j OUuixtii State QlvUiM Auocdaticft

BULLETINPublished six times a year by the I.S.F.A.

1011 West Healey Street, Champaign, Illinois 61821

NUMBER 414 G. M. Fosler, Editor JULY-AUGUST, 1984

Buying A Small ComputerFor Business Use

L.A. SpomerDepartment of Horticulture

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Unless you are isolated from civilization, you knowabout the increasing availability of small computers, dueto advancing technology and plummeting prices. Weare bombarded from all sides with information aboutcomputers and their functions. Computer literacy is the'buzzword' in schools. Computers are used frompreschool through college; however, since thewidespread availability and use of computers hasoccurred only recently, most people (particularly the'older generation") have little or no direct experiencewith them, at least knowingly.

Many who haven't used computers may be intrigued by the possibilities, but hesitant about how toproceed. They don't know how computers work, andare probably intimidated by the whole subject. Mostpeople who use computers, however, don't know howthey work either, but they know what computers can doand how to get them to do it.

Anyone dealing with computers for the first time isimmediately stymied by the use of a whole newlanguage. This article defines some of the more important terms and also briefly discusses the general application of computers in small businesses. Its intendedaudience is the non-user who is considering the purchase of a small computer for business use.

Small ComputersSmall computers, previously affordable only by

large companies, are invading the business and professional world at a rapidly increasing rate. Peopleworkingin many different areas use computers to save time andwork. Literally hundreds of different small computersare available on today's market. And the technologyhasby no means reached its limit. Still more powerful smallcomputers are being developed, ensuring their increasing role for some time to come.

What is a small computer? Large computers,called mainframes, are very expensive (costing hun

dreds of thousands to millions of dollars), relatively large(may fill a sizable room) and stationary, can handle verylarge jobs, require specialized working environmentsand highly trained operating personnel, and are usedonly by big businesses and institutions.

In contrast, small computers, called microcomputers, are inexpensive (costing $20 to $10,000), andrelatively small (may fit in a shirt pocket) and easilyportable, can handle moderate amounts of information,require no specialized working environments (can beused in the office, packing shed, shop, field,automobile, greenhouse, home, etc.) nor highly trainedpersonnel, and are those predominately used by thesmall businessman. Note, too, that many of today'smicrocomputers have a greater capacity than yesterday's mainframes.

A third group, minicomputers, fall somewherebetween mainframes and microcomputers. Microcomputers are the computers most commonly used by smallbusinessmen.

What can small computers do? The name computer is probably a misnomer. The primary job done bymost smallcomputers is data or information processing,thus these machines should therefore probably benamed information processors rather than computers.Information processing includes the gathering, storing,retrieving, sorting, summarizing, updating, interpreting

(continued on page 5)

ILLINOIS STATE FLORISTS' ASSOCIATION BULLETIN

Illinois State

Florists' Association Bulletin(USPS 258-620)

G.M. Fosler, Editor

Published six times a year by the Illinois State Florists'Association. Second-class postage paid at Champaign,Illinois 61820.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Illinois StateFlorists' Association Bulletin, Office of Publication, 1011 W.Healey St., Champaign, Illinois 61821 [217/359-2104].

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEE: Active Members — $30.00.Membership includes a subscription to the Illinois StateFlorists' Association Bulletin. Single copies, $2.50.

1984 OFFICERS

PRESIDENT — Avada Leaf, 312 W. Main St., Olney, IL62450 [618/395-8573]. (Term: 1984-85)

VICE-PRESIDENT — James B. Curtis, 326 Pinckney St.,Pontiac, IL61764 [815/844-7148]. (Term: 1984-85)

TREASURER — Olin A. Wetzel, P.O. Box 428, Edwardsville,IL 62025 [618/656-4240]. (Term: 1984-85)

EXECUTIVE-DIRECTOR — Dan Irons, 505 S. 23rd St.,Mattoon, IL 61938 [217/258-8969].

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EX OFFICIO —

Mary Noble Williams, P.O. Box 555, Charleston, IL.61920(217/345-7007].

