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You are here: Home / Business / Backyard Nursery / Awesome!

Awesome!

Updated : June 17, 2024

49 Comments

This is how you enter the contest. You have to mail me a postcard, a letter, or like I said before, the flap from the top of the Cherrios box.  Some people want me to register them via Email, but that’s not going to happen.  I am not going to sit at my computer and print out Email after Email just so I can give away some plants.  I wanted this to require some effort.  If you want to have your name in this drawing, then you have to mail me something with your name and address on it.  It has to arrive via snail mail, not Email.

Fair enough?

Doesn’t matter.  That’s how the contest works.

Just for the record, the Steelers cost me a Lavender Twist Redbud Tree.

The contest rules are here:  http://freeplants.com/rules.html

Mail Your Entry to:
Contest
McGroarty Enterprises Inc.
P.O. Box 338
Perry, Ohio 44081

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Comments

  1. Michael Hylton says

    April 11, 2015 at 9:45 am

    Mike, Is this contest still valid? Just curious…I noticed an expiration date of 2011 in the rules, but “Awesome’ is still showing (in the color blue) at the bottom of some of your pages. Thought this was a pretty cool contest! Thanks for everything!

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      April 11, 2015 at 10:44 am

      Hi Michael, this contest ended in September.

      Reply
  2. Harinder says

    March 3, 2013 at 12:29 pm

    Dear Mike,

    I really like what you do for all of us.In fact, Gardening/farming is all I wanted to do in life but became an engineer and later got into engineering business. Everyday I spend minimum 2 hours in my garden or with indoor plants…I really love plants and flowers…I have all kinds of vegetables in my garden..but little rabbit comes and eats whatever it likes..It is so cute i do not want to hurt him. I am trying to put some fence please advise if you know something on this..thanks..harinder

    Reply
  3. Cindie Jackson says

    July 4, 2011 at 3:13 am

    Hi Mike! I am an excited newby! I love your emails, videos and easy to follow instructions. When I watch your videos; I feel like you are a personal friend. You truly have a gift! I am anxious to learn and grow!!!!! I just wanted you to know that I feel lucky to have found your website. I was searching for information on how to grow Magnolia trees from seeds and I found you!!!! You will be happy to know that I have about eight healthy starts of Magnolia trees from seeds that I collected from the one in my yard. If anyone out there needs Magnolia seeds; I have plenty!

    Reply
  4. Roy Mateen says

    June 27, 2011 at 1:46 pm

    Mike, I am having problems with my tomatoes and squash growing tomatoes are ashie looking squash is not growing. I live in the the great state of Texas, I know about the heat can u give me some advise on how to make blooms stay and maybe something to bring back the Bee’s, my tomatoes once all are rippen know more blooms, what is it i doing wrong? I have straw around the plants to keep them wet no blooms, no plants HELP”””’

    Reply
  5. Kathy Jorritsma says

    June 9, 2011 at 4:33 pm

    Hi Mike,

    Love your site…lotsa great info…..have a lot of challenges growing in Alaska ( we are zone 4 where I am), But we can grow lots of stuff. Thats most of the fun. Entering your contest, thanks for your advise , Happy Gardening

    Kathy Jorritsma

    Reply
  6. Donnie says

    June 8, 2011 at 4:14 pm

    Hey Mike, my son and I purchased your freeplants videos, very good info. To the winners of the Japanese Maples you should include some of the Dirt Farmers Fudge. Good candy I make it often. Thanks for all the info on your videos.

    Donnie,
    Down South in Dixie

    Reply
  7. Barbara T says

    June 3, 2011 at 9:35 am

    Can I send in more than one entry?

    Reply
    • Duston says

      June 7, 2011 at 12:26 pm

      Only one entry per person please.

      Reply
  8. Kathy B says

    May 11, 2011 at 12:02 pm

    Thank you, thank you. I love a great gardening web page!

    Reply
  9. Bill says

    May 10, 2011 at 2:40 pm

    Where can I find Oregon giant green beens.?

    Reply
  10. angela stoots says

    May 10, 2011 at 11:58 am

    HEY MIKE I HAVE A FRIEND THAT LIVES IN YOUR NECK OF THE WOODS SHE RECENTLY PURCHASED A HOUSE THERE SHE SENT A PICTURE OF A TREE IN HER BACKYARD TO MY FACEBOOK PAGE DESPERTLY TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT KIND OF TREE IT IS IF YOU COULD GO TO MY PAGE AN LOOK IN MY WALL FROM YESTERDAYS POST HER NAME IS DODIE YOU WILL SEE THE TREE I HAVE SEARCHED AN SERCHED AN CAN NOT FIND OUT WHAT IT IS MAYBE YOU CAN HELP HER THANKS.

