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You are here: Home / Business / Backyard Nursery / Mike’s First Backyard Nursery

Mike’s First Backyard Nursery

Updated : June 17, 2024

88 Comments

Actually I first started growing plants back in 1980 but I had to quit.  I tell that story here.  Then we bought a house in 1988 and in 1989 I started growing in the backyard at that house.   And that’s really where my whole backyard nursery concept came from.

Our lot was 1/2 acre and we had a pretty big front yard, so the space I could grow in the backyard was very limited.  In the end, our Backyard Nursery ended up being 1/20th of an acre and on this page, I will share the evolution of our little nursery.

The reason that I started growing plants at all is because I wanted to invest a little money and get a good return on my investment.  So I started by buying 1,000 Rhododendron rooted cuttings for a dollar each.  Next year I bought 500 Japanese Red Maple seedlings for $1.35 each and 1,000 Dwarf Alberta Spruce rooted cuttings for one dollar each.

Now keep in mind, you don’t have to invest that kind of money.  I wanted to.  I wanted to more than double my money.

This is the very back of our yard.  The white fence is the property line.  In the foreground are the Dwarf Alberta Spruce (pretty tiny aren’t they?) and in the background the Rhododendrons and Japanese Red Maples.

Mike's first backyard nursery.
Mike’s first backyard nursery.

Those little tiny sprigs in the above photo, bottom left corner, those are the Dwarf Alberta Spruce that I paid a dollar for.  The white stuff is snow.

Kevin moving Dwarf Alberta Spruce rooted cuttings.
Kevin moving Dwarf Alberta Spruce rooted cuttings.

Our youngest Kevin moving Dwarf Alberta Spruce plants with his little wheelbarrow.  He would have been three.  Today he has two kids, a boy, and a girl!  (as of March 2020)

Duston and Kevin McGroarty.
Duston and Kevin McGroarty.

Duston would have been about 8 years old in this photo.  Many of you know Duston, he works in the business with me full time now and he is a brilliant Internet Marketer.

Duston and his wife have three boys. You can meet all of the kids here!

Mike McGroarty's Backyard.
Mike McGroarty’s Backyard.

I know you are going to find this unbelievable, but the area where you see Duston and Kevin sitting in the wheelbarrows in the above photo became what you see in this photo a few years later.

When I decided to start growing plants in containers I didn’t want to cover them for the winter so I decided to sink my growing beds into the ground by six or eight inches.

The piles of soil that remained after I dug out the growing areas I simply turned into landscaped mounds.  It’s from the plants on these mounds that we got the cuttings that we rooted in the nursery.

In the photo, you can still see the white fence and our backyard shed.  Behind the shed is where our potting bench and the pile of potting soil are hidden.  You’ll see that below.

Off to the right, along the fence is one of the container areas that I built, and off to the left the brick patio that we built at the same time I did the excavating.

Using Leverage to Get Things Done.

This is a fun and interesting story.  I rented a tractor and I literally destroyed the backyard!  I dug out two areas that would become the container areas you’ll see below.  I dug a big hole for a sunken greenhouse, and I cleared an area for the brick patio.  When I was all done the backyard was full of holes and huge piles of dirt.  I wish I had gotten photos, it was a mess!

The kids weren’t that old, but old enough to help some.  Of course, they wanted the latest and greatest of video games of the day.  So I took them in the backyard, showed them what I, we, needed to accomplish and said;  If you help me get the backyard to this point I’ll buy you the video game system that you want.

Done deal!  We all went to work and a few weeks later we reached the agreed-upon milestone.  They got their video game system, and the backyard was “sorta” put back together.  They were happy, I was happy.  Pam was also happy because the patio was done.

Planting ornamental trees in the nursery.
Planting ornamental trees in the nursery.

This was phase 2 of our nursery.  In this photo, I am kneeling where the greenhouse would end up a few years later.  You’ll see that below.  Also here digging away is Duston in the black cap.  The other two kids are my nephews.  We are planting all kinds of weeping trees that I bought from a guy that does a lot of grafting.

It’s important to note, you can make more money faster with shrubs that you root as cuttings or perennials.  The weeping trees were my thing, but small shrubs or even rooted cuttings are far easier to sell.

Mike McGroarty's first backyard nursery.

In this area, we had all kinds of fun and interesting weeping trees including Weeping Nootka Cypress, Weeping Cherry, Weeping White Birch Rainbow Dogwood trees, Tri-Color Beech, Sargent’s Weeping Hemlock, Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick and a few other things that I don’t remember now.  Later I added weeping Japanese maples to this area as well.

