Starting A Nursery - Your Very First Steps

[@savvydirtfarmer]

What are your "must haves" for someone starting out? Comment below

[@denisebalog994]

A wheelbarrow and/or a garden wagon or cart to move the plants around. Wheelbarrow for dirt and such👍 Excellent video as usual. I'm in the serious "thinking" and gathering stage. 🌱🙂 Thank you

[@sidehustlesenior]

What about fencing to keep out rabbits, raccoon, deer, etc.

[@bri0013]

Dedication and diligence. Motivation to get out there and get after it. With the right attitude a few resources and some sweat equity could easily yield you a 500/1000$ Saturday in a few short months.

[@thecrimsonhosta7042]

Where did you buy your water wand?

[@andreariegler]

A basic working knowledge of insect and disease issues of the plants you're selling

[@bri0013]

Honestly if anyone has just started. You done what most folks are afraid too. It's not a huge deal many perceive it that way and that fear keeps a seed from growing. It took me 10 years to say "Enough". Watch out for things that will steal your attention and time.

[@hudson8865]

Thank you very much.

[@donnietillery8552]

Awesome video. I have been watching KZbin videos for about two years dreaming about starting a backyard nursery. Because of you, I finally started buying plants and building a mist propagation low tunnel, so that I can have my very own backyard nursery. Thank you for being honest and transparent about what you are doing. You are an inspiration to those of use that aren't sure if we can do it. Sincerely, Donnie

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Nice. Thanks for the kind words.

[@indhumadhurika1784]

That is Very important .love you❤

[@123loveyourland]

What a super fun channel! I’ve watched like a dozen of your videos tonight lol. Great content! Super motivating!! :)

[@shirleyoliver7715]

Thank you for postining,, I live here in South Ga we don't get much cold lost of all my flowers I rooted this guess it wasn't ment to be.

[@lydialingle6306]

Do you have a video that covers the business and legal aspects of starting a plant nursery?

[@josephiglesias8489]

Thanks for the videos! I’ve been watching your videos for quite some time now. Just applied for a nursery license yesterday here in Texas! Your videos have been very helpful.

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Great job! Being in TX, you'll want shade cloth of some percentage to be near the top of your "getting started" list.

[@josephiglesias8489]

@@savvydirtfarmer Definitely, it’s been very hot and sunny!

[@savvydirtfarmer]

@@josephiglesias8489 For sure. I have heat damage to plants I've never seen damaged before... it's been hard on farmers, growers, and anyone with an electric bill, as far as I can tell.

[@hosta127]

I love working with plants. I have been bingeing in your startup videos tonight. So a backyard nursery may be my next thing. I have the space. I have a large graveled parking area but I still think I would use the breathable ground cover you recommended.

[@teresaholland4790]

As usual concise direct no music great info thank you so much for sharing your time with us cheers Florida

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@painchaud2000]

Love all your videos! I've been thinking about doing this as a side hustle and you are giving the greatest tips! Thanks!!!

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Great! thanks for being here.

[@dragonfly686868]

Your plants look so lush!!! I live in a condominium with a back patio and front lawn. (But it’s got snails 🐌) just discovered your channel so will watch on! I have a few house plants & would like to start propagating n start a side hustle first - got tired of job hunting! Your energy n enthusiasm n generosity of sharing is so encouraging! Subscribed and will like your videos!

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Great!! Just get started growing some stuff

[@anitahouse3600]

as always, THANK YOU! Keep the how to's coming!

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Thanks, will do!

[@hazelgallagher6397]

Really enjoying watching your youtube channel. Can you do a a video on setting up a basic mister. I need to sort this but dont know where to start.

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Hoping to do one by next Spring. I got most of mine from someone else so I've never actually put the components together... but it's not that hard.

[@lolitabonita08]

great video as always...thank you for sharing knowledge.

[@savvydirtfarmer]

My pleasure!

[@brownthumbnursery]

Great video as always!

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Thanks again!

[@jamestaylor8217]

BTW, I like your coverage of the physical business. Thanks.

[@hudson8865]

Thank you very much.

[@SILVIAFORTIN-x9e]

I learned A lot easy técnicks from you thanks

[@theduck7456]

Hi, 1. Let me ask what is your name. I just call "Dirt Farmer" which is ok but it would be nice to know your name... 2. Your channel is a must. You have a great way of sharing your knowledge. 3. I have looked everywhere in PA eastern side for pine bark triple ground. Lumber mills, Lowe's, nursery, ect. I can find mulch but not ground pine...Here is the question.. can I use pine bark and use a shredder to grind it into smaller bark for a plant medium. The pine bark is free.

[@angiezavacky4347]

The hardwood bark mulch is my hold up also. No one around (Eastern Pa) has it. They used to ship it in from western Pa/ Ohio but is no longer cost effective. Let me know if you find a decent 'soil' alternative!

