Mike's Backyard Nursery

The Most Fun You Can Have With Your Bibs On!

  • Home
  • Recommended Tools
  • Products
  • Categories
    • Complete Guides
    • Gardening
    • Growing
    • Landscape Design
    • Plant Care
    • Propagation
  • Contact
  • About Mike
Home » Miscellaneous » Mike McGroarty’s Savings Account

Mike McGroarty’s Savings Account

Updated : November 7, 2014

45 Comments

This is the Order Button, click here now!

 

You should spend the rest of your life doing what I do.  I grow small plants that make other people happy.

Do you know why I’m typing this in purple?  Because I can’t figure out how to get rid of the stupid purple!  I need to go back to just growing plants!  I know how to do that!

Okay, so it’s not purple any more.  I swear it was purple a minute ago and I couldn’t get rid of it.  Then, all by itself the text decided not to be purple any more.  Yeah, yeah I know.  I probably should check myself in.

Take a gander at these posts...

  • Tree Stump Removal Instructions
  • Check Out My Billy Goat Outback Brush Cutter!
  • 37 Ways to Know You’re Addicted to Gardening
  • Hydrangeas: When do I prune them? Why didn’t they flower?
  • Pittsburgh Steelers Fans

Comments

  1. Matt says

    April 9, 2013 at 11:34 am

    2011/Self-rooted-trees-cut-costs

    Article on propagating pears

    Reply
  2. Matt says

    April 9, 2013 at 10:53 am

    Mike, great info. Question, I took a number of pear cuttings this winter and used the wet newspaper method. They are calloused and sprouting some growth and small roots. Do I now put them in sand, cover w green plastic bag and mist daily? How long before I can plant them?
    I have read that these will likely die as soon as the stored energy in the cutting is spent. Any recommendations?
    Thank you!
    Matt

    PS. If you google pear propagation from cuttings Australia you will find a nice article about large scale successful propagation and solid performance from pear trees from cuttings. So I know it can be done ( perhaps just not by me!)

    Reply
    • Mike says

      April 9, 2013 at 7:07 pm

      Matt,
      You certainly don’t want to plant them until they have a good root system. I think you’re on the right track, I’d put them in flat of sand, put in a shady area and cover with plastic for a few weeks, not too long, then check on the roots again. Once they start rooting they should no longer be dependent on stored energy.

      Don’t fertilize, just keep moist or humid, not soaking wet. Make sure the direct sun does not beat on the plastic bag.

      Reply
  3. Phyllis Poole says

    March 9, 2013 at 4:23 pm

    I have a Japanese maple in my front yard but another owner put down landscaping material and stones on top of that. I have little maples galore!! but when I dig one up I have to get rid of all the junk around it and most of them don’t live. Is there a part of the root, such as a tap root that I may be cutting off? What should I look for? Thanks!

    Reply
  4. Bennie Shifflett says

    March 5, 2013 at 1:42 pm

    Mike,
    I purchaced the program, but I didn’t get the downloads, can you help?

    Reply
  5. Gloria says

    February 23, 2013 at 3:23 pm

    Mike, I planted about 200 Iris bulbs abut 3 years ago. In the first year, surprisingly to me I separated most of those into about 20-30 rhizomes each. Last year I was able to do the same thing. I have a farm in CO and we have produce stands open in the summer in Calhan, CO. This year I am going to start selling Iris’s, Dayliles, and Aloe plants. I love gardening and have such a good time both vegetable and flower plants. I have followed your news letters for some time now and enjoy listening to the videos.

    Reply
  6. Bennie Shifflett says

    February 4, 2013 at 3:01 pm

    What do I need to do to test your website?

    Reply
  7. mtch says

    January 30, 2013 at 5:39 pm

    how do you get them out of the ground in 2 to 5 years

    Reply
  8. Edward says

    January 29, 2013 at 8:22 pm

    This is a new twist on being a financial adviser. The rates of return are great. It’s the wait to collect that is the killer.

    Reply
  9. Robert Zigler says

    January 29, 2013 at 7:05 pm

    I’d love to retire and grow J. Maples and all sorts of other neat plants.

    Reply
  10. Edward says

    January 29, 2013 at 3:40 pm

    The only two things I am good at growing is old and weeds (no matter how hard I try to kill them).

    You, Mike, are a classic.

