6 Reasons WHY your nursery business WILL FAIL.

[@bri0013]

I help operate a small backyard nursery. Im telling you, this man is telling you the Gods honest truth. I have single handledy face these issues all season long. Its challenging. Savvy Dirt Farmer is saving yall years of shortcomings and learning curves.

[@savvydirtfarmer]

I appreciate that! Hope it helps someone.

[@jeromejaczynski8688]

Good morning craig great info you are spot on. I work a full time job evenings and weekends are dedicated to my little nursery. But love it and been doing for years

[@awakenacres]

Good points! Definitely start slow if money is an issue. Learn how to propagate a few plants and before you know it you’ll have hundreds of plants with very little money spent. Seek out used pots from nurseries, garden centers and garage sales.

[@savvydirtfarmer]

People don't understand used pots CAN be found. I got about 2,000 free pots last week!

[@hosta127]

Thanks for the good reminders. I am ordering in 3 - 32-plug trays of green giant arbs (96 total) and 9 trays of hydrangea. Do you recommend potting everything up to gallon pots? And when do you put arbs directly in the ground to grow out?

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Definitely pot those arbs in 1 or trade 1 pots. In ground? Depends on what you want to do with them. I only grow plants in the ground if I'm going to bare root ship them. I used to grow more in the ground than I do now, but it's more extra work to have to dig them and pot them later, and if you do a lot of them, it's A LOT of extra work.

[@savvydirtfarmer]

I'd pot the hydrangeas too, unless you want to kepp some of them, and/or arbs, for parent plants.

[@outdoorztime2923]

Thanks for the tips, Mr. SDF! God bless you for helping people and giving them great advice that could save them valuable time, heartache and money.

[@davidblackwell6842]

Hi Craig great video mate love watching you and you family all the ups and downs of a nursery business..but you are a inspiration to those starting out , learning from your experiences is the only way to learn. your successes and your mistakes and brave enough to share them .all the very best Dave uk

[@Growing-Our-Retirement]

Great video Craig, a little tough love! Big difference between dabbling as a hobby that costs money and transitioning to an actual business that makes money! Well said!

[@anitahouse3600]

Thank you, as always. Good info.

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Thanks for watching!

[@1Kent]

All good advice. Success doesn't just happen, you got to work your butt off for it.

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Every single day.

It isn't really work if it is what you want to do. It feels different.

[@TheSoulSurvivorProject411]

Thank you for your experience. I really needed you today. God has given me the ability to grow beauty. I acknowledge what I've been given, and now I'm looking to educate myself on making my vision a reality. God gave me your presence on my KZbin. This video was EXACTLY what I needed today. Thank you 😂

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Wonderful! Glad you're here.

[@ejfishes7610]

Thank you for your tips Craig. All great things to think about. I’ve really pushed myself this year in my nursery & I’m glad I did!

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Wonderful! And, I know it shows.

[@CoffeeCakeCrumble]

You hit on a few things that I can relate to personally. The first is not going hog wild and burying yourself in the responsibility. I eventually will expand, but I need to keep it manageable for one person. The second is raising working capital to start inventory. I began with simple, common houseplant cuttings, kept that money separate from household/bills, reinvested in more parent plants, and went from there. This also started establishing a good reputation for healthy, well cared for stock. The last one has to do with the lack of support. Being told it's just a pipe dream from someone vegetating on a couch wasn't helpful, BUT just motivated me to prove it wasn't. Once the pile of Monday shipments got bigger and bigger, I expected I made my point. Now that it's established that sea of pots and plants=$$$, nobody's laughing at me now 😎

[@savvydirtfarmer]

yes on all of this!! I love seeing the sea of pots and plants... they make me happy every day

I hope you make a million.

[@sweetcountrylivinginmichigan]

Great video! Really causes you to think. I’ve been selling pine trees. This is my second year of doing that. But now, because of your videos I want to branch out and try my hand at a few other things. I’m so excited about this because it gives me a way to still play in the dirt and actually make money along the way. Your nursery looks great!

[@nikkireigns]

Do you sell them in pots? How much do they go for, if you don’t mind? I’m in WI

[@sweetcountrylivinginmichigan]

@@nikkireigns I sell my seedling trees that are under 2 feet for $10 each. Mainly Norway Spruce. Hope that helps.

[@sweetcountrylivinginmichigan]

They are in pots that I bought off Amazon.

