Most important is location. It should be easily accessable to the buyers. Even if you are in a city you have to have something to make the casual buyers stop.

If you are in the country it helps to be an expert on a certain type of plant and sell that plant and a few companion plants. A friend of mine send me to a hellbore breeder in oregon way off the beaten tract. Wonderful plants but only known by the hellbore community and a few others. They are open a couple of weeks a year and by appointment. The do sell to other commerical growers but do no shipping.

Try working for one of the nurseries/growers in your area for a full season before quiting your day job. A garden center is a times a 24 hour job with no off time during most of the year. When the center is not open you must go to various shows to keep up with the market.

If after you do the research decide on an amount you will spend, do an incorporation or limited liability company, and an good insurance. Do not expect to make a living for at least 5 years. I have one friend whose husband wanted a nursery and they have been fairly successful. But although she has worked along side of him they decide not to pay her a salary or pay social security on her. She is now wondering if anything happens to him how will she live on the spouses share of SS.

Good luck on what ever you do.

I would shop your center but almost everyone shopping for plants have little or minimal knowledge of plants and their needs.

Having other than organic amendments will be necessary until you "educate" your clientele about the advantages of organics.

I would a add KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF to your list of 5 characteristics.

Good luck and be patient.

Thanks for the advice! I was thinking about getting a job in a nursery to gain industry experience too... With this economy I'm not sure if anything's available, but I'll keep an eye out.

My mom knows a LOT about plants, flowers, & trees. I'm reading books and subscribing to magazines to gain some knowledge.

Thanks again for the help!