REGION 1 —

Chuck Altman, 1025 N. Cedar Lake Rd., Round Lake, IL60073 [312/546-8211]. (Term 1982-84)

Robert Kopecky, 16 S. Bothwell St., Palatine, IL 60067[312/359-2488]. (Term: 1983-85)

Tim Corrie, 240 Shore Drive, Burr Ridge, IL 60521[312/986-9030]. (Term: 1984-86)

REGION 2 —

Pam Zibert, Valley Plaza, 130 E. Dakota St., Spring Valley,IL 61362 [815/664-5364]. (Term: 1984)

Elmer Rieck, 2100 E. Maple St., Kankakee, IL 60901[815/933-2295]. (Term: 1983-85)

Ronald D. Clayton, 1102 N. Galena Ave., Dixon, IL61021 [815/288-1428]. (Term 1984-86)

REGION 3 —

Greg Becks, 310 E. Corrington, Peoria, IL 61603[309/688-4416]. (Term: 1984)

Don Carlson, 3160 - 23rd Ave., Moline, IL 61265[309/764-3556]. (Term: 1982-84)

Debi Bradshaw, 233 E. Carroll St., Macomb, IL 61455[309/837-9977]. (Term: 1984-86)

REGION 4 —

Judi Borah, 225 N. Morgan St., Shelbyville, IL 62565[217/774-2323]. (Term: 1982-84)

Bernard Burkland, 111 W. Jefferson. Effingham, IL62401 [217/342-4184]. (Term: 1983-85)

Jean Williams, 1428 N. MacArthur Blvd., Springfield, IL62702 [217/544-7477]. (Term: 1983-85)

REGION 5 —

Al Easton, 126 N. 9th St., Mt. Vernon, IL 62864[618/242-0616]. (Term: 1982-84)

Daniel Whitehurst, 207 W. Jourdan, Newton. IL 62448[618/783-2124]. (Term: 1982-84)

Herman C. Ihle, 22nd & Logan Sts., Murphysboro, IL62966 [618/684-2752]. (Term: 1984-86)

OUT-OF-STATE —Raymond DeCloedt, 417 W. 7th St., Mishawaka, IN

46544 [219/255-1705]. (Term: 1982-84)John J. Baymiller, 107 S. Center, Shelbina, MO 63468

[314/588-4310]. (Term: 1983-85)

PLEASE NOTE:

PERMISSION lo reprint fromthe I.S.F.A.Bulletin is gladly granted, providedthatdue credit is given to the author(s) and to this publication.

1984 I.S.F.A. Scholarship Winners,announced last March at our Spring Conference in Decatur, were as follows: (above, I.to r.) CARLA BRIDGES (Ul), Lake Zurich, LYNNC. DESCH (Ul), Urbana, TODD D. HAUSMAN(Ul), Tuscola, DARRYL E. FRINGER (Ul), St.Joseph, BRIAN BARNES, Danville Jr. College,Danville, & (left) NATALIE R. GONGAWARE(Ul), Chicago.

Welcome These New Members!

ARMIDA FLORIST, Chicago Heights, IL.BLOOMIN" ATTIC FLORIST, Washington, IL.

CHALET FLORIST, Chicago, IL.THE CITY GARDENS, St. Louis, MO.COUNTRY CORNER, Danville, IL.

FISHER FLOWER SHOP, Fisher, IL.

FLOWER BASKET, Eureka, IL.THE FLOWER CART, Chesterton, IN.THE FLOWER PATCH, Buffalo, IL.FLOWERS BY FRIESE, Riverside, IL.

FLOWERS BY TIBBS, Lincoln, ILGEORGETTE'S FLOWERS, Peoria, IL.HOUSE & GARDEN SHOP FLORIST, Princeton, IL.BARB'S FLORIST, Grayslake, IL.BUMBLE BEE BOUTIQUE, Toledo, IL.

CHALET NURSERY, Wilmette, IL.COFFEE KLATCH FLORAL, Litchfield, IL.COUNTRY GREENERY, Colona, IL.FARMHOUSE FLOWERS, Urbana, IL.FLEURISHERS, Madison, Wl.THE FLOWER BOX, Carbondale, IL.THE FLOWER HOUSE, Morton, IL.FLOWERS BY ADDANTE, Winnetka, IL.FLOWERS BY RADVILLE, Byron, IL.FORGET-ME-KNOT, Highland, IL.