Recessed container areas.
Recessed container areas.

This is the same area as above.  I sold those trees and dug out these beds when I switched to container growing.  I was lucky then and I’m lucky now.  My soil drains really well and I can do this.  If you have poor draining soil this would never work.  Off to the left you can see my propagation bed.  Back then I used the same technique that I use now.

Small backyard nursery.
Small backyard nursery.

Looking at this bed from the other direction.  To the left are the shed and the brick patio.  Straight ahead the container beds, propagation bed to the right and all the way up by the house my greenhouse.  I used that for grafting Japanese maples.

Growing small plants in the backyard.
Growing small plants in the backyard.

There is a lot going on in this photo and this really is very a efficient use of space.  Container beds are full of growing plants.  Note the arborvitae along the left edge of the propagation bed.  I planted those there so I could later tear them to shreds for cuttings.

Behind the shed is the potting area, including a pile of potting soil.  Off to the right and way back by the white fence is our second container area.  People who came into our backyard were amazed an in awe that we could do so much in such a small space.  The brick patio, out of sight is off to the right.

Plants growing like crazy in our backyard nursery.
Plants growing like crazy in our backyard nursery.

The same area, I took this photo standing near the backdoor of the house.  As you can see, things are growing well.  The small group of plants in the front corner, where the yellow plants are, those were Kevin’s.  He grew them from cuttings, potted them up and sold them at our plant sale.  He kept the proceeds.

Growing plants at home.
Growing plants at home.

The above photo I took from the roof of the house.  That’s how crazy I am.  Note the greenhouse in the foreground.  That only lasted two years and was done with a greenhouse.  Been growing without one ever since.

Pam McGroarty trimming plants.
Pam McGroarty trimming plants.

More than 20 years later not much has changed.  We now have a new nursery and Pam is still there with pruning shears in hand making things look awesome.  All kidding aside, she is an awesome pruner.  During our plant sales she goes around trimming everything up to make it look it’s best.

As I am working on this article she is upstairs in her sewing room making things for the babies.  It’s March 3rd, we’ve got less than a month and we will be up to our ears in plants once again as the weather warms in Ohio.

Mike McGroarty taking a break in a wheelbarrow.
Mike McGroarty taking a break in a wheelbarrow.

Me?  I still sit in a wheelbarrow every chance I get.  But I now also have a Hammock in the Donkey Pen so I let Finnegan and Fergus torment me while I take a break.  And trust me, they torment me when I’m in that hammock!  So far they’ve only knocked me out of the hammock once!

Plants snugly covered with snow for the winter.
Plants snugly covered with snow for the winter.

To me this is a beautiful sight because I know that as long as my plants are covered with snow they are happy and safe and sound until spring.

Mike and Duston, snowman building.
Mike and Duston, snowman building.

Completely but maybe not really, unrelated.  Pam and I lived in this 600 square foot house when we got married.  I actually had a nursery behind this house as well.  It’s a long, ugly story but we got stuck in that house for 12 years before we bought our first home, the brick ranch that you see in all of these other photos.

Backyard Nursery completely hidden behind the shed and the patio.
Backyard Nursery completely hidden behind the shed and the patio.

Keep in mind, our lot was only 1/2 acre, the nursery only took up 1/20th of an acre.  This is the compromise.  Pam tolerated the nursery if I would build her a brick patio with a waterfall.  The nursery is off to the left and out back along the fence completely hidden with the landscaped mounds, which started out as big piles of dirt that I had to make go away.  So I landscaped them!

Landscaped mounds in the backyard.
Landscaped mounds in the backyard.

Important side note.  These piles of dirt that I turned into landscaped mounds?  There were not topsoil.  They are 100% sand and gravel.  Not one time did I ever fertilize the plants that you see in this photo.  I never sprayed them with anything.  I make this point because I tell Our Members, “I run my entire nursery on three kinds of glop.  You don’t need all of that stuff that you see on the shelves in the garden stores!”

Making money with plants at home.
Making money with plants at home.

This is the back container area.  The patio is off to the left in this photo, the white fence belongs to my neighbor.  This piece of the nursery was pretty much hidden from everybody.  The potting area is straight ahead, behind the shed.

Beautiful backyard, small, hidden plant nursery.
Beautiful backyard, small, hidden plant nursery.