[@nikkireigns]

@@sweetcountrylivinginmichigan Thank you! Just getting started here

[@LauraTeAhoWhite]

Working/volunteering at someone else's nursery business or farm for a season or two is a good way to get an idea of what is involved. I personally excess sell vegetable and flower seedlings from my home and I raise everything from seed. Its a small operation but its fun and its a nice source of seasonal pocket money. Maybe one day I will grow it bigger, however at the moment I'm just one person operation. After 2 years of doing this I am still learning and adapting. Everything has a learning curve.

[@amsohn1]

Thanks so much, I needed to hear this one... I was becoming a tad overwhelmed with everything just to start from nothing... While I do have my family and friends support, it's still a bit daunting... I'm also a planner - so I like having that written plan... step 1,2,3 etc. Your wisdom is such a valuable blessings! Thanks again! ❤

[@jkkelley7582]

Wow those dabbled willows have grown! Everything is growing so nicely!!

[@flatbrokeatfifty]

I am in a small apartment with a large balcony and I'm starting from there. So yes probably not the ideal demographic but it's ok to dream

[@savvydirtfarmer]

You can absolutely start a small nursery in a tiny place like a balcony, and you can learn so much you won't believe it.

Hope that dream is growing into profits.

[@marymountain2432]

Supportive and straightforward honest video. Thank you!!

[@savvydirtfarmer]

I appreciate that!

[@janinedyason2924]

Great video, and spot on. I work full-time and do this on the side The biggest things that I have learnt is that it is a lot more work than I anticipated and it is a lot slower going than I was hoping for. But I love doing it 🌺 Thanks for the great videos.

[@savvydirtfarmer]

"But I love doing it." Well said.

[@johnwells3926]

Another great video! You and your family are doing an AWESOME JOB.💪👍😎👏

[@savvydirtfarmer]

I sure appreciate that.

[@TRguy64]

An acquaintance has a large greenhouse business, mostly does spring bedding plants, containers and hanging baskets, does really good for himself. He's located a bit out in the sticks, but nearby enough to a large city with numerous satellite communities. He's done wise to secure large wholesale contracts with major retail outlets and also now open to walk in traffic. Has a substantial spring staff and a permanent right hand man from Mexico. This guy's operation is BIG, he runs himself into the ground, he'll retire more than wealthy, though probably meet his waterloo long before his time for his petal to the metal mentality. Indeed plenty of thought required for all this! Another nearby place is on a much smaller scale run by a middle aged woman having build a nice little greenhouse set up, though situated really out of the way and receives very little business, sad seeing her place still full of unsold annuals in July, it's known she's not in good financial standing. Another problem is that it's difficult to sell such a place of obvious poor location long down upon dead end road.

[@kburkes4245]

All good exhortations and practical applications to any kind of vision or goal.Thanks for sharing ❤

[@savvydirtfarmer]

I really like the word "exhortation." You don't hear it a lot.

[@kburkes4245]

@savvydirtfarmer. It's a good preacher word 😉

[@stevesweeney775]

Good video man, I have a small tree service and you inspired me to start a nursery business on the side

[@bri0013]

That's great news my man. I'm curious to know because I plan on selling some trees myself. In your area has anyone ever asked about Chesnut trees .. ? I'm considering stratified and bringing to life, several hundred next year. Trying to repopulate the American Chestnut.

[@savvydirtfarmer]

@bri0013 will the American Chestnut survive the blight? Interested to know

[@bri0013]

@@savvydirtfarmer simple answer is I'm not entirely sure. There seems to be evidence that suggest possible increase in immunity rate. Particularly with species companion planted with mychorrizal species of fungus.

[@howardgray-sh3de]

Thank you for these tips! I am just starting myself and am excited for what the future might hold. Unfortunately, I’m the kind of person that likes to see results very fast, so your reminders of starting small and slow are helping keep me grounded. Love your videos.

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Sometimes "results" means seeing your first plants start growing, finishing potting your first 1,000 plants, or realizing you CAN irrigate everything every day without it consuming too much time. Perspective. Work hard at it and results will come.

[@SeededGarden]

Just as plants need time to grow and mature, so does your business!

[@itsthehumidityyall8303]

I plan on only selling 3 types of plants. Keeping it small. I have a lot of knowledge and experience with these plants. I have examples of each to start with, but space is my #1 issue. City won’t let me have a green house AND a shed, and I already have a shed. I’m going to have to lease a spot of land from a friend. Also, I know this is a long distance race, not a sprint. I don’t really need it to take off for a couple years, if it actually does!

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Build a lean-to off your shed with greenhouse panels. It's not a greenhouse, it's a shed extension.

[@deathroll69]

Good informative video.

[@lizrose9981]

0ne thing you did not mention was a health interruption!

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Yep. 20 other things I could have mentioned as well.