    Reply
  11. Mary says

    January 29, 2013 at 1:06 pm

    Mike; Do you have any advice for we who live in cold Alberta Canada.
    The front of my place gets about 3 hours of sun a day but good light all day. Back has no sun or proper light because of large trees. I am looking for something not higher than 3 feet full of color and or fragrance.Thanks so much

    Reply
  12. Deborah Swartzentruber says

    January 29, 2013 at 12:52 pm

    Mike,

    From the get go I got very excited about your business and how you have shared it with the outside world. I currently live with my parents and we planted our first garden last year with much success, boy was it fun and such pride and love in the food we got to eat. They have acreage to facilitate doing this kind of business. I haven’t started yet, but did just get in on your business team with the intention of making this happen. This is very exciting to me and I want to thank you for your contribution in making so many people happy. Namaste Deborah

    Reply
  13. Joe bogovich says

    January 29, 2013 at 12:47 pm

    Thanks Mike,forall the great gardening ideas and tips.

    Reply
  14. Ed says

    January 29, 2013 at 12:06 pm

    Hi Mike
    I have not bought your backyard growing system yet because I am hung up on my lack of space. I have approximate 10,000 sq ft backyard that I have naturalized over the last 5 years. It’s pretty shady from neighboring trees. There is space but I could probably make some more. I need to get over seeing your big spread and get my hands around starting small and not worrying about the future. Can you inspire me?

    Thanks , I love your ids and emails.
    Ed

    Reply
  15. Jan in PA says

    January 29, 2013 at 10:09 am

    Mike, you focus a lot on Japanese maples — and they’re a good tree! But I’m much more interested in growing natives. Will your system apply for these trees as well?

    Reply
  16. Keith Wallace says

    January 28, 2013 at 11:49 am

    I am new with your program and love it. I have learned more about gardening than every in my life. As a result of your program, I am starting “Desert Calls Backyard Nursery” as per the instructions. Since I am in the desert, I will be specializing in Xeric plants. Where can I get rooted cuttings of Xeric plants? Can anyone help me?

    Reply
  17. Vikki says

    January 28, 2013 at 12:39 am

    I was online looking for a business to work from home. I love plants, never thought about selling plants as a way to make money. I live in Southern Illinois, do you think I could be successful at this or are there too many people already doing this?

    Reply
    • Mike says

      January 28, 2013 at 3:51 pm

      Vikki,

      Can you be successful at this? Here’s my question; “Do you want to be successful at this? If you do, then of course you can. Don’t worry about competition. I know it’s normal to think that way, but there are so many ways to sell plants, and sooooooo many people want small plants. People don’t want to buy from big box stores etc. They want to buy from a real person just like you! Get started today, http://freeplants.com/wanted.htm

      Reply
      • Vikki says

        January 30, 2013 at 12:42 pm

        Thank you Mike, this is so encouraging to me. I am looking for a change. Something that I can do from home. I love plants but never thought of it as a business. Thinking that this would be idea for me to work around my daughters schedule. I have a daughter that receives a lot of therapy, speech, occupational and physical after school. I am not looking to get rich, just something to help with her medical bills, without leaving her. Sounds like I found a winner, will be getting started next week. Thank you again and have a great day.

        Reply
        • Vikki says

          January 30, 2013 at 12:44 pm

          If it takes me above and beyond that, well Thank you Jesus, I welcome it.

          Reply
  18. Suveekay says

    January 27, 2013 at 10:53 am

    If you use this hoe and the hula hoe in a garden with mulch, how do you keep the mulch on top afterwards?

    Reply
  19. Dale says

    January 27, 2013 at 10:11 am

    Hi Mike, Are you ready for Spring? I heard that we may hit 50F this week and we’re about 200 miles NW of you on the other side of Detroit.
    So it’s headed your way, but only for a day or so.

    Reply
    • Mike says

      January 27, 2013 at 10:23 am

      Dale, thanks for the update, I’ve got 200 Pink Dogwood trees in my garage that I need to get stored away until spring.

      Reply
  20. arnoldo solis says

    January 27, 2013 at 2:14 am

    Here in South Texas it suppose to get 90degrees on Tuesday

    Reply
    • Mike says

      January 27, 2013 at 10:32 am

      Arnoldo, that’s why I like Ohio. It’s cold in the winter, but it is absolutely beautiful in the summer. Not unbearable hot.