M.R. GIFT & FLORAL, lola, Wl.IDA FLORISTS, Cicero, IL.INTERIORS BY PATTI, & THE CALICO GARDEN,

Desloge, MO.JOHN'S FLOWERS, Carmi, IL.JOURNEY'S END, Virginia, IL.LINDA KAY'S FLOWERS &GIFTS, Petersburg, IL.MIKE'S GARDEN OF EDEN, Springfield, IL.WILLIAM M. MILLIGAN, Decatur, IL.MILNER'S FLOWERS & GIFTS, Springfield, IL.PETAL PUSHERS, Raymond, IL.

ILLINOISSTATEFLORISTS'ASSOCIATIONBULLETIN17

sumersabettervaluefortheir(veryfew)dollarsspentonfloristitems.Thissituationshouldmakefloristitemsa

"betterbuy"thancompetingitemsC'ewelry,candy,perfume,andsoon).However,weareremindedofFTD'sannualreportlastyearwhichstatedthatFTDdollarvolumehadincreasedmorethan5%overthepreviousyearbutnumberofordershaddropped.Thatis,asignificantlossofordersunder$20wasnotoffsetbygrowthofordersover$20.MatchFTD'sgrowthlastyearwiththefloristaverageof7.4%.And,ofcourse,the42.7%increaseinU.S.floristsalesfrom1977to

1982didnotmatchallU.S.retailtradegrowthof48.2%.

We'dliketoknowalotmoreabout"nonflorist"

salesofflowersandplants!Censusdataof1970to1979indicatedthatpercapitaunitincreasesoffloweringpotsalmostdoubled(1.9times);cutflowerswere1.11times;andfoliage(units,norvalue)wereup2.6times.Percapitaconsumptionhasincreased,anditwillprobablycontinue.Finally,arefloristsaseffectiveastheir"nonflorist"competitors,orcouldbothbedoingokayintheenlargingmarket?

IsThereA

FutureForFollowers?

EditorStanFoil,writinginthe"Wisconsin-UpperMichiganFlorist'sBulletin,"expressesanaptbutratherunusualopinion:

Theaccentonleadershiptodayisoverdone.Votersdemandleaders.Womenandmenadmireleaders."Be

aleader!"theadsurge.Leadershavetheirplace,butwhatwereallyneedismorefollowers.

Whatisafollower?Thesearepersonsinthebackgroundwhomaketheleaderlookgood.Theyaretheworkers.Theleadermayorderupmiracles,butit'stheeffectivefollowerwhomakesthemiraclescometrue.Itisn'teasytobeafollower.Thegoodfollowerisintelligentandisabletocarryoutordersimplicity.Heunderstandsandanticipateshisleader'sideasandisabletodothejobrequiredofhim.

Thegoodfollowerapproachestheleadershipmazewithcare.Notjustanyleaderwilldo,forthisfollowerdoesnottakehisorherabilitieslightly.Mediocreorunappreciativeleadersneednotapply.Inaworldcrammedwithleaders—andaspiringleaders—it'seasytoseethatthefollower'sfutureisunlimited.

Anelderlyparishionerwasaskedbyaneagernewministerwhetherhe'deverbrokenanyoftheTenCommandments.

Thefellowthoughtforafewmoments&thensaid,"Well,Ican'trecollecteverhavingmadeagravenimage..."

"PopQuiz"IIOnHorticulturalTermsAsaprofessionalmemberofthefloristindustry,

youareoftenexpectedbythegeneralpublictobean"expert"onallphasesofhorticulture.Right?

Totestyourselfongeneralhorticulturalknowledge,wesuggestthatyouchecktoseehowmanyofthefollowingtermsareapartofyourworkingvocabulary.Pleasedon'tcheat,eventhoughtheanswersaregivenbelow.Giveyourself10pointsforeachcorrectanswer(let'ssaythatascoreof60orbelowrepresentsaflunkingscore—butdon'tworry,becausenobodywillknowyourgradebutyou...)

