People often get really confused when you start talking about grafted plants or budded plants.
They also get confused when they have plants in their landscape that start acting crazy and they don’t know why.
In this video, I explain how and why plants produce suckers and why those suckers should be removed.
If they are coming from below the graft or bud union, then the suckers are coming from the rootstock, and the rootstock is not the desired variety.
I hope the video clears this up for you.
I had accidentally use too much osmocote fertilizer on my mature Japanese red maple. After a soil test, the nitrogen and fertilizer level is way too high. 20% of the leaves have turned yellow during the month of May. Aside from trimming off the yellow leaves, and providing an iron supplement, is there anything else that I should try to reduce the level of nitrogen and fertilizer?
Remove the remaining osmocote and give the tree time to recover. Maybe flush the soil with water really well just once.
Hi Mike,
Our neighbor has a weeping Japanese maple. My wife loves it. So for mothers day I went to a local garden center and grabbed up a Japanese maple. Turns out I have the upright maple. I do not want this more than 6 feet or so high where it is. Alot of reading has said not to top it. I watched your video on pruning Japanese maples and was hoping you might offer some guidance.
Peter,
You have to maintain plants to fit the place where they are planted. Would it better out in the open so you don’t have to prune it? Possibly, but I have about 6 Japanese maples in the landscape around my house and they will never see 48″. See this; https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2014/03/23-landscaping-ideas-with-photos/
excellent
The instructions are excellent.
Thank You!
Your server hangs in the middle of displaying or does not come up at all.
‘Very good! Understandable. Any suggestions for a 30X50 plot . I am retired and need to make a few bucks.I have 20 acres in Heathsville, Va.
Thank You!
Joe Groves
Joe,
21 Plants that are Easy to Grow and Sell Like Crazy
The following 21 plants are really easy to grow and they sell like hot cakes. They always have been really good sellers and they always will be really good sellers. And this list is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to plants that you can grow and sell that people want to buy.
1. Forsythia
2. Red Weigela
3. Varigated Weigela
4. Pink Flowering Weigela
5. Red Twig Dogwood
6. Fragrant Viburnums
7. All Flowering Viburnums
8. Potentilla
9. Dappled Willow
10. Pussy Willow
11. Daylillies
12. Hosta
13. Huchera
14. All kinds of Perennials
15. Armeria
16. Boxwood
17. Japanese Hollies
18. English Hollies
19. Rhododendrons
20. PJM Dwarf Rhododendron
21. Hydrangeas
22. Rose of Sharon
23. Dwarf Alberta Spruce
24. White Dogwood trees
25. Chinese Dogwoods
26. Blue Rug Juniper
27. Gold Flame Spirea
28. Gold Mound Spirea
29. Ornamental Grasses of all kinds
30. Crimson Pygmy Barberry
31. Rosy Glow Barberry
Okay, that’s 31 and I could go on forever.
Here are some plants for warmer zones, 8,9, and 10
Fragrant Tea Olive
Gardenia,
Camellia,
Azalea,
Jasmines
Palm trees
Tropical Hibiscus
Burgundy Chinese Fringe Flower
Bogainvilla
Owari & Hamlin Oranges
Satsuma
Kumquat
Azalea (out the wazoo down here)
Crepe Myrtle (ditto)
Lilies
Camelias
amaryllis
hybrids such as Blossom Peacock and Papillo
Japanese Pieris
Satsuma’s
Star gazer lilies
Crape Myrtles of all kinds
Gardenia varieties-evergreen
Azalea varieties-evergreen & deciduous(native)
Camellia varieties-evergreen
Fragrant Tea Olive-evergreen
Nandina varieties-evergreen
Loropetalum/Chinese fringe flowers
Chase Tree
Abelia -so many new exciting varieties -good for zones 6-10!
Viburnums
Daphne
Cleyera-evergreen
Burning Bush/ Euonymus varieties…
Spirea -especially Bridalwreath, Little Princess, Goldmound…
Butterfly Bushes
Jasmines (vines-Carolina, Confederate)
Confederate Rose
Lady Banks Rose
Anise (check out Florida Sunshine)
Holly-Soft Touch/Sky Pencil/Youpon/Burfordii….
