Full-Time Seasonal Urban Gardening Business

Hello,

I was just wondering if anyone in Canada has been able to start a full-time SFG business that makes a comparable wage (30-50K). I am looking into whether it is a viable model for a major increase in urban agriculture, as recessions are predicted for Edmonton and Calgary, and a housing dip (read: different recession) are predicted for Toronto and Vancouver. 

I have a degree in Business Administration, and several years experience, but I have not been able to secure employment after 1 year of applying (I was a SAHM for 3 years). In your opinion, is this a viable option for the coming potential client up-turn, especial if I was able to work else where in the winter months? 

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Celeste

Interesting idea. Hope someone responds.

Check this article out from Mother Earth News,
http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/six-figure-farming-with-jean-martin-fortier-zbcz1501.aspx
His website;
http://www.themarketgardener.com/

I know it is not square foot gardening but he is in Canada and teaches a business plan for Market Gardening. It may have some information you need.
Good Luck
Craig

Celeste, I wish I had some advice...  I know how disheartening that can be.  I was unemployed for over 4 years.

I think it was Has55 that posted a video a few days about a man in Los Angeles that has made a business like this.  He & his family caters to many restaurants in the area.  (He also has chickens, etc.)

If you live in a neighborhood, you might check w/ neighbors to see if they would be willing to buy their veggies from you.

The thing is, this is a long term, rather expensive project to get going...

Thank you all of your thoughts and advise. I will check out the resources you have provided.

I do not want to see this thread die. Ray and I have considered ourselves to be subsistence farmers on our suburban lot for the last 4 years of his unemployment (two of those were with government money through an agreement his company had with the government.... he went to collage for re-training, the government sent him unemployment checks without requiring him to look for work, just study and keep his grades up). That did not translate into a job. I teach at a private christian school, but that is almost a paid-volunteer wage (800 a month). He gets early retirement (1,000 a month). A son rents a room and pays half of our mortgage so we are able (so far) to stay here. Little things like taxes and insurance going up 250 last fall have nearly (nearly is not totally) crushed us. the LORD is good! Our SFG went from a hobby for fresh and unusual vegetables to subsistence (something we could not have afforded if we had not built the SFG's and built up the seed bank before the loss of income). Now, with Back To Eden beds added to our SFG's, we are trying to go to the next level, selling extra. Having extra takes planning. We certainly do not expect 30 to 60K a year but we do plan to keep our home, put gas in our truck, keep the lights on and in general, be praising the Almighty for his provision.... up or down. We also need ideas, our small town is heavily regulated and shy on restaurants. Space at the farmers market is expensive and I am not convinced that it is the best use of resources. 

Debs.... wishing you the best and sweet sleep at night while you build your business!

Debs,  You have certainly had your share of trying times.  I wish you all the luck with your endeavors and pray you have bounty.  Between the sfg and bte it sounds feasible. I just bought a used copy of Mel's Cash book, not that I am going to sell anything, but just for the knowledge.