Herearetheterms.

Points

1.chlorophyll102.espalier103.tetraploid104.biennial10

5.gazebo106.callus10

7.scarification10

8.phototropism109.stomates10

10.completefertilizer10Total100points

ANSWERS

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jt86u|punoxinsaq)ijijmejnjsjoui9sesBBjoaBuBqo-J8)uiaq)|oj}uoo0)Buisop$BujuadojoajqedBO'saoBjjnsjomoiamuoA|]ensn'S9ab9|ujsamiejedeijbujs—S3J.VW01S'6

•HjBi]pjbmo)mojO0}pud)saAeai$swejsjuB|d'pa/uasqossqeuoAjdAdsvq)A\oj8)UB|djouog-oajipeu.1uo}u6i|10aouannujam'spjo/wjaq)ou;:iu6j|josninuiijseq)o\anpBujpueqjoluaiuaAoaiq)MOjBv—WSIdOdlOlOHd'8(piossjpaasemejojeqeuopA||Bnsns;siq)luoiiBUjiiuaBAjopejsjjesjo)pajjueosaqjsnuispaastunjuejag)spoqiauJuoiutuooejeppejoj8)baa)oqujspaasBuj>|bos$)boopaasemBu^BejqjoBuiqoiBJOsUeoopaasaq)Buua)|eAqspaasjoAouewjop|83|sAqdseuuoo-J3A0qojUMsesseoojdiBjeAes)oAuv—NOIlVOIJIdVOSL

•(6ui»noe)opue)noaq)jo))ue|dApooMbjopuno/waq)J8AOsujjo))eq)enssi)pa)Bi)uaja|)!punaqi—smiVO'9

B)SjAJOM9IA)UBSB8|dBPJ0))BO)SBP3)B00|osjopauBjsapuonjABdjoajn)oru)suspjBBv—083ZVO'9

jeaA)sj|)aq)qBnojq)8A!)B)86dAsuiBiuejAipensn)nq'sajpuaq)v()jnjjjo)J8M0|)o)suossaszsajmbajA|[bujujou'passujoj)pa)JB)s*)Bq))UB|dv—1VINN3I9P

'0)8'SBjUUjZ'suoBejpdBus'siuniuBjeBamossb||9msb'spiO|dBj)e)ajBspioByBuiqouejjijbmos)8Spo)peiqnops\(pjOjdjp)saujosouuojqojos)asz10uoi)ipuoo|snsnaq)qoiq/wui)UB|dv—aiOHdVai31G

su6isepoujeujoeB'ibujjojjuejejjipAubuj6ujA|OAUj9'S!||8J)JO||BMB)SUjB6B)B|)MOJ6O)'S|B)UeiUBUJOApOOMVsaaj))jai)sbqons's)UB|d6U1UJBJ))opoqjeujy—U3nVdS3Z

'J8)baapueapjxoipuoqjBOujoj)poo))o8jn)0B)nuBUJamujesnjo))qBi|uns)oABjauaaq)sqjosqs)Bq)S)UB|dui|BU8)BUJ)U8UjB|duasjBeqi—HAHdOdOIHO"I

Neverpourblackcoffeeintoanintoxicatedperson.Ifyoudo,you'lljustwindupwithawide-awakedrunkonyourhands.

18 ILLINOIS STATE FLORISTS' ASSOCIATION BULLETIN

RegardingPesticide Phytotoxicity

Patricia P. Cobb

Phytotoxicity is plant damage that is caused byapplications of pesticides. Pesticide phytotoxicity mayoccur in one or a combination of ways; the 5 types ofdamage that occur most often are as follows:

1. Plant "burn" — may appear on the tips ormargins of the leaf as spots, or the entire leaf may beburned. The growing tip or bud may be killed.

2. Chlorosis — tip or marginal yellowing (bleachedappearance) or spots, or a yellowing of entire leaf.

3. Abnormal growth — excessive growth, distortion or reduction in number of certain parts such asflowers, fruits, etc.

4. Stunting — Entire plant size reduced or size ofparts (roots, fruit, etc.) reduced.

5. Leaf distortion — abnormal crimping, curlings orcuppings of the leaf.

New growth is most likely to show spray damage,although any part of the plant may be affected. Soildrenches may injure roots causing stunting or slowplant decline. Soil drenches may damage foliage, butusually the older foliage shows the damage rather thanthe new growth.