In this shot you can see the patio and past the patio is the container area that you saw at the top of this page.

Mixing potting soil.
Mixing potting soil.

This is how I used to make my potting soil.  I’d pile up the mulch, on top of that I’d add compost, on top of that I’d add some silica stone for drainage, then mix the edges with a rototiller.  Right after running the rototiller around the edges Kevin is shoveling what he mixed to the top of the pile.  We never mixed the entire pile, just what we intended to work with that day.  How to Make Your Own Awesome Potting Soil. See this page.

What you don’t see in this photo because I was standing in front of them when I took the photo, but it’s My Lazy Man’s Three Bin Composting System.

Making awesome potting soil.
Making awesome potting soil.
Mike's Famous Legless Potting Bench.
Mike’s Famous Legless Potting Bench.

We potted behind the shed, it was an easy carry to either container area and the potting area was pretty much hidden from the world.

You really need to check out all of My Potting Bench Ideas, Including the “Outhouse Potting Bench”.  And now, here we are all these years later and this spring I think I’m going to build a new potting system.  Stay tuned for that.  I’ll post photos when it’s done.

A customer giving Pam money for plants?
A customer giving Pam money for plants?

Not really, we staged this photo because it’s not cool to take photos of your customers and upload them to the worldwide web.  But this photo is really, really interesting because . . . Kevin is on the left, Duston in the background on the right and the pretend customer?  That’s Duston’s now-wife, Lorelei.  This photo was taken long before they were married and now here they are all these years later with boys. 

Getting ready for a plant sale!
Getting ready for a plant sale!

Finally, you get to see the front of the house as we prepare for our spring plant sale.  We held our last plant sale at this house in 2003.  In about four weeks we sold over $25,000 worth of plants from our driveway, every single plant was priced at $4.97.  We moved a couple of years later.

Today, at The New Location, our price point is $6.97 and sales are just as brisk.  Come and see us at Mike’s Plant Farm this spring, 4850 North Ridge Road, Perry, Ohio 44081.  If nothing else, come and say high to The Donkeys, Finnegan and Fergus.

Thank you for taking this stroll back in time with me.  I truly enjoyed putting this article together.

Keep in mind, you don’t have to go hog wild crazy like I do.
Here I show you how to make $180 Per Square Foot Growing Small Plants.

Questions or comments?  Post them below.

Take a gander at these posts...

  • Growing Japanese Maples
  • It’s time to Make Baby Plants! Make Baby Plants! Make Baby Plants!
  • The Amazing Multiplication Effect & How To Heal In Your Plants
  • Heeling In Plants
  • Messages like this Bring Tears to My Eyes.

Comments

  1. Shirley says

    March 12, 2025 at 10:49 am

    THanks Mike a loverly story about your journey and family.. You deserve the success as you never gave up. I. am sure there were times you wondered if you would make it. so glad you have a ni e supporting family and of course all the animals that get to share as well.

    Reply
    • Mike says

      March 13, 2025 at 8:45 am

      There were a lot of times when I wondered if I’d ever make it!

      Reply
  2. PAT says

    April 30, 2024 at 9:01 am

    Mike am 73 yes old been growing plants for many years need to find plants to buy and resale I think You can help me don’t know how many more years are in front of me but ain’t giving up hope to work till I die

    Reply
    • Mike says

      May 1, 2024 at 7:24 am

      Pat,

      Go to the top of the page and look under products and check out the Backyard Growers Business Center.

      Reply
  3. Jim Smith says

    April 28, 2024 at 3:35 pm

    Thanks for sharing Mike! An amazing story of hard work and vision! Keep up the great example and encouragement!

    Reply
  4. Linda says

    April 27, 2024 at 1:54 pm

    Wonderful story Mike! It resonates with me as we began with our first little house of 800 square feet and 3 little boys. It’s amazing what some ingenuity, vision and lots of ‘elbow grease can accomplish. Congratulations on the fruition of all of your hard work. A family (or group of friends) working together, can do a lot. I never developed a backyard nursery as we moved to the north in 1980 and to the extreme north in 1981. It was exciting to see what we cold grow in those conditions. The snow was a great ‘blanket’ in the winter and the 24 hour daylight caused the plants to ‘burst’. Wonderful memories.

    I do love what you’ve accomplished and the model of generosity and industriousness that you set for others. Again, “Congratulations” to you, Pam and the rest of your family!

