| Estimated Cost |
$10,000 per acre establishment costs (grading, roads, water, drainage) |
| Market Outlets |
Retail garden centers, landscape contractors, retail sales |
| Market Potential |
Some room for expansion |
| Profit Potential |
$0 to $12,000 per acre per year |
| Adapted Areas |
South and East Texas |
| Labor Requirements |
One man per 3 acres depending upon many variables |
| Equipment Requirements |
Ranges from a minimum of a small tractor, trailer, sprayer to much more |
| Soil Requirements |
None – all plants growin in artificial media |
| Water Requirements |
Daily watering necessary most of the year; water quality very important. Low sodium content and high volume water sources are required. |
| Minimum Size |
1 acre |
| Risk Factor |
Moderate |
| Other Limiting Factors |
Location is important especially if delivery to customers is not possible. Locations near major markets are second only in importance to a good water source. Continuously monitor numerous diseases and insects. |
| Comments |
Texas is currently producing less than half of the container plants sold here. Competition from large producers in California and other Gulf Coast states is intense. |