• Don't apply pesticides to stressed plants.Don't spray under extremely hot, sunny conditions.When air or plant tissue temperature is 90°F or higher,damage will likely occur. On bright sunny days, leaftissue temperatures may be 5°-15° higher than thesurroundingair —this increases the possibility of injury.Slowed growth due to cool weather (or other factors)may increase chances of plant damage. Wilted or dryplants are sensitive to spray injury.

• Apply pesticides under conditions that promote drying. Spray that remains on plants for a longtime increases the probability of damage.

• Tank mixtures may cause plant injury thatdoes not occur from the use of any one of the materialsalone.

• Some pesticide formulations are generallysafer than others. Wettable powders are usually saferthan emulsifiable concentrates. Almost all aerosol formulations will cause damage if applied at less than therecommended distance between the nozzle and theplant (distance is usually 18-20 in.).

• The label on the pesticide container is yourmost reliable source of information. Plants that canbe treated without injury or those to be avoided areusually listed. Dosage rates and application instructionsare on the label.

• Ifyou treat plants not listed on the label, do soat your own risk! Useonly a few plants —make 3 or4applications 3 to 7 days apart. Any damage shouldoccur within a week after spraying.

• Keep sprayers, hoses and nozzles clean.Clean equipment after each use. Use a differentsprayer for herbicides.

The above information is from "The Alabama

Nurseryman," Dec. 1981.

Slow-Release FertilizersAllen C. Botacchi

Cooperative Extension Horticultural AgentUniversity of Connecticut, Storrs

In the early days of the greenhouse industry, cropswere fertilized with slow-release materials from organicsources. Horn shavings, cottonseed meal, castorpumice, steamed bone meal, dried blood, and seaweedwere some of the materials used. These sources were

variable in nutrient content, not readily available, andhave become very expensive in recent years. Some ofthese materials also produce disagreeable odors.

Inorganic formulations of slow-release fertilizershave been on the market for about 20 years. Thesematerials are slowly soluble or are coated with sulfur,plastic resins, or other ingredients which control therelease of the nutrients. Products such as Ureaform,

Agriform Tablets, MagAmp, Osmocote, Nutricote, Pro-Grow, Peter's Slow Release 14-7-7 and others arecommon to the trade.

COMPARISON TABLE OF SLOW RELEASE FERTILIZERS

Product/Formulation Duration Rate Comments

Peter's SlowRelease(14-7-7)

Mag Amp*(7-40-6,+ 12X Mg)

Osmocote*(14-14-14)(19-6-12)(18-6-12)(18-5-11)

90 days

Medium granules, 1 grow-season

3-4 months3-4 months8-9 months

11-14 months

4 lb./cu.yd.

8-15 lb./cu.yd.

12 lb./cu.yd.9 lb./cu.yd.12 lb./cu.yd.16 lb./cu.yd.

373 lb. CaCO,equivalent/ton.Contains traceelements. Neversteam.

No trace elements,other than Mg

Steaming not recommended. Notrace elements.

* For CT, not over 4-5 lb. Osmocote or 3 lb. Mag Amp 1s suggested percubic yard of mix, as stated In "Nutrition of Greenhouse Crops",Bui. NE-220.

Many growers have successfully used these products, alone or in combination with a liquid fertilizationprogram. Each product has unique properties which agrower must consider when incorporating it into hismanagement system. One quality which most of theseproducts possess is to reduce the amount of nutrientsleached from the growing medium. This fact can and willreduce the quantity of water required to grow the crop,since the traditional 10% leaching with liquid fertilizationprograms may not be necessary.

Some growers and researchers have reported asynergistic effect when using a combination slow-release and liquid fertilization program. That is, plantgrowth was observed to be better than if either was

ILLINOIS STATE FLORISTS* ASSOCIATION BULLETIN 19

used by itself. Typically, % to % of the recommendedrate of slow release fertilizer is used with a liquid fertilizer supplement.