    Reply
    • Mike says

      April 28, 2024 at 8:06 am

      Thank you Linda!

      Reply
  5. Julia Kempf says

    March 22, 2022 at 3:53 pm

    Thank you for sharing this and the photos that tell your story so well, Mike! Truly inspiring and well worth following your plan. I look forward to taking in yours and Duston’s webinar this year.

    To a prosperous year! Julia

    Reply
  6. Ken Bacchus says

    March 20, 2022 at 9:37 am

    I have so enjoyed reading your emails, letters, and videos for probably 15/16 years. I began retirement then and as my hobby I used your methods to increase my plant/shrubs. I like to propagate my flowers and give away to friends and family.
    You and your family are such an inspiration to those of us that love flowers and shrubs. Keep goig!

    Reply
    • Mike says

      March 21, 2022 at 8:03 am

      Thank you Ken, I appreciate that.

      Reply
  7. Pam Blair says

    March 20, 2022 at 1:44 am

    I’ve been “faithfully” following your column for years. What a TREAT to see all of these pictures and get to see what you’ve accomplished. You truly are an inspiration., Mike. Seeing these and other photos makes me feel like I know you and Pam. Please give Fergus and Finnegan treats from Idaho!
    {also a] Pam from Jerome, Idaho

    Reply
    • Mike says

      March 20, 2022 at 8:11 am

      Thank you Pam, I appreciate that.

      Reply
  8. Cynthia Kirk says

    March 20, 2022 at 12:26 am

    I have been following you for over 15 years and did purchase your videos and books. I finally built a green house but have not used it much but for storage. However, I am constantly inspired by your emails and articles. I pray that this be the year I finally get started with it. Thanks again Mike

    Reply
  9. Jerry says

    March 19, 2022 at 4:39 pm

    Wish I was not 80 years old. I have seedlings that I give away when they are two years old. Enjoy creating new plants that eat carbon. Just not ready or able to create a project like yours. Moved to new house in Missouri in ‘79. No trees. When I left there were 149 trees. Should have done a project like yours. Definitely enjoy your news letter and information. Cheers from Northern Kentucky. Need to find out where Perry is.

    Reply
  10. Donald L Boyle says

    March 15, 2021 at 1:47 pm

    You continue to inspire me Mike. I grew up in landscaping and then went in the Marine Corps. I was injured in active duty near the end of my first tour and have declined in health slowly for 40 years (lucky). I retired after 28 years federal service and went in a tailspin of depression. Sleepless nights, in pain, trying to occupy my mind, It led me to surfing youtube, .I found your videos.
    Next thing I knew, I joined your growers club, visited your nursery, and I’ve invigorated the long lost passion of landscape and plant care. I’ve taken action to get healthier and I look forward to this year’s growing season.
    Thank you SO MUCH! Say hello to the donkeys…
    Don

    Reply
    • Mike says

      March 16, 2021 at 11:08 am

      Don,

      That’s awesome and for sure I’ll tell the donkeys you said hello!

      Reply
  11. brian lindberg says

    March 13, 2021 at 3:15 pm

    far out, mike…you certainly have a place in the spectrum of human creative genius…i have more respect for your work than half a dozen tech billionaires….may your tribe increase!

    Reply
    • Mike says

      March 14, 2021 at 10:31 am

      Thank you Brian, I appreciate that.

      Reply
    • Henry J Lenkiewicz says

      March 15, 2021 at 1:31 pm

      You’ve been in my INBOX of email for many years now and I Thank You for all you’ve done for us.
      Seeing “Mike’s First Backyard Nursery” was an exciting & inspirational tour indeed and SO much appreciated.
      MIKE – YOU have seriously paid your dues in this life and helped SO many more! God bless you & yours ALWAYS!!! Sonny

      Reply
      • Mike says

        March 16, 2021 at 11:08 am

        Thank you Sonny! I appreciate your kind words.

        Reply
  12. George says

    March 13, 2021 at 1:42 pm

    I never realized my wheelbarrow was a good place to sit till I saw you in yours. To me your driveway operation is beautiful. It looks like landscaping. However, knowing how folks are, I wonder if your neighbors ever complained?

    Reply
    • Mike says

      March 14, 2021 at 10:33 am

      George,

      Some loved what we were doing and even sold plants for us when we were not home. Others? I’m sure they complained but we were compliant with the rules of our township.