Crape Myrtles
Japanese Magnolias(Saucer, Betty, Royal Star…)
Southern Magnolias
Dogwoods
Red Buds
Japanese Maples
Evergreen hedge trees/shrubs
Leyland Cypress
Murray/Arborvitae
Japanese Cedar(cryptomeria)
false cypress(Chamaecyparis…)
Junipers-Blue Rug, Sargentii, Blue Point,…
Trees:
Chinense Pistache
Fruitless Mulberry
Weeping Willow
Live oak
Red oak
Catalpa
Vitex (or Chaste Tree)
Desert Willow
Shrub:
Nellie R Stevens
Wax Myrtle
Red Tip Photinia
Korean Boxwood
Radicans Gardenia
Loropetalum
Yaupon Holly
Perennials:
Salvias
Sedums
Butterfly Bush
Reeves Spiraea
Van Houtti Spiraea
Vines:
Honeysuckle (coral)
Crossvine
Star Jasmine
Gary Lovett shared this list for zone 7
If I have the following on hand, I expect to sell everyone. My spelling might not be good. But you will recognize them.
All types of Hosta, Stella de ora daliliy, happy returns daylily, viburnum carcephalum, viburnum sterile, viburnum popcorn, jane magnolia, ann magnolia, leonard messel magnolia, green giant arborvitae, emerald green arborvitae, degroot spirae arborvitae, Ogdon spirae, goldmound spirae, goldflame spirae, little princess spirae, neon flash spirae, autumn fire sedum, palace purple heuchera, red pixie lilac, miss kim lilac, Lynwood gold forsythia,kumson forsythia, peegee hydrangea, silver dollar hydrangea(my favorite paniculate), Annabelle hydrangea, phantom hydrangea(some people believes this one is better than limelight), pink diamond hydrangea, penny mac hydrangea, all summer beauty hydrangea, mock orange, all types of crapemyrtles, burning bush, boxwoods, globosa nana, pink poppett weigelia, tango weigelia, variegated weigelia, red prince weigelia, all types of azaleas, apple trees, peach trees, pear trees, nanking bush cherry, rabbiteye blueberries, blackberries, ceasear’s brother iris, Japanese maples, clematises, major wheeler honeysuckle, and roses.
I think that is fifty. I have sold all of the ones listed above except carcephalum and popcorn viburnum. I am sure there are a lot that I left out. Just taking a break from working, and thought I would start a post.
This year I have peonies and bleeding hearts. I think they will be a success. Hope this post helps someone, especially newbies looking for something to grow in zone 7. These should all work in the Midsouth.
Giving this a bump by replying, but also chiming in with flowering quince, flowering currant, escallonia, and ceanothus (California lilac) for warmer zones. They’re easy to propagate, grow fast, and sell well (for me anyway). The escallonia and ceanothus work great as either hedge or specimen plants. The quince and ceanothus tend to bloom early (April-ish) here in western WA. I think the quince and currant are good for colder zones too. -Andrea
What is the average number of acres you would need to start a nursery? I only have five, but always wanted to do it.
Mark,
My first backyard nursery was 1/20th of one acre and I loved it. Small, easy to keep up with and packed with plants. I grew and sold tens of thousands of dollars in that small area. When first starting out it’s important to keep things as tight and compact as possible. The smaller the area the less time you spend on weed control. Five acres? Five acres is fine, but I still suggest starting in just a tiny corner of that then expand as you see fit.
thanks for that Mike
I used to have 176 acres. Now I have 176 sq. ft. It has really helped me to make the most of every square foot which I think will be helpful when I get more room.
