Peter Henderson emigrated from Scotland in 1843 with little money but deep knowledge of practical horticulture. Within decades, he built one of America's largest seed companies and wrote the books that taught a generation how to garden professionally.
Gardening as a Business
Henderson's Gardening for Profit was groundbreaking because it treated gardening as a legitimate business. He provided specific advice on what to grow, when to plant, and—crucially—how to sell. His practical, no-nonsense approach helped thousands of returning Civil War veterans establish themselves as market gardeners.
His Legacy
The Peter Henderson seed company operated for over a century. His emphasis on reliability and honest dealing established standards for the American seed trade that influenced the industry for generations.
