Mike's Backyard Nursery

The Most Fun You Can Have With Your Bibs On!

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We are Giving Away a Free Backyard Growers Membership.

Updated : June 17, 2024

We will begin accepting new members on April 1st, but only for a few days, so mark your calendar!

You Can Learn All about Our Members Area Here.

One person is going to win a Permanent Membership to Our Private Backyard Growers Business Center.  This is a $497.00 value.  Members routinely pay $497.00 or more for this membership because it is worth much, much more.

To enter this contest simply post a comment below and one person will be randomly selected to receive this awesome gift.  A little bit about our members area.

  1.  Our members area is an amazingly place where you can interact with other people who are quietly and Successfully Selling Small Plant from Home.
  2. I, Mike McGroarty, spend a great deal of time in the members area answering questions, offering advice and sharing dozens and dozens of strategies that have made me a successful grower.
  3. You will make like minded friends who will truly support you in your effort to grow and sell small plants from home.  The friendships that come out of our members area are amazing to say the least.
  4. Our members help each other in every way imaginable.  I’ve seen them go to another members house and work for an entire day or more just for the experience of being around another person that is doing what they want to do.
  5. Our members buy plants from one another, they sell thousand and thousands of dollars worth of plants, rooted cuttings, unrooted cuttings and seeds in the Buy/Sell Area.
  6. As a member you will be invited to our Annual Backyard Growers Shindig at Mike’s Plant Farm in Perry, Ohio.   People travel hundreds or thousands of miles to attend this event just to get a chance to meet the other members.  It’s always an amazing day and more friendships are formed.
  7. And of Course You’ll Get to Meet the Donkeys!  By the way they are running for President of the United States.  More about that soon.
  8. You will gain access to every wholesale source that I know of and the wholesale sources that other members buy from routinely.  These are wholesale sources for plants, nursery supplies, seeds, etc.  You will also be entitled to discounts that only our members get on wholesale supplies.
  9. The plant bargains in the Buy/Sell Area are beyond belief.  I personally have spent thousands and thousands of dollars buying from other members.  The deals are too good to pass up!  French Lilacs, $3.00 each!  Rhododendrons $3.00 each, Japanese Red Maples, $2.20 each, really, really rare Japanese maple trees, less than $15.00 each.  This list is endless and it changes daily, if not hourly.  Right now the Buy/Sell Area is On Fire With Great Deals!
  10. Get your questions answered quickly about just about anything that has to do with growing plants.   Some questions are answered in a matter of minutes.  By people who know what they are talking about.

I could go on and on but the best way for You to Experience Our Members Area is to take the test drive when membership opens again.  Next date for accepting new members is April 1st, 2016.  But you have to act quickly, it will be only open for a few days at best.  We truly limit the number of new members admitted at any one time.

To enter the contest for a Free, Permanent Membership all you have to do is enter a comment below and we will contact the winner by Email before we start accepting new members.

The winner will be selected 100% by random number draw.

Comments

  1. Thanks Mike for all the information you give and sharing your knowledge to help me with my plants! Blessings to you.

  2. Mike, my friend,, I thank you for all the outstanding info you have shared with the viewing public! Your kindness is greatly appreciated! I retired eleven years ago. My first purchase was the hardback “Easy Plant Propagation ” and you autographed it. I cherish this little book above all others; it squared me away! I’m the son of an old sharecropper from the Mississippi Delta and I can’t quit playing in the dirt. I also bought from your organization two different mist systems. Buddy I think you are one outstanding individual! I wish for you and your organization continued success and one day I hope to shake your hand and have a visit! Good luck my friend ?.

  3. I would love to win the free membership!!!!! By following your advise using the $7.95 PDF, I have started my own business. The BareFoot Gardener’s Backyard Nursery. Thank You!

  4. Thanks for all you do Mike. Your knowledge is always greatly appreciated. Keep it coming

  6. Hi Mike, Already learned a lot from your emails. Have my first hardwood cuttings outside here in CT thanks to your booklet. I’ve gardened organically since the early 60’s and have a rep with my family that I can grow anything. Keep up the good work!