      Reply
  21. Dan says

    January 26, 2013 at 9:07 pm

    Love your how to videos. Do you have DVD’s with more detailed information?

    Reply
    • Mike says

      January 27, 2013 at 10:30 am

      Dan, two of the most important valuable DVDs that we ever produced are included in my Backyard Growing System. http://freeplants.com/wanted.htm There’s a great deal of information in those two videos that I do not share on the Internet. A lot of proprietary information. We also have a small library of DVDs but those will only be made available to those who have the grow system.

      We are shooting a video this week on growing Japanese maples from seed and detailed instructions on grafting rare Japanese maples. That will be available to the public soon, probably two weeks or less. Thanks for asking.

      Reply
  22. Jeff says

    January 26, 2013 at 2:13 pm

    I have a Quik question. Do you have any customers in New Mexico

    Reply
    • Mike says

      January 26, 2013 at 6:34 pm

      Jeff, funny you should ask. Not five minutes ago I telling one of my New Mexico customers about a grafting DVD that I’ve got coming out soon. So we have him for sure. There may be others, I really don’t pay that much attention to where people live. http://freeplants.com

      Reply
  23. Sharon says

    January 26, 2013 at 10:56 am

    I love your e-mails, I have made a folder that I keep them in. Retired at age 65 I love to play in the dirt and enjoy gardening. Keep up the videos and never change your wardrobe – it is a required dress here in Western Kentucky!

    Reply
    • Mike says

      January 26, 2013 at 6:36 pm

      Sharon, I appreciate that. I don’t expect to change my wardrobe ever! I purchased 200 of those Pink Dogwoods that I told you about a week ago and I was in the garage unpacking them today wearing jeans and and shirt. By the time I was done my pants were falling down. That doesn’t happen with bibs!

      Reply
  24. Donna says

    January 26, 2013 at 10:15 am

    Hi Mike! I’ve been following you for years and love getting your emails. They keep me inspired! Thanks for all of your helpful tips and entertaining videos 🙂

    Reply
  25. Dana harness says

    January 26, 2013 at 8:47 am

    thank again for the info

    Reply
  26. Norma says

    January 25, 2013 at 7:06 pm

    Mike, I’ve been following you for a while and I am fascinated by what you do. This latest video came in at a perfect time. After working as an architect for… ever, I don’t have any work. I’ll order shortly. Any suggestions for adapting your system to Southern California?
    Thank you, You are great!

    Reply
    • Mike says

      January 27, 2013 at 10:34 am

      Norma,

      Adapting my system to southern California is pretty easy. Everything applies, you just have to focus on plants that are grown and sold in garden centers in your area. Other than that, it all applies. http://freeplants.com/wanted.htm

      Reply
  27. Cory smarz says

    January 25, 2013 at 6:22 pm

    Hello, I’m interested in purchasing your program. My question is I’m moving to Montana and would like to know if the temperatures in mt are too cold for your growing system?

    Reply
    • Mike says

      January 25, 2013 at 6:36 pm

      Cory, I’ve had backyard growers in Alaska. All you do is grow what does well in the climate in which you live. People in Montana buy plants, landscape their homes etc. I’ve yet to find a place where there is no market for plants. Thanks for asking! -Mike McGroarty http://freeplants.com/wanted.htm

      Reply
  28. Linda M. Smith says

    January 25, 2013 at 4:19 pm

    Mike ,I use to live in Ohio and loved the way my plants grew but I’ve lived in Florida over 25yrs but still have family up there..
    My question is,Will your tips for up north be different for the weather and ground down here in zone8..

    Reply
    • Mike says

      January 25, 2013 at 6:39 pm

      Linda, I think zone 8 is like being in the best of both worlds. I’ve got a customer in Alabama, zone 8 and she does a wonderful job with Japanese maples. She used to travel to Florida to help two of our members in Florida. They were an older couple, but were doing incredibly well growing and selling plants. So I think it’s all relevant, you just have to make a few adjustments for the climate that you are in, both warmer and colder.

      Reply
  29. Helen says

    January 25, 2013 at 3:49 pm

    Thanks Mike for the info. You have inspired me this winter and I am planning on expanding my growing garden. I believe that I was thinking too big at first also. I have made an adjustment and will see how things go. I have an excellent helper who makes gardening more manageable for me. By the way, it is 14 degrees and snowing in south central PA. Hurry up spring! Keep up the good work and thank you.

