Turning this hobby into a small business?

[Ray]

Originally Posted by DavidCampen

Perhaps most states have reciprocal agreements to accept one another's Nursery Inspection Certificates.

I think that's basically it, David.

Having the proper nursery certificate on the package is the proof that the goods have qualified to meet the required standards - even if they are higher is specific states.

I still have a box from a Hawaii order, and the nursery certificate from the plant quarantine service states that they "have been inspected and the plants are apprently free from diseases and plant-damaging insects. Not valid for California."

[Franco24]

I have the NJ department of agriculture coming to my place tomorrow morning to inspect my property and orchids. I'll be sure to let everyone know how everything goes.

[LavendarSunset]

Hope it goes well for you!

[Franco24]

Thank you. I'm nervous. I told the guy I'm technically not a "nursery" I grow my plants in bedroom and in the backyard. Though, He said I still fell in the same category.

I don't see why I wouldn't pass his inspection - but I'm still nervous as to what he's going to say.

[LavendarSunset]

No doubt...I'd feel the same way. It will be interesting to find out what all the inspector does and/or says. The good thing is you are doing things the right way, and can start selling with no worries.

[Franco24]

I can tell you one thing ... They aren't very punctual. He's already 45 minutes late on the time he gave me! I hate to call and bother the guy again, but if he isn't here by 11am i will.

[Franco24]

Alrighty! He just came and left. I am certified by the NJ department of agriculture to ship orchids and/or tropical houseplants to the 48 contiguous United States and Puerto Rico.

I asked the guy what he was looking for while inspecting the plants (he literally inspected and held every one of the 200 some odd plants I have) ...

He was searching for snails, beetles, any other pests, along with any obvious signs of virus.

I'm certified as a nursery and must have yearly inspections. It's 75$ a year to hold the license. The same people who inspect Waldor's Orchids were who came here.

It was an interesting experience, and I'm glad that i went through with it. I should have no problems shipping to the contiguous US and PR as long as I continue to ship bare root and clearly label each package as "Non-Hardy Houseplants" or "Exotic Orchids" and a copy of my NJ nursery license.

I'm ready to start selling!

[DavidCampen]

Originally Posted by Franco24

...
I'm certified as a nursery and must have yearly inspections. It's 75$ a year to hold the license.
...
I should have no problems shipping to the contiguous US and PR as long as I continue to ship bare root and clearly label each package as "Non-Hardy Houseplants" or "Exotic Orchids" and a copy of my NJ nursery license.

I'm ready to start selling!

I am curious, what information do you have that says you have to ship bareroot? I get a lot of orchids shipped to me still potted with the package labeled as "live plants" and a nursery inspection certificate attached.

[Franco24]

He said its not absolutely necessary, but I could run into issues if I was shipping stuff to california or arizona because of their strict regulations.

As a general rule, I like to ship almost everything bare root (with the exceptions of masdevallias and draculas) because it saves a lot on shipping too.

[Franco24]

I apologize for the confusion. Shipping bare root is not part of the "terms of shipping" or whatever, it's just a good practice to save on shipping and avoid potential issues in states with heavy regulation.