  8. I would love to do this. I’ve discovered a green thumb I didn’t know I had before and would love to profit from it!

  10. I am just now getting started with modern homesteading and am really wanting to incorporate your ideas into our small piece of land that we have. I live in the city and have about 3/4 of an acre that I will be able to use. Thank you so much for putting so much time and effort into helping people like me learn to be successful. I can’t wait to learn more from you and the other members on here!

  12. I have learned a LOT from your newsletter. I have only a small amount of space and have contemplated how I could work in the cuttings. Love your You tube too. Connie

  14. I have been following you for over three years now, I really look forward to all that you share and teach about gardening. Thanks to you and your knowledge I have learnt a great deal, and look forward to learning a lot more. Thanks again Mike!

  15. already bought the Books/OTHER STUFF … a FREE Membership would be GREAT since I really CANT afford it & did NOT know that IT was NOT included in the price I already PAID (one of the main reasons I purchased the other stuff… 🙁 )

  16. I want this because I’m selfish…need resources to make extra income…
    My goal is to teach my grandkids how to be independent and not a slave to the system as I was.
    Plan on planting a tree this year and grafting into it with the kids so they can brag about the tree they helped with that grows 3+ kinds of fruit…of witch I learned from you.
    Teach other kids to grow plants and they too can make money for themselves for school/college…or maybe produce enough trees, etc to reforest a empty lot/area.
    BTW…the tree will be my memorial…lol.

  17. Been following Mike’s newsletters for a few years now – mostly for tips on growing my own shrubs and trees, but with an eye to starting my own backyard nursery.

  18. Hi Mike! I recently signed up for your newsletters & hope to win a free backyard growers membership. I found your websites because I was looking for info on how to make my land make money for me. I don’t mind hard work, but not when it’s going toward making someone else rich. My husband is in hospice care & I have to find a way to make money because I’m to young to get full S.S. benefits. (And who can live on that!) I don’t want to lose the beautiful home that we had just purchased before he got sick. What better way to make money than in your own backyard!

  19. Love the site, love your books, love the videos….going to begin my backyard nursery when the snow finally melts here in northern Minnesota!

    Bob Cozzo

  20. I had a membership a while back, then unfortunately life, chaos and nonsense happened that took up all my time energy and money. Life is back on track even tho finaces aren’t. I would greatly appreciate winning this membership. I’ve been “gifted” a greenhouse business with payments starting at the end of April and I will be the first to say I’m diving in on faith and any help I can get is greatly needed and appreciated. Thank you for opening this door of learning and growth.
    Peace and smiles to you,

  21. At our age we have given up trying to find jobs. We have almost an acre beside a busy road with no zoning. Our produce stand business is expanding each year so we are going to give perennials a shot. We’ll need all the advice we can get. Thanks Mike

  23. Thank you for all the amazing and invaluable information that you so graciously share!
    Bless you Mike.
    On the Election note: Fergus McGroarty is incredibly wise and Finnegan McGroarty is such a ham that I can not imagine any other perfectly suited for the position. They have my vote, hands down.
    Thank you for this awesome opportunity to enter for a chance to win the most sought after membership to the Backyard Growers!
    All the Best to you and yours.

  25. Oh Mike I would love to have a permanent membership, the information that you share is like gold being dropped in my lap.

    Stephanie

  26. Hi Mike,

    I enjoy all the great information and videos! Please enter me in the contest. Thanks!

    TED

  27. Ok Mike, you hooked me 2 years ago. I found about 80 babies under my dwarf japanese red maple, planted them in pots, moved them 4 times to get the best weather but alas, winter before last left me with only 5 survivors. However, trying again, I now have about 100 growing in pots and they fared much better over this past winter. I am in Ontario Canada, zone 6b. Don’t know what to do now – keep them in pots or plant? This is why I need you. I also planted 30 Colorado Blue Spruce 3 year seedlings – now I am moving. Put them in pots now, or re-plant in ground at my new house??? Any help appreciated. Put me in for your give-away membership – I think I am going to need it,
    Thanks,

  28. Hello Mr, McGroarty! This is Brandon Allen in Orange, Texas again. I want so much to be a member of your Backyard Growers Club! I love plants so much! I have been gardening here in zone 9 for many years now. I finally got myself a greenhouse and have been propagating plants in hopes of making my own living here from the house. You name it I have probably grown it down here! Lol! I have had success with so many kinds of plants down here. I wish I had the money to just go ahead and join your club but the money has been so tight, My wife passed a few years ago and I am teaching again. In spite of it all I don’t let life stop my love of plants and gardening here in the South. I so much appreciate all of your emails and inspirational videos and plant tips and information etc. I always look forward to reading them! I hope I win because I need some friends support in my business endeavors. I’ve had to do a lot of it alone. I sure hope to win and get to meet you and your associates one day! Thank you so much! I hope to hear from yah soon!

