Small Scale Iris Production

Abstract

Many ornamental crops are produced by breeders, hobbyists, and garden enthusiasts through small scale operations. Making a thorough assessment of a site’s potential will determine if it is suitable for such production. Each operation will have unique materials and equipment requirements. The challenge is making appropriate choices which allow for profitable production and future growth of the operation. Organizing and using production space efficiently is important to maximize crop production and profits. Using raised beds and row are two ways to do this on a small scale. Supporting healthy soil or growing media is also important and should supply the necessary nutrients for sustainable plant growth. Soil or growing media should be properly irrigated to provide consistent moisture for optimum crop production (Straw 2015). In addition to this taking the time to learn about the different types of plant stock and find quality sources for them is important. While production costs will differ based on an operation’s supply sources there are many methods for arriving at a final price for a such products which involve some involve aspects of market research and psychology (Kohls and Uhl 2015, Uva 2009). Care for ornamental crops also involves integrated pest management (IPM), an assessment-based environmentally friendly cost-effective long-term way to manage pests in an operation as many pests can be managed effectively through good sanitation practices. In the end creating a good business plan will help to organize information, develop a budget, and think through what is needed to operate sustainably.