doesn't; what germinates; when things bloom (this one is very important); when the rain comes (and doesn't); the effects of different fertilizers; how much you sell per week; what sells the best. Basically: anything that can help you plan for next year. And, I could go on, and on, but I'll let the more experienced folks lead you down the right path....I am still learning. Sassy Stems | 