  30. Hi Mike and family,
    Been reading your mailings since July of 2004 and have refered many folks your way
    Absolutely love your articles and tips and tricks I just haven’t had the income to get a membership and would Love to have one!
    So good luck to everyone on being the lucky one to win!
    Blessings to all!

  32. Thanks Mike for this opportunity. I’m inspired more and more every time I read your blog.

  33. Hi Mike:

    Thanks for the chance to win. I am working up the courage to see what I can do on 3/4 of a shady acre in Connecticut.

  34. Just found your site and youtube channel….. Looking forward to learning more. Plants are my passion…. thank you to my mother for showing me the way so many years ago. Thank you mom. 🙂
    And thank you Mike for showing us all the way to bringing our passion to fruition.

  35. I’ve been a follower of Backyard Nursery for several years, and a member of the Board for a few months a couple of years ago. I can assure every reader, there’s no better value than a membership!

    I didn’t have much support in the plant growing venture back then, but this year we are well on the way to a raised bed vegetable garden, so I imagine growing/selling plants isn’t too far in the future. Would love to be a member again – and “free” would just be the bees’ knees! (P.S. I made a couple of friends from the Board and we still keep in touch – great folks!)

    Mike, thanks for all you do! I tell everyone about you and the plant business!

  37. I learn something each time I read one of your emails. Although I don’t try the tips on a grand scale I have tried some of the suggested techniques. I have used empty pretzel containers for starting trees. Not all my projects have turned out but, I love the successes I have accomplished. I wrote to you once asking about starting Harry Lauder walking sticks as cuttings and your son said that you had tried it and not been successful but I am going to be moving soon and the Harry Lauder I planted when I moved to this home has grown so large that I am afraid to dig it up to take with me. That I why I have taken cuttings and am hoping that even one may grow roots or the tree stock I have already rooted may live after transplant and maybe I will be able to graft it to one of the living cut offs from my beautiful Harry. Wish me luck!

  39. I would really love to win this. I would love to be able to make some money doing something that I enjoy, but I can’t afford the membership right now. Having access to the resources available as a member would be so awesome.

  40. Hi, Mike.

    I ha e been following ypu for some time now, and enjoy what I gave been learning. I used to be a teacher, and because of some physical issues, have been unable to continue. Nor can I do most other work.

    The backyard planting provides a good possibility, however. I do have a large backyard, and this appears to be something I could fo to provide for my family…

    The plant

  41. Would love to get in on the drawing for the Backyard Growers Membership. Been following your work for years and after much research looks like this would be a great way to supplement retirement income. Thanks, Mike!

  43. Thank you for the resources and opportunities you provide to help us all become ultimate green thumb champions

  44. I I’m retired and I am looking for something to do to bring in a little extra income. I just purchased some red wiggler worms now I need the plants to put them in.
    I enjoy reading your articles so informative.

  45. My husband and I used to be temporary members. Due to our age, and limited income now that we are retired, we had to let go of that membership. We are avid fans, constantly looking forward to your emails and knowledge shared – our passion for backyard growing still continues in our senior years – and we never grow tired of reading the new information or knowledge you share with us. It’s like your a cousin and yet we’ve never met face to face! We could do a lot of good, sharing your words, and maybe make a little profit for ourselves. Sharing our products with our community, and learning more with each season, this is what it’s all about!

  46. I excited about the backyards growers membership being open in April! I’m moving from Texas to Arizona and will need some trees! My father is in his 70’s and I’m in my 20’s and together we are starting a farm! Totally newbies! I did get a permaculture design certificate while in Texas but lack experience. Being a stay at home mom I look forward to growing some nursery stock and making a little side income while teaching the kids about nature! I’m on facebook sweetsunsetfarm if you have any advice ;). Thank you for the great resource you provide to growers!

