MASTER GARDENER TO SHARE BUSINESS TIPS AND SECRETS

An acre equals 43,560 square feet.

Half that and you have 21,780 square feet...Imagine a $60,000 income from that amount of space.

That's what Ray Evans is shooting for, and currently, the Missouri Master Gardener member is up to about $50,000.

Evans, who works with the Department of Conservation in public affairs, and his wife, Carole, are averaging about $2.50 per square foot in their back-yard "garden."

Evans, of Holt's Summit, will reveal some of his secrets Thursday, during a 6:30 p.m. meeting to be held at the Elks Lodge in Jackson.

"Evans' methods are unique and effective," said Gerald Bryan of the local extension office, at Jackson. "This should be an interesting program."

Evans' visit is sponsored by the Southeast Missouri Masters Gardeners and the Cape Girardeau County University Outreach and Extension Service.

There is no cost to attend the workshop.

Evans' original goal was to produce and sell $1 gardening goodies per square foot for his 20,000-plus square feet area in his back yard. "We've easily doubled that," he said.

Evans describes his operation as the "Funny Farm."

"We grow 21 different kinds of lettuce," he said. "In addition to vegetables, we do fresh herbs, cut flowers and edible flowers."

The edible flower list includes nasturtium, day lilies, pansies, petunias and snap-dragons.

Restaurants are the main market outlet, said Evans. "We have a fairly limited number of clients, but we provide a wide range of products for them.

Evans feels that is important to do things during his time off.

"I subscribe to a theory broached by a former U.S. president," said Evans. "Thomas Jefferson once said he may be an old man, but a young gardener.

"We're always learning and experimenting," added Evans. "We stay busy."

And, they don't have to mow the back yard.