      Reply
  13. Tammy says

    March 10, 2020 at 7:57 pm

    Mike I’ve been on the email list for some time and watch your channel for nearly a year. Just want to thank you for all the work you guys do and the knowledge you share. I have a small farm we want to greenhouse garden for produce plants etc..we only got our property a couple yrs ago. We are in Tennessee. I started more propagating for myself but need to find out our laws about saling my own plants . Would you know? Blessings to you and your family and business
    Tammy LittleJordanFarm

    Reply
    • Mike says

      March 11, 2020 at 9:28 am

      Tammy,

      Two things you should do.

      1. When our members area opens again, I think that’s around March 22, 2020, http://backyardgrowers.com/join at least take the test drive. You can gain so much knowledge and information in 30 days.

      2. Contact your dept of agriculture, you need a nursery producers license.

      Reply
  14. Tom Bowersox says

    July 11, 2018 at 5:22 pm

    Mike, Thanks for sharing that, it was enjoyable.

    Reply
    • Cleo Hales says

      March 11, 2020 at 1:23 am

      Oh my goshMike that back yard is absolutely beautiful.I’m running it off on the printer to save.I did Lanscape design and ended up doing most of the work also. This year I’m having to get rid of alot out fror less work and up keep seeing I have the dreaded CA.and Kidney diease on top of it. Two types of CA.
      You mentioned “Beautiful Snow”?Wash your mouth out Mike I am SICK of snow this year!!
      Keep sending the photos they lift my spirits. What adorable little Grand children you have. Isn’t it fun to help and watch so as they grow they will carry on Grandpa’s beautiful work.God Bless all of your family.XXXXOOOO

      Reply
  15. Dale Conway says

    September 18, 2017 at 9:55 pm

    Hi Mike, I’ve been following you for several months and have recently started propagating plants (but no roots yet).

    When I read your article about your first backyard nursery, you said you recessed the plants below grade. What is the purpose of doing this? How can I test if my soul drains well?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Mike says

      September 19, 2017 at 8:23 am

      Dale,

      You test your soil for drainage by digging a hole and filling it with water to see how fast it takes to drain. Google perk test. For most people recessed beds are not possible.

      Reply
  16. Heather says

    June 8, 2016 at 9:59 am

    Hey Mike! I stumbled across your website while looking up Water Oak Trees. I have a lot that are growing on my 4 acre lot and they are anywhere from 3 feet to 8 feet tall (thanks to the squirrels burying acorns from the huge Water Oaks in my back yard). I am a Single mother of 2 boys and we love gardening. I took up Gardening to distract me from the Chronic Pain that I have from Fibromyalgia and Arthritis. I have never thought about selling Plants though. I thought it would be too difficult, but after seeing your photos and reading this, I am confident that we can accomplish this! The questions that I have for you are: 1. Do you think that I can use the same technique that you use in N.C.? It is very hot in the Summer and we usually have a good Thunderstorm at least once a week. All of the other seasons are unpredictable though. One day you can be wearing shorts, the next few days you can be wearing snow boots (we usually get things layers of ice with a couple of inches of snow) and the few days after that, maybe a light sweater. We have crazy weather but I live on my Grandmother’s old farm with a couple of old barns and a nice sized field. We have more sand than anything though. ( hence it being called The Sandhills). 2. Should I use a potting System initially, or wait for the plants to get a little bigger? 3. Is selling online more profitable than selling from your backyard nursery on a weekend or vice versa? Sorry for the long post but I am intrigued by this. Lol. I’m wondering if this could be a way to eventually make enough profit to solely work from home. Thank you so much for the info! ~Heather

    Reply
    • Mike says

      June 8, 2016 at 5:41 pm

      Heather,

      We have lots of members in southern states, including North Carolina. Everything that I teach applies. There are a lot of ways to about this but when you put plants in the ground they have to later be dug and potted. That’s a lot of work, much harder than most anticipate. Pots are better. Selling online is tricky and there is a learning curve. But many of our members sell in our members area, http://backyardgrowers.com/join with success. I won’t make income promises. We have members that do very well, but I can’t promise anything.

      Reply
  17. Scott says

    March 13, 2016 at 6:57 pm

    Hey Mike, Thanks for sharing, I tip my hat to you sir. Beautiful yard and always good to have help, which I need. HAHA.

    Reply
    • Mike says

      March 14, 2016 at 5:37 pm

      Thanks Scott!

      Reply
  18. Dave says

    March 11, 2016 at 9:10 pm

    For 16 years I have followed you and now after joining I am almost ready to join the family. Working slow to get it right. Thank you so ever much.