  47. Dr fellow plant lovers,
    I am a native Californian, I am truly in love with dirty hands, and fresh oxygen wafting in every window from a lush vibrant garden. Grown sustainable while intelligently utilizing each aspect of ones environment. I currently grow na ca plants for a local ecologist, to be used in restoration projects in Central Valley. I would truly love a membership. Good vibes to whom reads this. I have hope in my mind 😉

  48. I would love to have a free membership Mike. I want to retire in about 6 years and would like to have my nursery going strong at that time.

  50. I would like you to make a video talking about license and regulations of selling plants from home . thanks !

  51. I love reading your articles, I’m in the process of moving and I am looking forward to this new venture of becoming a backyard grower to help ends meet. I hope you pick me!!

  54. I have been following your blog for a few years now and learned a lot of good information from it. An now in just a few years my wife flower beds a starting to look great. with having a limited income and doing as you say in the blog you would think I spent big bucks but in reality just pennies. I never knew learning about gardening could be so much fun. Thanks

  55. I started 6 white mulberries with your clamshells. I had used the air layer method before, but only had about a 40% success rate. But all 6 white mulberries rooted. I have a couple apples hopefully rooting now. I am aware they’ll be standard size trees, but that’s OK. I save most of your emails so I can reference back to them. A great resource. Thanks!!

  56. Hey Mike. I have been watching your YouTube videos for years now and would like to thank you for teaching us all there is to know about the plant nursery business. I recently bought a home in CT and have been transforming the acreage into a small scale plant nursery. There is still alot to be done but i would have never done this if I did not find your videos that inspired me. you are an idol to me and made me believe in myself. Thank you again and good luck with everything.

  59. Planning to retire soon. I have been playing with parts of your system for 2 years now, I will have a lot more time to jump in with both feet very soon. A free membership would be a great way to start. Keep up the great work Mike

  62. Thanks Mike for such great information. Wish I had learned about you years ago. Stuck my first “sticks” last December and am excited to see buds have formed. Keep doing what you do as you are an inspiration to many. I just bought a Corona pruner (love it) and a couple of your books. I am truly inspired!

  63. Thank you for the opportunity. I bought one of your programs a few years ago, but with all the red tape and permits you need in New York to sell plants I just could not come up with the hundreds of dollars they wanted. I instead am turning my small farm into a self sufficient homestead and look forward to the newsletters you put out. This membership would be a great help.

    Good luck everyone

  64. Been loving and propagating plants for years. Looking forward to exercising my talents and yard space into $! Thanks for the opportunity of becoming a member of something that keeps the world beautiful and Bees busy.

  66. I live on 3 acres just outside of town in Tiffin Ohio, am waiting to see if my hard cuttings root this spring. Would like to get my backyard nursery under way within the next couple of years. Would like to retire from my fulltime job in about 7 years and would have more time to devote to it. I read all of your posts to my email and save them for future reference.

  67. This is just what I need to do something constructive with my very vertical and shade covered acres. I am looking forward to learning and growing some plants!

  68. Your advice and information is priceless, thank you…
    I think some running for President are donkies already so hey another one will never hurt.

  69. Really appreciate the tons of great info you share with everyone! I look forward to all your gardening knowledge and I especially look forward to seeing Finnegan and Fergus

  70. Hi Mike,

    I have been following you for several years… not even sure when I started. I have really enjoyed your videos, even the cooking ones! When we bought our home in SoCal, it came with an acre of weeds and very old apricot orchard, a couple citrus trees, and some ancient grape vines. You are a hoot and really do make it all seem pretty simple. I’ve tried most of your advice on weeding, cuttings, rooting, and tending. (Some with more success than others,) I found your advice on planning foundation plants and ornamental trees to be straightforward and fairly foolproof! I have never sold plants; I’ve used your information for my own selfish interest as a personal hobby and for my home organic raised vegetable gardens instead. I work at the local middle school so I have lots of opportunity to share. Things change and my daughter is moving back home with her toddler. I’d love for us to have the guidance and support your program offers while she is getting on her feet.

    Thank you so much for your website, posts, ravings, videos, emails, practical advice, and most of all, your sense of humor!! We live in rural SoCal, but one of these days, we just may have to take the Ohio route on our way to visit hubby’s family in Maine and say hello. Thanks again, 🙂 Cheers!