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Craig. Bulk compost is a good alternative, assuming it's a decent product. Doesn't need to be "organic" or anything perfect, just not full of trash, and well decomposed.

[@theduck7456]

@@angiezavacky4347 Hi, I posted also the same comment on Facebook and a kind man said that to take bulk mulch and he said to start a compost pile with pine mulch and let it set for 9 to 12 months. After that you can get fine black mulch that inert. It should work much better than potting soil. You'll need to have the room to do this. I thought it was a great answer to our problem. Hope this will work for use. Keep watching Savvy Dirt Farmer. It's a great place to learn about plant. Sounds like a great family too...

[@angiezavacky4347]

All the mulch around here is made from recycled pallets. So I'm thinking that's a combination of hardwood,softwood,pressure treated etc. Flower beds seem to do okay with it , but I think I'd need to add something for drainage. No pine bark around either and perlite wouldn't be cost effective (unless maybe I buy by the truckload) 😉

[@Aimerla]

Thank you! Have learned it.

[@vnxettitw4879]

I love all your info, thank you!!!

[@savvydirtfarmer]

You are so welcome!

[@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123]

You make me want to move to a warmer climate !! Zone 3 here and overwintering in pots has to be in a greenhouse with added heat :( Very few things survive in a pot, it’s tough enough keeping things in the ground 😢 Love your channel !

[@kennyjohnson6875]

Very good thanks

[@danielmcclure8233]

Suggestions on cheap start up supplies? Seed trays and pots? Thanks

[@esmysyield2023]

Do you have a video with details of what a state nursery inspection consist of? Like what they look for, what you have to have in place , and things like that?

[@savvydirtfarmer]

"Inspection" is really not the correct word for what they do, even though it's called that. All they are doing is looking at your plants and checking for pest damage. They make recommendations on managing them. This is not a pass/fail thing. They are there to help. For a small nursery, it's really not much more than a formality.

[@esmysyield2023]

@@savvydirtfarmer oh ok. Cool. Thanks.

[@irishshintoshi8213]

Great information, thanks for sharing

[@savvydirtfarmer]

You bet

[@patriciahogg5763]

Thanks! Good tips!

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Thanks for watching our channel!

[@browndog9402]

great video as always and very helpful, I will probably building that winter tunnel this year as we get alot of snow.

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Probably a good move.

[@1Kent]

I love gardening but that looks like work. Also I live in an apartment with very little room to grow anything.

[@jparks7874]

Another great video. I started my nursery this year and had a lot of plants. Where I have struggled was my driveway sales. I didn’t get enough people to show up. Everyone who showed bought something so that was good. I posted on Nextdoor for my first sale and it was okay. For the next sale I tried Facebook but I must have done something wrong because I had only 3 people show. I did my sales in June and July and it has been very hot in Alabama this year and that may have hurt sales. If anyone has advice please let know.

[@savvydirtfarmer]

In Alabama March - May are the prime months, especially as hot as it has been this Summer. I would bet that's the issue. I haven't even been able to sell a plant since early June. We've had no rain, the heat has been unbearable, and the ground is too hard for anyone to dig a hole to put a plant in.

[@ticktock2383]

You need a greenhouse to start selling much earlier, March or April. Everyone in your area had already bought their plants for the year.

[@BillC253]

Thanks, Good Stuff

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Thanks for watching

[@IC.ElectricLLC]

I am considering clearing the top layer of top soil before laying the ground cover. That way they're won't be any plants underneath and I'll have top sole to use. Are there any issues with doing that?

[@savvydirtfarmer]

I would not do that but I can’t see that it hurts anything. But if you need that space later on, top soil will be thin or non existent

[@janinedyason2924]

Thank you so much for these informative videos. It has inspired me to get my backyard nursery up and running. I have all the basics except for the plants. Working on that now. So excited!!🙂 How late in the season is it too late to start getting plugs, potting and growing them? I am also in zone seven. Thank you again.

[@savvydirtfarmer]

I bought Coral Bells plugs early November last year. Make sure you're buying plants hardy to your area, and make sure they have time to transition from tender greenhouse plant starts to plants that can survive your winter. For you in zone 7, I'd say safe to buy, generally through September.

[@sarahthomas2303]

What do you thing about miracle bro potting soil?

[@savvydirtfarmer]

For what application? I use it mixed with ground pine bark to make plugs. Otherwise, I have no use for it in a nursery

[@JS-jh4cy]

What is that one the wood framing? A shade cloth and why if plants need sunlight?

[@JS-jh4cy]

Autocorrect crap... typo .. one is on.

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Shade cloth doesn't stop all sunlight, it reduces it. Reduces water needs. Reduces harsh summer sun on potted plants. Nearly all plants thrive under it.

