|
Herbs are one man's niche; Northeast Texan turns 'need' into 'profit' |
|||
|
By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition |
|||
August 1, 2002 -- For the next several weeks, Country World will be spotlighting various "niche market" successes. Whether a person has one, 10, or 25 acres, there's opportunity to make additional income by providing a consumer-desired product in the marketplace. The first in the series features production and marketing of herbs. Next week's spotlight will cover raising and marketing cut flowers. What started as a desire for fresh culinary herbs has developed into a "niche market" business for a Northeast Texas man. David Hamilton with Dogwood Gardens in Maud began planting herbs when his wife was unable to find fresh herbs for cooking. With the thought process "if we cook with herbs, why wouldn't other people cook with herbs," Hamilton began selling herbs from his garden. "At first, I sold a few herbs here and there but then, companies selling herbs began to contact me. Before too long, I was in the herb wholesale business," Hamilton said. As business increased, so did public awareness. "I had a lady come out and ask all kinds of questions. She came back several times asking questions. I just thought she wanted to learn about herbs. "The next thing I knew though, she had her own herb business and was selling herbs cheaper to the wholesalers that had been buying from me," Hamilton stated. "I thank her because she forced me to stop selling wholesale and begin selling retail, which I like." Herb usage is increasing, according to Hamilton. If you watch Food Network on television, many culinary chefs are using herbs in their dishes. "If you ever use fresh herbs while cooking, you will never go back to using dried herbs," Hamilton said. At Dogwood Gardens, he is able to market fresh herbs to his customers and offer them advice on how to grow herbs. The garden also has picnic tables and an area for meetings. As Hamilton pointed out the stove, tables, sink and telephone, he said, "Gardening clubs or any club, can meet out here and enjoy the outdoors." Hamilton is expanding his facilities to enable him to offer herb workshops and herbal gifts. For people who want to grow their own herbs and possibly sell them, Hamilton said growing herbs is not difficult. "An herb garden is not hard to do," Hamilton said, "and it doesn't take a lot of money to get started." Hamilton offered the following advice for people who want to start growing herbs. "To begin, a person doesn't necessarily need a greenhouse unless it is something they just want to have," he added. "Someone could start an herb business for less than $1,000, and that includes a greenhouse," Hamilton said. Hamilton added if someone wants to build a greenhouse, it does not have to cost a lot. Materials to build a greenhouse include 1 1/4 PVC pipe, 20 foot long; 1 1/2 inch to 1 3/4 inch pipe, and at least a 4-mil poly. "Some people already have these supplies on hand. If you don't, it probably wouldn't cost but about $500 to build," Hamilton replied. The big expense would be an electric heater with a blower. "When nights get below 40 degrees, you need to use the heater," Hamilton said. "Be sure to open the ends of the greenhouse during the day though because it will get hot, even in the winter." The cost of a heater depends upon many variables including make and size of heater. As far as the best advice, according to Hamilton, would be to grow something to cook with such as basil, sage, rosemary, and ginger. People interested in herb gardening need to read as much literature about herbs as possible. Good readings, according to Hamilton are "The Herb Companion," "Organic Gardner," and "Texas Gardner." They also need to investigate all aspects of herb gardening by talking to a Master Gardner, doing research at the library, or on the Internet. Key things to remember about herb gardening are herbs are like other plants. They are living things that need good moisture, minerals and soil. They also need at least partial sun. Another suggestion is buy the plants to get started. Do not start from scratch, suggested Hamilton. If space is a problem, some herbs such as ginger and rosemary can be planted in a flower bed. Rosemary needs about three to four feet to grow. Hamilton gardens on about two acres which includes roughly 75 different herbs. He also makes his own medium using compost. Hamilton expressed that he loves being in his garden, talking with people and the overall communal with nature. For more information about Dogwood Gardens or herbs, contact Hamilton at 903-585-5432. |