  71. Great info Mike, thanks. I have recently ordered my Corona and anxiously await it’s arrival. Also excited about the Membership giveaway – have my fingers crossed that I’m that lucky one.

  72. I would love to win the membership. I like to watch your videos& look at all your neat landscaping. I love the Japanese maples.

  73. Great site, I do my cuttings basically the same, but not the trash bag, I have put them in green house, but I am trying your way, I hope for more success. Thank you a membership would be awesome, but either way I love your site, Keep inspiring young or young at heart gardeners.’

  74. Would love to have a membership and free is even better. If I don’t win I will still join!

  75. Very interested in the backyard business opportunity. Enjoy your blog and Enthusiasm. Keep the positive attitude going. Thanks.

  76. What a great site and with great resources as well. Please include me as we have just moved into a new home and need plants for the landscaping……but as you know…..after moving there is little money left 🙁

  78. I’ve loved reading your newsletters for years. One day small plants will supplement my SS check. Thanks for sharing your garden and life with yours faithful followers!

  79. I so love your emails & wonderful advise. I don’t have a lot of spare time, but this year we’re going to have a great garden & a lot of it is from your help. Thanks!

  82. Thanks for the Homemade Weed Control recipe. Will try it in my blueberries and honeyberries.

  83. Hi MIke,
    Thank you so much for your website and sharing all your wonderful experience.
    I have 2 of your books and find them very helpful. This summer I am planting a community garden with some of my neighbors in my large backyard. We are growing mostly vegetables but I love the flowers you share.
    Any tips you can give me to help my raspberries produce would be greatly appreciated. I live in the mountains of Arizona but I grew up in Ohio and would love to visit you when I come back. Hope to see you in the summer! I also hope I win the backyard growers gift so I can join in your membership! Thanks for all you do!

  84. I have been receiving your emails for a couple of months now, and am really looking forward to putting some of the posts into practice. We are in southern BC right along the WA border, at 1913 feet elevation.
    My query is – am I a member of your “club”?

    Keep the good info coming! Leda

  85. Thanks for all you do,Mike. I’ve been a long time follower and have learned so much from your kind & generous sharing. Of course I would like to have the opportunity to win this fantastic offer.

  86. My family would love to enjoy this membership. We have watched all the videos and started our own little shop. Even our family is own board to use more land and get this started.

  87. Would love to turn my backyard into a growing garden. As it is, the heavy metals and toxins being sprayed from above have wreaked havoc on my trees and most likely the soil. I’ve already looked into reversing the damage and naturally re-mineralizing the soil. The idea is to grow edibles under a greenhouse type of structure and the rest outside. Lots of work to do but the dream of growing organic plants, flowers, and vegetables is not unattainable. Naural, healthy, fresh and lovely ~~ Cheers!!

  88. Thanks for all of the great ideas and advice. I always look forward to your post and new ways to start plants for free.

  89. Mr. McGroarty, thanks for all you do! Your propagation instructions are now part of my curriculum as a Hort. Instructor

  90. Just can’t afford membership now or in near future but I seriously want to someday. It looks like a very profitable way to go into the plant business. Thanks for all the free tips and low cost booklets, I and many others have benefitted from.

  91. I am hoping that if I enter for a free membership that I might just get the books I have ordered in the past and have not received.

  94. I have read your articles for some time, and many of them are very interesting and useful.
    I would look forward to finding value in the Growers Membership.

  95. Good Morning. My comment is to have the opportunity to obtain a Free membership in this wonderful site. I am 69 old retired and looking for an activity to obtain some incomes. Thanks in advance

  96. I look forward to your e-mails each day. Your tips have been so valuable to me and I learn something new with each one of them. The best thing I learned from you is that working outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine makes me feel good.

  97. Although I’m very new to your site, it’s triggered my passion for growing plants and now, learning to profit from my passion as well!!
    I hope to win this free membership yet !!

  98. Really like your site, everything is fun to read and useful too. The donkey makes me smile.
    So happy about growing plants.
    Thanks for all that you do

  99. I love gardening and growing plants of all kinds. I have recently started propagating what’s legal and would really like to be part of this.