    Reply
  11. Arianne377 says

    May 10, 2011 at 4:24 am

    Hi Mike, my envelope is addressed and stamped. Just waiting to out later this morning to mail it.
    So glad you are on Facebook. I have been getting your emails probably since you started sending them out and I never have received a repeat. Always fresh and new tips and hints. Like a good friend, I always am exited when I see that you have arrived in my inbox. I settle down with a cup of coffee and relish the content. Sometimes I am treated to a video and other times live instructions. I never tire of your good, solid advice. I have every newsletter bookmarked and saved. I also am the proud owner of your downloadable Garden book.
    Stay well,
    Arianne

    Reply
  12. CYN TOLSTYGA says

    May 10, 2011 at 3:51 am

    JUST STUMBLED ONTO YOUR SITE, WILL BE BACK HERE AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN…YOU’RE THE “NEW jOY OF gARDENING” MAN FOR ME lol. I loved THAT SERIES AND BOOK & NOW CAN COME TO YOU FOR ADVICE AND HINTS AND TIPS. AND ANYONE WHO GARDNS OR PLANTS FLOWERS OR TREES- ALREADY KNOWS HOW MUCH EFFORT IT REQUIRES! lol

    Reply
  13. mike says

    May 9, 2011 at 5:16 pm

    i like your style. to lori roe try raised gardens with bales of hhay. you do have to supply a water hose. but it works real good.

    Reply
  14. Betty Mahan says

    April 1, 2011 at 5:42 pm

    I have been looking for the 2 gallon black plastic planting containers and can’t seem to find the ones at even close to the price you are talking about on your program cd;’s. Someone, please let me know where I can get them at a price that isn’t an arm and a leg. When I pulled info up on the internet,
    the cost to ship them was more than the price to buy them. …..Help!!! Does anyone have info on
    very low cost plastic containers? I can be e-mailed at [email protected]
    Appreciate any info.

    Reply
  15. Norman says

    March 16, 2011 at 1:30 pm

    I am ready to retire.
    I have been growing Hostas for 9 years.
    Just found your website.
    *****BRIGHT IDEA !!*****
    You have inspired me, and now I know what I want to do in retirement.
    I hope the plants that I will win are shade friendly, as we have lots of trees.
    Postcard on the way!

    Reply
  16. Becky Ellmers says

    March 15, 2011 at 11:54 pm

    If you like to grow things like I do, you’l love this guy and all his great advice.
    Thank-you Mike McGroarty

    Reply
  17. lacidazi says

    March 13, 2011 at 12:36 pm

    I’m sending my Cheerios boxtop as soon as my hubby finishes it. I’m saving all your tips for when I can plant my new yard. Been waiting 4 years to learn whether or not the Baton Rouge Loop is going to go over my new house or not.

    Reply
  18. David says

    March 12, 2011 at 1:25 am

    I just joined, so I’m the newbie here. Can anyone tell me where/who is a good place to obtain Queen Elizabeth climbing roses? (Most of the places I’ve found online have service reviews posted by previous customers that are not for the faint of heart!) Thanks!

    Reply
  19. Granny annie says

    March 11, 2011 at 2:58 pm

    Hello Mike, love your web-site just like to share with you and other backyard gardeners that I became A Bee keeper! wanted to help save the bee’s & my garden now I am going on my 3rd. hive love it! I’m working with A bee farm in the Redlands Miami FL. thats in the everglades & looking to help the boyscouts get ther bee badge back and for them to learn about the bee’s needs. I also have A yard full of fruit trees native plants to get cuttings from and I already have sm. mango, avocado & Jamiacan ackee trees for sale along with our Exotic Tropical Honey and bee pollen’ I would like send some to you Mike too enjoy & for your health. please call me at (786) 499-5119 or e-mail [email protected] thanks and hope to here from you, Ana Maria P.S if u need bees in ur garden call me can set-up a hive in ur yard!

    Reply
  20. Barb says

    March 11, 2011 at 12:12 pm

    It is good to be back. Lost connections with the forum when lightening struck my computer last year. Just in time for spring planting too. Lori I do my gardening in raised beds and to me that is the easiest way to go. It is a little costly to get started nut it is well worth it. No more backaches for me.

    Reply
  21. Anonymous says

    March 11, 2011 at 7:55 am

    mike..keep on growing
    nort

    Reply
  22. carolyn kloepfer Alabama says

    March 9, 2011 at 8:08 pm

    Hey mike, Thanks for the tips on the grape vines I have just pruned my vines back and have 12 potted for new plants. I hope I can get my box tops in to you to be in the contest. I know you miss your dad, I still miss mine.I also am thankful he made enough of an impression on you to do all you do to Help me and alll the other dirt diggers out there. Thanks again Carolyn

    Reply
  23. Anonymous says

    March 9, 2011 at 12:42 pm

    Patiently awaiting SPRING! :o) My favorite time of year when things of beauty start to bloom!

    Reply
  24. Shawn says

    March 8, 2011 at 5:40 pm

    Great emails Mike. Your keyboard must be very dirty!

    Reply
  25. Lisa B in TN says

    March 7, 2011 at 7:35 pm

    Hi Mike, as much information and other goodies you give to all of us, I’d say you are much like your father and are a very nice man :). Thanks for the chance to win some free flowers and the very interesting emails with relevant gardening information. I always look forward to hearing from you, thanks again…Lisa

    Reply
  26. Jean Hodges says

    March 7, 2011 at 12:37 pm

    I look so forward to the gardening info……box top in the mail…thanks a bunch

    Reply
  27. Maria says

    February 27, 2011 at 5:42 pm

    Wow- I am intrigued by this site, Mike. I love your enthusiasm!!!!!! Postcard to come soon!