[@paulroemer3989]

What do you do when it get really wondy? I live in central WI and storms can get pretty crazy with 60+ mph winds. What would you suggest?

[@savvydirtfarmer]

We has gusts over 70 here 2 weeks ago. Blew over 50 for 5 or 6 consecutive hours. I didnt do anything different.

[@Cowandhenvintage]

Can you share the name of that weed woven cloth? Thank you in advance

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Dewitt woven ground cover

[@barryrhyno3190]

Just wondering what the white plastic is called for the low tunnel. Can't find it anywhere. Tia

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Polyethylene plastic; also known as “poly.”

[@barryrhyno3190]

@savvydirtfarmer ok nothing comes up in white. But I'll keep looking thanks 😊

[@hosta127]

I’m still inept at some technology. Where do I find the links to Flexzilla hose and the Dura? wand?

[@savvydirtfarmer]

In the description, right below the video. Amazon links. thanks!

[@RandomStuff-zt6qf]

What exactly is that ground cover? Do you have a brand name for it?

[@savvydirtfarmer]

DeWitt. Brand does matter. DeWitt hold up a LONG time.

[@MrWhiltetail]

The Dramm wand your link goes to is different from the one you are using. It has a brass valve. It looks like you have a push button on yours. How do you like it compared to the valve?

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Works the exact same way. Looks like they've discontinued the one I have typically used and replaced it with brass. I ordered one 2 weeks ago as a backup and it works great.

[@hosta127]

Can you share where you are located? I am in extreme western North Carolina, in a semi-rural area.

[@savvydirtfarmer]

West TN, zone 7.

[@hosta127]

@@savvydirtfarmer Thank you. I am also in zone 7

[@zone4garlicfarm]

Do you take down the shade cloth for winter? I can picture it tearing from snow load where I live.

[@savvydirtfarmer]

I will take it down this winter, for sure. Ice/snow just about collapsed everything last year. I got by, but won't take that chance again this year.

[@TheOldkid888]

Great video as always! Definitely using the tunnel idea this year! I made a big mistake with my propagated plants last year. They were potted up and I decided to stick pot and all in the ground and simply remove them in the spring. Didn't work out well at all. Lost about 95% which was painful. Hard lesson. Do you simply place them in there and forget about them until the spring? Just curious is watering required at all? They will freeze like blocks in our region!!! Thanks in advance! Al

[@savvydirtfarmer]

So far, I've overwintered 80% (guessing) of my plants uncovered, completely exposed outside. For the ones I have covered, I wait for our first hard freeze and then cover them once I know they are dormant. I occasionally check them for weeds and spray some water if needed. But, they require little, if any water all winter. I would probably cover around Dec 1 in my area and start uncovering around March 1, depending on weather - ready to re-cover them on cold nights. They freeze solid here too, get flooded, buried in snow, whatever... no problem.

[@greg2468]

Great info. Quick question. Do you ever use rooting hormone got propagation?

[@savvydirtfarmer]

I've tried. Doesn't seem to make any difference for me.

[@Aviatorgreen]

Why white plastic vs. clear plastic on a hoop house?

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Clear produces an incredible amount of heat that will cook your plants in no time. White plastic reflects the sun rays and keeps the temps inside much more moderate.

[@jphilfiker]

Is the shade for the plants that do not need full sun? Do you rotate plants in and out of the shaded areas?

[@savvydirtfarmer]

I have experimented with that some this year. Exceptionally hot this summer, I put full sun plants under the shade too, and, they have thrived!

[@redwoodsgal]

Do you need any licensees?

[@JS-jh4cy]

Yea, money printer 🖨 license

[@lilyrosedaisyvioletsweetpe1207]

💚💚

[@redwood1957]

Where are you located?

[@savvydirtfarmer]

North AL

[@redwood1957]

@@savvydirtfarmer what zone are you in

[@savvydirtfarmer]

@@redwood1957 7

[@DJDOUBLE077]

Production, sales, marketing, and a pair of pruners. Also, only buy what you NEED to keep expenses to a minimum. It's so easy to get carried away with non-essentials. Groundcover and shadecloth is very important as mentioned. Pots are what should be sorted out immediately in order to average down.

[@RandomStuff-zt6qf]

Is there a particular ground cover you recommend?

[@jamestaylor8217]

Actually I disagree. Having started and sold my own business, and now starting another, I think the first thing you need to do (not necessary fun) is market research. Who will be your market, how close are they, what do they want, how will you advertise, how will you sell and deliver, ... .

[@savvydirtfarmer]

Thanks for the comment! I've never done any of that. I just grow plants and I sell out of everything I grow every year. Grow them, post them for sale, walk away with a wad of cash.