In an effort to conserve water, fertilizer, and subsequent money, try incorporating or top dressing some ofthese products on your growing medium.

References

Holcomb, E.J. 1980. How to increase fertilizer efficiency throughslow release formulations. Florists' Review, October 1:9,38+.

Sanderson, K.C. 1982. Slow-release fertilizers good for house-plants. Florists' Review, January 21:9.

Reprinted from the "Connecticut GreenhouseNewsletter," Aug. 1983, published by the University ofConnecticut Cooperative Extension Service.

Carbon Dioxide

Can Make A DifferenceJ.W. Mastalerz

The Pennsylvania State University, University Park

Whatever happened to CO2 (carbon dioxide)?Information on CO2 enrichment was a major topic atflower grower meetings 15-20 years ago.

Many greenhouse managers and growers began toadd CO2 to increase growth and quality of greenhousecrops. For some reason, the use of CO2 has decreased very drastically, almost to the point that it is nolonger an important cultural practice.

CO2 — the invisible fertilizer. Absence or a deficiency of CO2 does not show up with distinct plantsymptoms such as a fertilizer deficiency would show.The only effect is reduced yield and quality that can be

"No, I don't want him back — I Just want to knowwhat the old coot is up to!"

measured only in comparison with the yield and qualityof plants enriched with CO2.

Why is CO2 important? CO2 is a raw material forthe process of photosynthesis.

In the process of photosynthesis, plants combineCO2 from the atmosphere with water from the soil, using energy from the sun to manufacture sugars (carbohydrates). These sugars provide energy for variouslife processes and serve as the building blocks fromwhich plants are constructed. The more CO2 available,the more sugars manufactured, the more materialsavailable for plant growth.

How much CO2 can plants use? The atmosphereoutside of the greenhouse contains 300-330 ppm(0.03%) in contrast to 209,400 ppm of oxygen(20.94%). Plants respond to concentrations as high as5000-8000 ppm — they can economically use1000-1500-2000 ppm. CO2 becomes deficient ingreenhouses when it is cold outside and ventilators areclosed to maintain temperatures, when sunlight isavailable for photosynthesis, and when green plants arepresent. Anytime a temperature difference of 30°Fexists between indoor and outdoor temperatures, aCO2 deficiency usually occurs.

CO2 deficiencies are most severe when belowfreezing temperatures occur outdoors (glass laps aresealed tight when condensation water freezes).

CO2 deficiencies are more serious problems inenergy efficient structures because CO2 is not replaced by infiltration of outside air.

CO2 enrichment can result in: (1) better quality;(2) higher yields; (3) faster growth; (4) more effectiveuse of higher air temperatures.

Sources of CO2.(1) Ventilation — bringing in outside air can only

raise levels to normal 300-330 ppm.(2) Organic mulches — can increase CO2 levels to

very high levels, no control, CO2 available both day andnight (plants can use CO2 only during the daylighthours). CO2 levels increase rapidly, remain high for arelatively short period of time, then decrease; mulchesmust be replaced regularly to maintain high CO2 levels;only a limited number of crops (roses, tomatoes,cucumbers) are normally grown with mulches.

(3) Combustion of organic fuels, including industrialalcohol, propane, kerosene, natural gas. Problems include the need for complete combusion (high levels ofoxygen) to avoid the production of ethylene whichcauses abnormal growth reaction in plants. Productionof toxic levels of sulfur dioxide when the fuel contains

sulfur; release of heat which may require ventilation tomaintain optimum temperatures for growth; use ofscarce fossil fuels.

(4) Manufactured forms of CO2: compressed gas,solid CO2 (dry ice), and liquid CO2 (gas underpressure). More expensive than combustion sources,but best from a purity, management, maintenance point

20 ILLINOIS STATE FLORISTS' ASSOCIATION BULLETIN

of view. Absence of toxic gases most significant factor.

Is CO2 enrichment safe to humans? Yes — U.S.health standards indicate that people doing hard,physical work can tolerate continuing exposure to5000 ppm of CO2 for an 8 to 9 hour day.