    Reply
    • Mike says

      March 12, 2016 at 9:37 am

      Dave,

      Thank you for being a loyal fan for all of these years. At the very least test drive the members area, http://backyardgrowers.com/join, when it opens up again, right now it is on fire with activity.

      Reply
  19. Bob Shoemaker says

    March 11, 2016 at 3:08 pm

    Micke, What a job you folks have created so beautiful, and I know it took a lot of woooork! Keep up the good work . God has been good to you and your’s. Sincerely Bob Shoemaker

    Reply
    • Mike says

      March 11, 2016 at 6:10 pm

      Thank you Bob, I appreciate that.

      Reply
  20. Linda says

    March 9, 2016 at 10:44 am

    loved seeing the pictures and notes along with it…..thanks for sharing….Linda here in MO

    Reply
  21. Eleanor says

    March 9, 2016 at 10:16 am

    Such a hardworking Family and life long hard work you have done. I work In my yard, flowers, one or three tomato plants. Love to watch plants grow . trouble is getting old (70) and having joint problems, and cant do so much any longer. in the past. I grew up with a father who had a big garden and a mother who canned the produce. i know hard work. I love to read your web site, reminds me of my folks who have passed. We lived in the country then, We are in the city now. And love to see your pics of yard currently with all the ornamental trees. You are truly inspiring! I have planted 3 laceleaf maples, one august moon, 1 peegee hydrangea , in the last two yrs in my yard. Have others also to prune and care for. Going to try to prune the laceleafs like you do!! You and your family are such a pleasure to hear about. THANK you and May God continue to bless you.

    Reply
    • Mike says

      March 9, 2016 at 5:27 pm

      Thank you Eleanor! Enjoy those plants.

      Reply
  22. Martha Blevins says

    March 9, 2016 at 8:14 am

    Mike, I have loved playing in the dirt since I was a child. I was not educated on much of anything
    gardening. BUT, I found Mike’s backyard gardening and I am learning a bunch. I can’t tell you how
    much I appreciate you and your ” lessons ” in planting and growing.. Definetly an act of love for us
    who need teaching. You are AWESOME , thank you !!

    Reply
    • Mike says

      March 9, 2016 at 5:28 pm

      Thank you Martha, your kind words are appreciated.

      Reply
  23. Ted says

    March 9, 2016 at 7:44 am

    How do you get answers to questions posted

    Reply
    • Mike says

      March 9, 2016 at 5:31 pm

      Ted,

      I come here at least once a day to answer questions. I do the best I can, but I’m only one person with a lot going on. That’s why we have the members area. Questions are answered there all day long. http://backyardgrowers.com/join

      Reply
  24. Gail says

    March 9, 2016 at 7:28 am

    WoW, what you sow is what you reap, only bigger!
    What a beautiful garden
    Have not been a loyal reader I got to admit but now that you have created a really interesting website,(with color yet Mike), I must say….pretty impressive.
    Live those pink potentilla ; they aren’t so easy to find. What is their heat tolerance zone?
    Recall when you started. You certainly have come a long way.
    Congrats, Gail

    Reply
    • Mike says

      March 9, 2016 at 5:32 pm

      Gail,

      Potentilla should be fine through zone 8, maybe zone 9 but I won’t promise that.

      Reply
  25. Ern Bodenmiller says

    March 9, 2016 at 7:21 am

    Mike, I enjoy your emails so much I’ve shared them with many friends. This one is the best yet, with all the links. We consider you are garden friend! Keep up the great work!

    Reply
    • Mike says

      March 9, 2016 at 7:22 am

      Thanks Ern!

      Reply
  26. Tina Schraier says

    March 9, 2016 at 7:10 am

    Thanks Mike for sharing your story with me. You have inspired me
    for many years but this really inspired me.
    Your family is beautiful..

    Tina Schraier
    http://www.essanteorganics.com/GohealthyNOW

    Reply
    • Mike says

      March 9, 2016 at 7:23 am

      Thanks Tina.

      Reply
  27. JOHANNA says

    March 9, 2016 at 6:21 am

    MIKE,
    THANKS FOR ALL YOUR INFORMATION ON PLANTS, WISH I COULD VISIT AND BUY SOME OF YOUR GREAT PLANTS BUT I’M ON THE EAST COAST AND DON’T TRAVEL ……….KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!!!!