  100. I’ve been looking at the Backyard Growers material for some time now, but I’m guess I’m just afraid to get started.
    My wife and I are retired (in central Florida), I’m 71, she’s 75. I can’t setup a growing area, in my backyard (live in retirement community with restrictions), but my sister (in Sanford, FL) has a garden area with irrigation.
    Well, I hope I can convince my wife to put faith in your systems and get started.

  102. Hey Mike,
    I’ve been following you for a couple of years now. Went back to school in my later 50’s to
    get a Horticulture degree and I’m hoping to use your program to augment my income once
    I retire. Mid 60’s now and would love to be working with plants in my ‘Golden Years’ as they
    say. So here’s to a membership chance.

  103. Mike I bought your book many years ago and have followed your articles. I would like to get more serious about growing plants for profit. I have about 10 acres to play with. A free membership would be awesome. Thanks Mike for sharing your knowledge with us!

  104. Thank you for the opportunity to enter for a free membership. I look forward to winning.

  105. Great to see comments from Texas, I’m located in DFW area now we moved from Wisconsin and have so much to learn about climate, heat tolerant plants, and Fire Ants! We have a 50 acre farm that we are working to improve the soil using permaculture and need lots of trees, shrubs, annuals, perrenials, etc. . Look forward to learning

  108. Hi Mike….my husband and I drove all the way out from Nebraska two summers ago to meet you. What a pleasure! I’m having trouble with squirrels tearing into my pots and making a mess. We have two large walnut trees in our yard, so maybe there isn’t any solution for this problem. Any suggesttions?

  109. I have been following your blog for several years and been very intregued. We are getting ready to move into a new house in a new area ( from NE to OH ) and would love to get started with your program. Have a blessed Easter.

  112. I’d love to win a membership! I’ve been reading your blog Mike for years and it has been so helpful in my garden! Thanks so much for publishing all your info and experiences!

  113. Im having to change career at 45 years old due to injury. I grew up doing home improvements and thats what i know and love but 4 surgeries on left shoulder and now one on right shoulder has made it so i need a less over head working career if i want to b able to use my arms as i get older and my other hobby is gardening so im thinking on this as im healing from surgery 2fridays ago!

  114. I enjoy reading your articles and all the information that you give us. Thank you for the generous opportunity of a free membership!

  115. Mike, I have followed you for years. It is time I get started. I now have the land and am going back to work to put a building on it. Within the next year I will be in action and will get a membership by then, one way or another. Thanks for all the inspiration!

  116. Hey Mike and all,
    Just a line to say thanks for all the info and gardening wisdom you provide here!!

  118. I finally made one of your aquarium rooting boxes this week. I have had the instructions and the used aquarium for several years and just had some scrap cedar given to me. I got the wooden base all finished, then knocked the drill off the counter into the aquarium and broke it! Yikes! Now to find another aquarium. I love to win the membership!

  119. Hi Mike!

    I’d love to win the membership! You have so much knowledge & I love reading your blogs & watching your videos!

    Debbie in Oklahoma

  120. Gosh, I’d love a membership. I took the $7 trial and if I had the means, I’d pay double what you’re asking. It really is a wonderful resource. All the best of luck to everyone (but especially me, haha).

  121. Would love to have a membership so I can learn to support my family from my home. Enter me in!

  122. I have had to reinvent myself. I was in a bad car accident last summer & am unable to work. I thought selling plants was a great solution. But it’s going slow & I find myself barely able to afford the basic supplies needed. I did try your $7. membership. I bought 250 pots & 2 of your books.
    I would love to win the lifetime membership. I’ve looked into farmers markets in my area & I have sold some plants from home.
    Please pick me. I have so much to learn from you & your members.

  123. Maybe moving to a different city then what I am in right now. Bigger house, and bigger area to grow plants in. The city where I am at right now won’t allow me to grow anymore then a few plants at a time, and no greenhouses at all without a permit.

  124. I live in the down under part of the world. I n New Zealand. I really do like this site and all the particle tips I am getting. We have nothing like it down here. So thank you for letting me subscribe to your news letter. I’d like to become a member but finances dictate otherwise.