    Reply
  28. Linda Matz says

    February 21, 2011 at 6:54 pm

    Mike, I am always in anticipation of your next garden tip. Are you going to build a hoop house in your garden some day? Just asking.

    Reply
  29. Anonymous says

    February 21, 2011 at 4:38 pm

    Mike, In Kansas and we are over run with moles. Didn’t used to be but now the last two years everyone in this area-our yards do not connect-farm yards, surrounding town yards are just destroyed by them. How do we destroy them. Every time I plant new bulbs I feels as though I am just planting mole food. Ideas.
    Vicki

    Reply
  30. Hello Mike. Please tell me where I can purchase the lavender twist redbud tree. says

    February 20, 2011 at 9:23 pm

    Please tell me where I can purchase the lavender twist redbud tree.

    Reply
  31. Robert Waterfall says

    February 20, 2011 at 6:13 pm

    Re pine needles for potatoes. We use grass cuttings (Untreated of course!!) which have the same effect of lowering the Ph and are more readily obtainable. We plant around 700 potatoes each year in our potager and always have very good crops. (Just have to keep an eye out for mildew and those pesky yellow and black striped creatures that you americans left us with!)

    Reply
  32. Patricia says

    February 16, 2011 at 5:12 pm

    I am enjoying the information you send. Any ideas for weed control? Also what kind of spray do you use for your sweetcorn for worms and fungus? Thanks for your help., I have a farnstand up in trevor wi. Patti

    Reply
  33. Hussain says

    February 15, 2011 at 11:19 am

    Thanks Mike for somuch hard work and efforts for gardner education.

    Reply
  34. Kathy Harrington says

    February 12, 2011 at 1:27 pm

    Thanks for all the good information on gardening! I can’t wait to get out in the yard again. If any of you have problems with deer I am using the absolute best product I have ever found. It’s called Deer Out and it WORKS GREAT!!!! Let’s keep thinking spring!

    Reply
  35. Donna in North Carolina says

    February 12, 2011 at 8:19 am

    Just stumbled across ur site. awesome. Thx, keep up the great work. I will be stopping by often.

    Reply
  36. Kim says

    February 11, 2011 at 11:57 pm

    Just want to say that you have one amazing site. And thank you for a wonderful newsletter.

    Reply
  37. lori roe says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:49 pm

    hi mike
    what do you think of raised garden beds. with eveything elts we have grown we are adding strawberries this year. you have helped alot with the e-mails you have sent me.and your
    dirt farmers fudge thats out of this world..you are really a wonderful person. i really enjoy your e-mails. thanks so much mike

    lori

    Reply
  38. lori roe says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:41 pm

    hi mike
    what do you think of raised garden beds. we are putting in strawberrie this year. we have added alot of other fruits and of corse a garden every year.

    thanks mike
    lori

    Reply
  39. kitty says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:29 pm

    Where have you been all my life? I love to garden, but not my husband. I don’t have enough garden room to receive any plant prizes but I love keeping up with your interest & the messages from your followers. Keep it up!!!!! “Life began in a garden. & I feel closest to Heaven there.”===Kitty

    Reply
    • txfigman says

      March 7, 2011 at 8:03 pm

      I have a FREE bumper sticker for you. Need an address to send it to. Later, Jim in Leakey, TX

      Reply
  40. Juanita Hildreth says

    February 11, 2011 at 10:11 am

    Your letters are always to the point and easy to read and understand. This is supper. At one time or other we all are first time gardeners, so thank you Mike.

    Reply
  41. Anonymous says

    February 11, 2011 at 9:26 am

    Thanks Mike
    Okie from Newcastle, OK

    Reply
  42. Bonnie Wagner says

    February 10, 2011 at 10:03 pm

    Yeah, sent mine. love the articles. Good work Mike!~ Bonnie, Pflugerville,Tx.

    Reply
  43. Danella Rutherford says

    February 10, 2011 at 8:49 pm

    Hi Mike,

    I see Duston has you online now. Great stuff!!

    I just wanted to say I so much enjoy your tips each time they come through. I am in the process of setting a gardneing site and letting folks know of your stuff in there. Easier than sending separate emails.!!!!

    I can’t send you one of those cheerio things. I don’t think we have them here in New Zealand, and anyway how would you get a plant across to me here? 🙂

    Still it’s great being able to use so many great hints. Our temperatures are not all that much different to yours excepot we don’t get so viciously cold in winter, well at least not for solong as you folk do. 🙂

    Sincere regards,
    Danella.

    http://make-raised-garden-beds.blogspot.com

    Reply
  44. Barb R says

    February 10, 2011 at 8:36 pm

    Well it was a good game……. wish I was getting the Red Bud ! 🙂

    Go Eagles !

    Reply
  45. Brent says

    February 10, 2011 at 8:31 pm

    Hey mike I’m going to enter probably be a froot loop box top but its coming!

    Reply

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