    Reply
  28. Holly says

    March 9, 2016 at 5:44 am

    So cool to still have great shots of everything! I would live to see your yard at the new house!

    Reply
  29. Saad Akhtar says

    March 9, 2016 at 4:49 am

    Amazing

    Reply
  30. Tania & John. says

    March 9, 2016 at 3:25 am

    What a great read Mike. We love to get your emails here in the UK.
    Best wishes
    The Rural Gardeners.

    Reply
  31. Lecia Winn says

    March 9, 2016 at 3:19 am

    I just want to cry when I see the work you have done, it’s beautiful. I love how your family is involved. You have done the right thing when it comes to using your land.
    Bless you. Now THAT”S inspiration!

    Reply
  32. Jim Coulter says

    March 9, 2016 at 2:16 am

    I am going to do it again Mike! This is a great way to make extra money. Have a IRS Tax return coming? Mike has shown how to start with a portion of your back yard as well. Not all plants make it, but most will when you learn from Mike’s videos. No pots, try Landscape contractors, Nurseries, recycle places, they give and throw pots away, you might as well re-use them for free! The members on his forum will help you. I invested 7 dollars for a trial to start, Liked it, and signed up for some great education. Make sure any plants you purchase have the Specific Latin or Greek Name on the tag, No, Mike does not send out Skittles for Plugs!

    Reply
    • Mike says

      March 9, 2016 at 7:25 am

      Thanks Jim, I appreciate it.

      Reply
  33. neil says

    March 9, 2016 at 1:22 am

    This is fantastic and has inspired me mike, thanks for sharing…neil

    Reply
  34. Anonymous says

    March 9, 2016 at 1:20 am

    This is FANTASTIC Mike it really has inspired me, thanks for sharing…neil

    Reply
  35. Bob says

    March 8, 2016 at 10:42 pm

    Mike,do you have a start date set yet for your spring sale this year..i live in stark co. and really what to visit your nursery asap this spring..

    Reply
    • Mike says

      March 9, 2016 at 7:25 am

      Bob,

      Typically we don’t get started selling until mid to late April depending on the weather.

      Reply
  36. Mike says

    March 8, 2016 at 10:35 pm

    Great stuff Mike – I’ve been following you for a while and always am delighted to read your blogs.
    God bless

    -Mike

    Reply
  37. Dale Reedy says

    March 8, 2016 at 10:15 pm

    Your story is a tribute to the greatness of America and your families contribution as part of that greatness. Thanks for all that you do.

    Reply
  38. mike nichols says

    March 8, 2016 at 9:54 pm

    Enjoyed the trip down memory lane – Thanks so much for sharing it.
    Mike

    Reply
  39. Kitty Silvera says

    March 8, 2016 at 9:51 pm

    Mike,

    I love your book, but cannot propagate to sell, Too old, but love doing this for myself and family.

    We just cut down 9 large Eucalyptus trees and had them mulched. Not realizing how much mulch that would be, I have 5 huge piles ! WE have used quite a lot of this to cover areas where we have removed grass due to drought..
    Do you have any ideas how I can use this as a growing medium, or what to do with it??
    Thanks for all you ideas and help.

    Reply
    • Mike says

      March 9, 2016 at 7:27 am

      Kitty,

      It would have to decompose for a long time before you could use if for a growing medium. Several years for sure.

      Reply
      • Mike says

        March 9, 2016 at 3:05 pm

        Kitty,
        If you incorporate the mulch into a compost pile (as the carbon source) it will break down much faster. Monitor the temperature and just boost the nitrogen as needed (grass clippings, or even blood meal will help). You could also consider selling it to the neighbors.. Good luck!

        Reply
        • Mike says

          March 9, 2016 at 5:25 pm

          Mike is right and of course if you keep the piles flat and low they’ll get wet all the way through and decompose faster.

          Reply
  40. k says

    March 8, 2016 at 9:20 pm

    Mike,

    I love your book, but cannot propagate to sell, Too old, but love doing this for myself and family.

    We just cut down 9 large Eucalyptus trees and had them mulched. Not realizing how much mulch that would be, I have 5 huge piles !

    Reply
  41. Anonymous says

    March 8, 2016 at 9:20 pm

    Mike,

    I love your book, but cannot propagate to sell, Too old, but love doing this for myself and family.

    We just cut down 9 large Eucalyptus trees and had them mulched. Not realizing how much mulch that would be, I have 5 huge piles !