Recommended levels for economic, profitable CO2enrichment is 1000-1500-2000 ppm, well within thelimits of safety and health standards.

Does it pay? Can Imake a profit? The cost of CO2alone (additional costs for equipment, installation,operating and maintenance may be 20% more) rangesfrom 4 to 8 cents per sq. ft. of greenhouse space perseason (Oct. through Mar.).

Using greenhouse rose production as an example,CO2 enrichment does pay. Annual yields of roses are30-42 flowers per sq. ft. Mid-winter yields (CO2enrichment season) would be at least 10-14 flowersper sq. ft. CO2 enrichment increases rose productionby 30-40%. At 30%, you would get 3 or 4 moreflowers per sq. ft., while at 40%, you would get 4 to 6more flowers per sq. ft. CO2 enrichment costs 8 centsper sq. ft. Therefore, 3 or 4 more flowers at a wholesalevalue of 20 cents per flower gives a gross of 60-80cents. Four to 6 more flowers at a wholesale value of20 cents per flower = 80 cents to $1.10 gross.

You get a 60 cent to $1.10 return per sq. ft. for acost of only 8 cents per sq. ft.!

Is this an excellent investment? Can you make aprofit? Appears to be one of the best investments inour current economic situation. Where else can yourealize that kind of return on your investment?

Why have growers given up using CO2? Theabsence of CO2 doesn't produce obvious symptoms.

CO2 equipment (especially burners) requiresconstant maintenance and attention.

An added cost when cutting expenses is so critical.Failure to grow plants as well as you know how —

only as well as you need to stay in business. Need forgreater attention to details by management.

CAN YOU AFFORD NOT TO USE CO2?

This timely article is from the "Pennsylvania FlowerGrowers Bulletin," Second issue, 1984.

Keep Smiling!Today's accent is on youth, but the stress is on the

parents. ...In most organizations, half the members doall the work, & the other half do nothing — but ourAssociation is exactly the opposite. ... Sagacious Samsuggests that you always think your way out before youmove in. ... Some salesmen in our industry are too independent; they don't take orders from anyone.... Enjoy yourself now, because these are the Good Old Daysyou'll miss in the 1990s. ... A credit card & a ballpointpen can get you into trouble again & again!

Some Timely HintsFor Greenhouse Growers

From a Ml State County Extension Director comesthe following list of 20 reminders for greenhousegrowers, whether they be producers of beddings plantsor other crops:

1. Send in your soil samples today.2. Weed killers are handy, but know what to use

where.

3. Sterilized soil is only as sterile as the tools,equipment & handling techniques we use.

4. Disease problems are probably 75% man made— poor soil drainage, poor ventilation, inadequate fertilizing, etc.

5. Fertilizer injectors should be calibrated at leastonce or twice a year (preferably even more often).

6. Some bedding plants need bottom heat orshould be grown off the ground.

7. Did last year's seedling schedule coincide withtransplanting? Overgrown seedlings are miserable towork with.

8. Some transplanters continue to do a wreckingjob — time to seek different help or change jobassignments.

9. Any bud blasting? Be sure heating units areproperly ventilated.

10. How's the supply of growth regulators? Are yourelying on material that might be 2 or 3 years old & noteffective?

11. Is it possible to delay seedlings 1 or 2 moreweeks to delay high energy costs?

12. Try several new varieties every year — youmight be happy with some new entries.

13. Check last year's "dump list." Let's not have anexcess of a commodity 2 years in a row.

14. If there are plans for increased production, theproduct should already be sold.

15. Hours spent at a growers' meeting, on a tour,or visiting your neighbor's range is time well spent.

16. A solu-bridge & pH meter are two very valuabletools in greenhouse growing. Be sure to use them on aregular basis.

17. Be sure that thermometers are accurate when

checking soil & air temperatures.18. The help is only as good as the instruction &

supervision they receive.19. Be sure the backup generator is in working

order — run it at least once a month through the growing season.

20. Is your pesticide certification current?

"Johnny, I'm afraid that you'll never learn to writelegibly," the teacher said plaintively.

"That's OK, Miss Smith," replied the pupil. "Iplan to be a doctor."

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