Viewing post #352939 by Kim

Thank you for the suggestion, Suzanne. As I began building Co-ops, I did quite a bit of research on the feasibility of purchasing split trays from Wholesale Dealers. I found that most of them require a minimum purchase of several hundred to a thousand dollars. Shipping whole trays across the country routinely placed the cost of participation out of the question for the average residential gardener. Having participated in multiple Co-ops that used this process, I also found the plants to be small, ill-rooted and too often did not thrive .

For all of my Co-ops, I hire growers directly . The roots are grown out many months before being shipped. When a payment is made, the growers select and ship the plants that are ready to be planted...not just shipping out trays of mass produced plants. The Co-op strives for quality over quantity. The growers have authorization to sell patented plants and often receive their growing material directly from the developer, not clearing houses. I believe this eliminates a number of mark-ups in the process and offers a stronger, organically grown plant for our gardens. As to the non-patented plants, the grower raises the plants from seed or cuttings and sells directly to The Co-ops at wholesale costs. Additionally, the grower drop ships directly to the Co-op Participants to provide additional savings. I have been using this process for multiple growing seasons supporting more than a hundred participants. This collaboration has been able to offer strong and hardy plants that are often difficult to find in the ever-changing retail plant market.

The Coneflower Co-op will begin shipping again in February or as soon as the plants are showing more leaf. The plants are not grown in a hothouse, but vernally with more than 50 hours of below 50 degree weather. This affords a chance for the roots to continue to grow during the cooler weather.

Additional Co-ops for Spring include Old Garden Roses, Butterfly Plants, Hummingbird Salvias and Herbs and Tea Plants. Please let us know what you are seeking for your garden this Spring. Thanks!