    Reply
  42. Patrick says

    March 8, 2016 at 9:14 pm

    Your “beginning” back yard is larger than my entire lot!”

    Reply
    • Mike says

      March 9, 2016 at 7:28 am

      Patrick, it’s not as big as you think. The nursery took up 1/20th of an acre.

      Reply
  43. Andrew Fetterly says

    March 8, 2016 at 9:05 pm

    Hello Mike,,, great E-mail,,, always enjoy reading them and watching your you tube videos as well,,, a great way to learn while sipping my morning coffee!!!! We live in Alberta Canada and would sure like to get our hands on the booklet about getting ‘massive roots” started on cuttings,,,,, while I have had some success it is primarily with shrubs like willow which are almost fool proof,,,, I have had little success with shrubs or trees such as Mountain Ash, Cotoneaster, or Saskatoon,,,, or other berry trees to attract birds and wildlife. Unfortunately it indicates that you cannot ship the booklet outside of the U.S. is there any other source for that much desired information??? Keep up the great work,,,

    Reply
    • Mike says

      March 9, 2016 at 7:29 am

      Andrew, all of the information you need is here;
      http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2015/01/easy-summertime-plant-propagation-techniques-can-home/
      http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2015/01/easy-winter-time-plant-propagation-can-home/

      and as far as booklets are concerned, this one is digital http://freeplants.com/wanted2.html

      Reply
      • Andrew Fetterly says

        March 9, 2016 at 9:44 am

        Thanks Mike for your quick reply and your dedication to your followers!!!! 🙂

        Reply
  44. Richard Holt says

    March 8, 2016 at 8:32 pm

    I’m a picture guy and this email was just great, thanks for the info. I’m trying to decide whether to buy into the backyard growing thing when it opens the next time.

    Reply
    • Mike says

      March 9, 2016 at 7:31 am

      Richard,

      The only way to know that is to take the test drive when we open it open. I think you’ll like it. http://backyardgrowers.com/join

      Reply
  45. Dee says

    March 8, 2016 at 8:21 pm

    Hello Mike! I loved this article. I have been following you for a long time and i love the friendly way you present thing your messages. If i were younger i would start a nursary. I live in Washington state. Dee

    Reply
    • Mike says

      March 9, 2016 at 7:32 am

      Dee,

      I think you’d be amazed at the average age of our membership. Some are younger, but most are older. Here’s the easy way. http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/small-plants-big-profits/

      Reply
  46. Rod Whiting says

    March 8, 2016 at 7:59 pm

    Thanks for sharing your start. We enjoyed our visit with you last spring with our granddaughters. Hope to see you again with them this Spring. Rod and Donna Whiting

    Reply
    • Mike says

      March 9, 2016 at 7:33 am

      Rod,

      We’d love to have you back, things always changing at the nursery!

      Reply
  47. Linda says

    March 8, 2016 at 7:51 pm

    Thank you Mike. I was gardening before but it all became too much work for too little reward. Thank you for inspiring me to have another go. The bonus for me is that my garden is getting tidier every time I take cuttings and plant them. So, win, win! . You are incredible. Fantastic website that you don`t have to pretend to understand.

    Reply
    • Mike says

      March 9, 2016 at 7:33 am

      Thanks Linda, I appreciate that.

      Reply
  48. Condee says

    March 8, 2016 at 7:38 pm

    This was great. Looking into your photo album and you sharing with us as if we were all family. You’re a great man. Because of you I have 6 4×4 raised bed and one 4×8. I raise food every year. Some years better than others. But I am learning what grows and what doesn’t grow well. I have learned to grow only what I like to eat and not grow what is easy .
    Thanks for all that you do,

    Condee

    Reply
    • Mike says

      March 9, 2016 at 7:34 am

      Thanks Condee, I appreciate it.

      Reply
  49. Mike Yocum says

    March 8, 2016 at 7:31 pm

    Mike, I can only say, as one Buckeye to another, you are one awesome dude.

    Mike Yocum

    PS: Now a CT Yankee in king Arthur’s court

    Reply
    • Mike says

      March 9, 2016 at 7:34 am

      Thanks Mike, you’re pretty awesome as well.

      Reply
  50. walt emerson says

    March 8, 2016 at 7:03 pm

    Mike, I really enjoy all the e-mails I get from you and this one is terrific! walt

    Reply
    • Mike says

      March 8, 2016 at 7:08 pm

      Thanks Walt, I appreciate that.

      Reply

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