    Reply
  30. Judy says

    January 25, 2013 at 3:37 pm

    Gee Mike – You’ve not only worked on your business but on yourself. You look very healthy. 🙂

    Reply
    • Mike says

      January 25, 2013 at 4:08 pm

      Thanks Judy, I appreciate that. I feel great!

      Reply
      • Roger says

        January 30, 2013 at 1:22 pm

        Hello Mike, Great Info on youtube and your website.
        Is there any way to prograte pecans, plums, peaches, etc, from cuttings.
        Thanks

        Reply
        • Mike says

          January 30, 2013 at 1:25 pm

          Roger, most fruit trees are propagated via budding, where a bud from the desired plant is slipped under the bark of rootstock grown from seed. Budding is usually done during the summer. It is possible too root cuttings from fruit trees. If you want to try do softwood cuttings in June. The market for fruit bearing plants is huge, those kinds of plants are in great demand. http://freeplants.com/wanted.htm

          Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Rooted cuttings of variegated weigela in bunches to harden off.

Over Wintering Rooted Cuttings.

Posted On January 8, 2023 By Mike

Mike's Big Perennial Bed.

Mike’s Big Perennial Garden

Posted On January 8, 2023 By Mike

A Profound Thank You from Mike.

Posted On September 1, 2022 By Mike

Finnegan keeping the sun off his head.

An Old Guy, Two Donkeys, a Puppy and a Hammock. What could possibly go wrong?

Posted On July 17, 2022 By Mike

This upside down donkey is a hoot!

An Upside Down Donkey and Cute Puppy.

Posted On July 14, 2022 By Mike

'Rockin Raspberry' Bee Balm.

‘Rockin Raspberry’ Bee Balm.

Posted On June 26, 2022 By Mike

'Bubblegum Blast' Bee Balm.

‘Bubblegum Blast’ Bee Balm

Posted On June 26, 2022 By Mike

Blue Angel Hosta.

‘Blue Angel’ Hosta.

Posted On June 25, 2022 By Mike

Big Daddy Hosta.

‘Big Daddy’ Hosta

Posted On June 25, 2022 By Mike

'Humpback Whale' hosta.

‘Humpback Whale’ Hosta.

Posted On June 25, 2022 By Mike

Complete Guides

Growing, Rooting and Propagating Dappled Willow in Tree Form from Cuttings.

Growing Seeds, Winter Sowing, in Milk Jugs and Kitty Litter Jugs.

The Correct Way to Pot Rooted Cuttings, Nursery Stock Liners and other Plants.

Training Arborvitae and other Conical Evergreens to Grow with a Single Leader.

How to Propagate, Root Cuttings, of Dwarf Alberta Spruce.

Recent Posts

Blue Angel Hosta.

‘Blue Angel’ Hosta.

'Blue Angel'hosta is by far one of my favorite blue hostas. A big hosta like this in a perennial bed covers a lot of area and that keeps a ton of weeds at bay! These giant heart shaped leaves are very slug resistant. We have this plant in full sun. With … Read Full Article

Big Daddy Hosta.

‘Big Daddy’ Hosta

'Big Daddy' hosta is one of my favorite big hostas, mostly because it's big, it's blue and it has very interested leaves that are a bit dimpled. Big Daddy hosta gets about 24" tall and 36" wide. It's hardy in zones 3 through 9, the flowers are blends of … Read Full Article

'Humpback Whale' hosta.

‘Humpback Whale’ Hosta.

We sold out of 'Humpback Whale' hosta pretty early this year. Humpback Whale is pretty impressive hosta and this one really hasn't matured yet because they can get three feet high and 7 feet wide. I've also seen photos of them that show them to be a lot … Read Full Article

Ice Plant, delosperma

Ice Plant, delosperma

How pretty is that? And it's a ground hugging perennial that comes back year and year. These plants were new to our nursery last year so Pam and I planted three of them in our landscape at home. Not only did they do really well last year but they wintered … Read Full Article

Electric Red Dianthus

‘Electric Red’ Dianthus

I've been working on my perennial bed at the nursery and this Electric Red Dianthus caught my eye and was screaming "make my picture". So I did! Dianthus in general are great perennials for your garden. They are super winter hardy even here in cold … Read Full Article

Copyright © 2023 · Hill Country Digital Media, LLC · Privacy Policy · Earnings Disclaimer · Terms of Service