  125. Mike,
    I enjoy reading your posts. Learn so much. Putting my name in the pot. Would love to have the chance to win. St. Louis weather is due s challenge.
    Thanks

  126. Mike,

    I just wanted to say “thank you” for all the help and advice you’ve so selflessly given to so many people over the years. I am eternally grateful for the new skills I’ve learned from both your blog and the videos and plan to continue to try new things in the garden.

    Linda

  127. Greetings from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I have been reading your email newsletter for several years now and used tons of your great information in my personal gardens. Thank you for that!

    I’ll be paying more attention to your cache of advice on backyard gardening for profit from now on though, since I’ve decided that’s an ideal small business for me when I soon ditch the 9-5 world.

    Envious of all who are in their gardens already as I watch the melt following our Spring ice storm!

  128. Hi ! Mike I love your emails they are very helpful. I live in eastern Utah. I have learn so much but I can learn more. I have a problum with the seeds out here. Hope you can help me. Thanks.

  129. Mike, you are an absolute inspiration and I would love for this opportunity to reach me and my wife. We have been using your principals and are having some prosperous luck. Good luck to you and mostly to us!

  130. I’m learning so much about how to grow plants for my own use and to sell. I appreciate you sharing what you have learned with those of us who are wanting to know how to successfully grow nice plants. I would love to win a membership so I could learn so much more.

  131. My daffodils haven’t bloomed yet. Hopefully a few warm days will have them blooming bright and beautiful. Welcome Spring!

  132. Is the membership useful to Canadians? Just wondering as I know you’re based in Ohio and shipping plants cross border can be expensive and a big hassle without permits.

  134. I’ve been taking plants to our local farmer’s market, and need another way to grow them! Help Me! I want to grow up and be just like Mike!!!

  135. Mike ,
    How are you and your family? I’m from Trinidad & Tobago.I enjoy your site and your frank way of speaking..I’m 60 years old and want to start a small plant business ,as our economy is in a bad shape.No jobs for me at this age ,so after reading your story, I decided to give this a shot, to bring in some extra cash and because I alwways loved gardening

  137. I bought the program for my wife. She has the green thumb and I build her raised flower beds with the skid-steer! We are looking forward to learning more about your plant propagation system. I made the first $67 payment last month. I hope I am luckier with this drawing than my pitiful Lotto endeavors. God bless!

  138. Yellow from Colorado, I would love to take on a growing challenge here in colorful Colorado. I hope I win!

  139. Mike, I am a avid reader of your note and I al visit the site to learn about how to get the best out of my plants. God bless you for the help and information you provide to the public. For free. We appreciate you Mike..
    Please tell me what the cheapest way to get 50 plants of 2-3 Gallon JAPANESE HOLLY SHRUBS to use after natural fencing for property along the roadway.

  140. Hi Mike, I did this eariler but I wanted to make sure I got added in for the drawing. This is so interesting I drove a truck for about 30 years and that was a job you did without sleep a lot. Going to work trying to provide for my family. Did I like being gone all of the time being away from me family no, It was a job. But this is so interesting I’ve got some settings trying to root and am enjoying it thanks for that, Ivey

  143. WOW….any free membership from you, Mike, would be awesome. I have learned so much from following your blogs, etc. Gardening is my therapy!! I love to get my hands dirty.

  145. I entered the other day but never saw my entry. I would so much appreciate this opportunity to finance my farming upstart. THANK YOU for all you do!!

  147. I was a young 59 three years ago. Now I am an old 62 but getting better. This body can seriously cause problems, from physical to monetary to emotional. I am attempting to retire and draw soon, but I have to save up to broke for the attempt…I wish to learn enough from this site to supplement my income to not have life quite so hard. Thanks

  149. Up til now I have been doing this by the seat of my pants. I would like to have a better understanding of what I am doing and why. Thanks for all of your great info.

  150. I would love to win a Back Yard Gardener’s Business Center Membership, because this is the community of growers working together; sometimes as customers, sometines producers. The opportunity to learn from one another is priceless.