I live in a suburb, north of Dallas Tx. I have 2 large trees in my front yard, so I have a lot of shade. I have planted 2 Japanese Maple trees, in the bed next to my house. Both were about 4-5 foot tall. They were just an ordinary variety, and I see them in front of many houses, around my neighborhood. I am usually pretty good at growing plants, but for some reason, I can’t seem to keep my JM alive. I should mention, that I had planted one JM, and when that one died, I replaced it with another. I figured they might be getting too much sun, because they are at the edge of my shade line. I also thought it might get too hot, here in TX., although the ones I see around here, seem to be doing well. Any suggestions, on what I might be doing wrong, or what I might try. I really want to have one of these trees, in my landscape.
thank again MIKE sorry it been so long we been sick here we got 5 JM so far in my garden
hi mike is your contact that you have for the Japanese Maple tree ,are they deliver to Australia? not sure if it is possible to import to australia , thanks shlomi
Shlomi, It is possible to ship plants across international borders, but in most cases it’s not practical and most plant sellers won’t do it because it takes them to much time and effort to get the orders out. It’s much easier for them to sell them in the states. But I do have members in Australia that are doing quite well with plants that are native to the country. http://freeplants.com/wanted.htm
I’ve recently had to re-route the water line in my front yard and in the process, the trenching machine stopped right beside my beautiful laceleaf Japanese Maple. The exhaust pipe burned the leaves on several branches. The branches are still pliable but the leaves are all curled up and dry. What should I do?
Hi Mike: Loved your grafting video, my question to you is: I have a Japanese Maple fully grown but lost a branch off of it a couple years ago, can I graft a new branch where we lost the one the same way?
Karen, I guess that really depends on where you live. I know in warmer states like Tenn they do chip budding in the field, during the sumemr months. But I really don’t know much about that. In most cases the graft really needs to be treated special with plenty of heat and humidity but the scion needs to be dormant when you start the process.
I’ve lost branches on weeping Japanese maples before and just cut out the dead branch. In a year or two they usually fill in nicely.
Great video on Japanese Maples but when do you graft them and how do you know what root stocks will give you dwarf trees? I do some grafting but don’t know the proper times for trees other than fruit trees. Also would like to see a good video on bud grafting. Thanks. Keep up the good work.
Hi Mike, I’ll call you on Monday to buy your book. I am into fruit trees and veggie for now, we are living off the land. Can we do some grafting or budding at this time of the year? I live in Saint Augustine, Florida
Thank you
Hey mike
I am realy happy by what am seen .but it didn’t show how to girafted just it is simply as explanation pleas try to show as also how to girafted step by step.thanks mike.
Look on YouTube for grafting videos.
MIke, would you know by chance how come a sweet shubbery doesnt smell. it produces quite a few flowers every years but after nine or ten years the blooms still doesnt smell.. thanks for every thing.. terry
Hey Mike,
I have some Japanese Maples that I got from one tree. I love that fact. However, I do not love that the trees continue to grow up from the root all over my flower bed and yard. I have cut them back and sprayed sealer on where I have cut them. Is there a better way to do this? I have trees growing everywhere! Thanks,
hi mike!! your postings sound good , in theory but,,,,,,,,,, i live in a house in the middle of CORN-FIELDS !! i cant plant anything that the BUGS wont E A T !!!!!!!
Mike,I was impressed with your recent purchase of Japanese Maple trees you purchased for around $6.50 each and buy a few of them from you if you are interested in selling a couple.
I think I would like to buy the verigated leaf version if you would please contact me at …[email protected]
Hi Mike, love your site I wanted to know your ideas on waterlogged septic fields, been told not to plant on it, now I’m told to make a waterlogged garden to absorb the water. Thought I make a large garden on the grass with dahlias, so I can have a vase garden and easy removal in the fall, but would Rhodos be a good choice to absorb the water or what other low root bearing plants that absorb water without destroying the septic pipes 5′ under the grass. I thought I would hill it up using alot of peat moss. What do ya think? Look forward to your suggestions. Cindy
Hey Mike!
Talk about a sweet deal, definitely know how to do some horse trad-in.
Oh well, have fun growing this season, you are in for some kinda show when the tree leafing
starts, take some pictures for us.
Thanks again,
Boyd
I am writing to you from India. Greatly enjoyed your talk. Wish you could come and spend time with us in our sunny climate. I have a lovely property up in the Himalaya where right now it has a lot of snow, but along with plenty of sunshine.
As far as I know. Mike has more knowledge of grafting JP’s than I do.
I’ve bought both low and tall grafted trees. I prefer a low grafing for cascaders and weepers. A higher graft is okay for a more upright tree.
