Promoting healthy gardening and landscaping practices to the consumers in Maine, while introducing the fall planting concept (especially for these difficult times following the Covid-19 pandemic).
The Maine Landscape and Nursery Association (MELNA) will expand the market of horticulture specialty crops in Maine by increasing summer and fall sales by continuing to work with the Independent Retail Shared Services Cooperative (IRSSC) to develop new relationships between Maine independent retailers and horticulture specialty crop growers and wholesalers.
Retailers, wholesalers and growers of horticultural specialty crops rely on spring sales. April 1st -June 1st accounts for 60-100% of sales for MELNA members, and these members represent a cross-section of the industry. The season for planting these trees, vegetable seedlings and ornamental landscape plants does not need to end when summer begins! Summer, and especially fall, are excellent times to “Plant Something!” even in Maine.
By raising awareness with current consumers and new potential clients about the benefits of fall planting, the IRSSC and our collaborators hope to help expand the specialty crops market in Maine, increase sales and lengthen the season for this industry!