[@FlomatonFamous]

Great video, good information!

[@matthewStapleton]

Great advice for any business

[@SeededGarden]

What Zone are you in? 7, 8? I’m in 8, Pacific nw. I would like to learn how to successfully overwinter potted herbaceous plants. Ideally a “greenhouse”. How about putting containered plants into a metal trough and packing them with with some organic matter to help keep the cold away?

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Don't know much about that family of plants, really

My plan is start a nursery that specializes in rare and unusual plants, edible landscaping, butterfly/hummingbird/wildlife gardening, food forests. I live in a 1.4 million metro region and there is no native or specialty nursery.

[@subsonicdemon]

Could you make a video on how to properly take care of your potted plants week to week basis? I was doing good at first but everything started dying on me and I don't know why. I water daily but that's pretty much it

You can always rent a small plot from a farmer and most community plots allow for growing ornamental plants even if you're in an apartment. Also you may convince your apartment complex to allow you to garden or set up a community space. Then there is always getting the proper state and federal permitting to allow you to harvest wild plants and sell them.

[@B30pt87]

That was wonderful! I've been subscribed for about a year, and I'm always glad to see a new video, but this one was exceptionally helpful. I'm still working on my land and house, so I'm not ready to take the step yet but when I am ready, your videos will have been a major part of why I succeed. Thank you so much for adding 'You Tuber' to your already impressive CV.

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SeededGarden]

Realizing that you’re not quite ready now,is very savvy on your part! A mark of a good business person!

[@ymwyoyo]

Great Craig. Very well said and real good advice.

[@mikel646]

It's been a while since you made a video like this one...thank you! I'm still stuck in my shaded, 25 foot wide townhouse due to a family situation, but as soon as the situation changes we'll be moving to a place that will support a backyard nursery. Thank you for the reminders and the outline of a plan!

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pillarfigueroa1526]

I' like to buy Some plug Emerald green 70

[@MississippiFiddler]

Just curious, what did you do for a living before starting your nursery? How long did you work in that vocation? I admire your determination! Please keep posting!

[@savvydirtfarmer]

I was a pastor for about 25 years.

[@denisebalog994]

Thank you for this honest video. Do I have everything checked off on the list, of course not, no. But I from watching your videos I have considered generally all on the list. As a former florist, starting from scratch, it took 2 to 3 years to even begin to see a real return. New business take two years to birth is my experience.👍 When I think of the difference between your nursery and mine, you can call in a few extra hands when needed. I think that is such a blessing. I have full family support and they are definitely helping with the foundation of getting set up but they don't do the potting up part. For me, I love it and work is really what we all do. Thankfully, now I am able to work from my backyard and walk this new path and season ahead out day by day. 🌱🏡😊 Blessings to you and your family. p.s. you guys did a great job of weeding out those arborvitaes! Wow! 👏👏 Lot of hard hand work there. Great job!

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Great words. Thanks for sharing part of your journey here.

[@JamesDeanDiedIn1955]

I am having problem gaining traction on facebook market place. Good plants, good pictures at very reasonable price, lots of clicks but no sale :( To make things worse, this are commonly sought after plants. And only 2 other sellers with same plants at much higher prices Any tips, Mr Odem? Thank you

[@alphaturd6922]

Wow maybe you should rephrase this you keep telling ppl they are going to fail over and over again

[@savvydirtfarmer]

If they do the things I mentioned here, they will fail.

[@pillarfigueroa1526]

Thank you very much

[@garyhamilton2979]

I think this is the reality check i needed. Germinated 40 horsechestnut seeds thinking i could sell them. Can't even give them away. Half are still the tub and the other half individual pots or put in pots of 4. Would love to get a stall next summer andctrycto sell them. Only expense is the compost.

[@lilyrosedaisyvioletsweetpe1207]

💚💚

[@dottie_mayfield]

You're awesome 👌 thank you very much!

[@savvydirtfarmer]

You're welcome!

[@ZE308AC]

Makes me not want to start a nursery and it makes me wounder why the universe gave me this dream when i am horrible at math?

[@savvydirtfarmer]

What part makes you want to not start one, even though the "universe" gave you the dream?

[@ZE308AC]

@@savvydirtfarmer I am pretty bad at math and I would hate to end up in legal trouble for not charging the correct taxes and deducting taxes of the paystubs for my workers.

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Let a calculator do math and get an accountant. They'll pay for themselves quickly in what trouble they'll save you. Problem solved.@@ZE308AC

[@ZE308AC]

@@savvydirtfarmer thank you, I really appreciate the solution 🙏.