As for the graft I believe the acer palmatum is the prefered graft because of it’s hardiness and strength. Mike feel free to correct me if I am mistaken.
On that note Iv’e traveled to one far away nursery for a true low-grafted Acer Palmatum ” Green Filligree ” ( Looking for 5 years. In the 4th year ) I went to the non-mentioned nursery to find only a low-grafting but a high staking to 8ft tall.
Plus they were trying to pass a A.P ” Viridis ” as a ” Green filligree.” A different cultivar lace-leafed Yes. Truly a low-grafted ( sorta ) but highly staked; and the wrong cultivar.
I’m Sure Mike will let you know the complete difference of all 3. –MM.
I am enjoying your newsletters Mike. Keep’em coming.
thanks mike for getting me started in a small nursery, have lots of small plants growing, plus dug several large trees and plants from other growers for pennies on a dollar so i can make a nice return on resale .
The video does not show how to actually graft the tree or what root stock to use. How about a video that show how Mike grafts and graft after care?
I am like Mike, would be more interested in purchasing specialty Maples already grafted.
Can we be privy on where to obtain plants like he gets for the prices he gets them for.
I so want to start a backyard nursery and have been reading Mikes columns for a few years
now. All I need it the time.
Once you purchase the Backyard Nursery Growing System you’ll be privy to all sorts of great wholesale sources for Japanese
Maples and other plants. But we share those sources only with the folks who purchase the Backyard Nursery Growing System
to learn how to start their own nurseries.
Kathy Anderson
Mike’s Assistant
Thanks Kathy. I’ll purchase the backyard Growing System soon. Could you ask Mike a question for me? I have access to about 1 acre of land in the foothills of the West North Carolina mountains. Some of it is cleared space but has 40 foot pines surounding it, and gets shady. Another area is completely out in the open with no shade. My question is will I be able to grow Japanese Maples there?
Hi Aaron, you sure can grow Japanese Maples on your shady WNC property! I moved to Western NC this past spring and I’ve got several Japanese Maples in my shady front yard, and I’ll be planting a few more come Spring. The nice thing about Japanese Maples is there are so many different varieties, and while many benefit from being in shade for at least part of the day, there are other varieties that do just as well with more sun. Since you have a little of both, I’d say your property is ideal for growing these trees. Hey, here’s an article that explains a bit more about growing Japanese Maples: http://freeplants.com/tips-for-growing-japanese-maples.html The second photo in the article is one of my own trees, and it gets afternoon shade.
Kathy Anderson
Mike’s Assistant
Aaron, both sun and shade are beneficial when growing Japanese Maples. Young maples like some shade, more mature plants do great in full sun. And of course the weather in North Carolina would be ideal.
Blueskys, Did you get the info you asked about? I’d also like to start a backyard nursery, and I think the Japanese Maples may be the most profitable for me.
Very nice article .. instructive and to the point.
Very nice Mike good show, but I have heard not to use grafted plants with Japanese root stock. I have no idea why! Have you heard that?
Mike,
I had purchased two packages of seeds about 2-3 years ago…one was the Japanese Maple tree and one was the Japanese Laceleaf maple seeds..We talked about the fact that it might be hard to find the seedlings around here at a reasonable price. I put the seeds in the refrigerator as directed and then removed, placed in warm water as directed for a couple of days and planted in starter planting soil…I had several seeds and tried at various times, but I must’ve not been doing something right and they never got out of the seed stage…Is it possible to buy the “Japanese Laceleaf Maple Tree” as a seedling from you at the smaller price…of $1.35??? I cannot afford the $80.00 price at the local nurseries..And, I SOO want two in my yard or maybe more..I have tried and tried to get the seeds to work. I now have a mimosa tree, the smoke bush, the flaming bush, butterfly bush, and sweet shrub. I am lover of the rarer tress/bushes.
Please advise where I can get from 1-5 seedlings at a reasonable price so that I can nurture them for my own landscaping use..
Respectfully,
Janna D
Wow! Get a load of them roots. Great buy, Mike. Looking forward to some great deals on the Growers Message Board too.