  152. Hi Mike,
    I would love to become a member!! My husband and I grow 2 large gardens, for our very large family. The kids help and we all work together.
    In November of last year, our hearts were saddened, as our little boy was hit by a car. He is come a long way, but he is still in a Pediatric Hospital. We hope to have him home in April. Mason has come a long way, but he still has a long way to go.
    Winning this membership would mean so much to me!
    I love growing things and I would like to learn more!
    Thanks for giving me a chance! 🙂

  153. Mike, you and your family, are totally awesome. You have given tons of free information on the many sides of gardening. Your site is probably one of the top information sites for gardening and helpful information. Kudos to all of you for making this site as a superbly accessible wealth of information and that which you so generously give to ordinary people such as myself. Thank you so much!

  157. I love your web site, I’m in Texas and too far to travel since I am 85 years old. Last year I decided I was just too old to start gardening again but your e-mail on the forever pink hydranger got me excited. I went to the nursery and bought tomatoes, peppers and eggplant and for the past three days have started restoring my garden that had really gone to weeds. Today I am proud to say after three days of work, which I didn’t think I could do,my garden is beginning to look good. I don,t know how my back will fill tomorrow, but I feel so much better in spirit and mine. I have ordered two of the pink hydranger and hopefully they will arrive any day. It just makes you feel better to look out and see what you by yourself have accomplished.. Hopefully everything will come up and produce. Didn’t think I could do it but God willing it will all come up and produce.
    Also I LOVE your Donkeys, I had one and they are adorable. KEEP them in the picture. They are so smart. .

  158. Here s a chance to win a backyard growers membership and I do not work no more and I love gardening and plant it a hobby I would love to win thank you mike and have a nice day and good luck to all

  159. I would love a free membership to this organization. I studied horticulture years ago and have learned so much from your website. I lost my job due to medical reasons which has cause a hardship in my life.

  160. Your lessons are so simple and easy to follow it takes so little time to grow. Just thought I would make that comment. Thank you Mr Mike.

  161. I am new to the idea of backyard growing. Your ideas and success intrigues me. I would love to win a membership to your program so that I can learn from you and pass your success on to others. Thank you!

  162. Hello Mike, I joined quite a few years ago and I am finally going to start growing plants to sell in my area or on-line. I sure hope I will do as well as you have done. I live across the country from you, in California.
    I really like when you show videos and pictures of your sweet little donkeys. I plan to adopt some when I move up North. I think that Donkeys are the CUTEST. I also plan to adopt Mustangs.
    I will be building raised beds very soon as we just hit Springtime. I really enjoy your site and ALL the important information for growing and selling plants and trees.
    Mike, thank you for all your help, Candie Deponte

  163. I always look forward to your emails and your other information. They are very interesting and helpful.

  164. HiMike…. I’m enthusiastic, hard worker, love plants and will be a great and collaborative awesome team member.. guaranteed!! Hope you pick me!!! 🙂

  167. My son and I will be starting to try and do this. Starting out small. I need his muscle and he needs me to do the other work. So hopefully we will make a good team.

  169. I love all that you are sharing and I am looking forward to starting with plant propagation! Thank you for the inspiration 🙂 Tracy

  170. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience to help us get started with our own propagation efforts.

  172. I have been reading and using information from your site for several years. I love the tips and information you provide. I have been gardening ever since I can remember. My dad planted a vegetable garden every year for over 50 years in Conifer, Colorado – above 8,000 feet. We children helped every year and still try to maintain a garden now that my father has passed on. The growing season is always short and challenging but very rewarding. One of these days I want to do backyard gardening full-time. As a teacher I have little time on my hands but consider gardening a passion in all ways.

  173. I’m in my 50’s and left a manufacturing job and would love to get into this full time. Thanks for the opportunity.

  174. Have enjoyed your emails and other posts for many years…your story of your beginning is very inspiring. Would love to win the membership…people like me on fixed incomes would be hard pressed to come up with almost $500…:-( I have learned bunches from all the great things you post anyway. Thanks for all you do.

  175. I want to win ! Please count me in.
    Thank You Mike for so many things, Your Fudge recipe, Finnegan and Fergus updates and of course you plant information.

  176. Hi Mike, I tried the test drive and chose a time that was way too busy for me. I noticed that many of those selling cuttings would not ship to Oregon! That makes it tough since that’s where I live!

  177. I always look forward to your emails and passing the information on to my friends and family

  182. Would be so stoked to win! I grow a lot of edible plants and an working on getting started with your book and DVDs I picked up a while back! Your blog rocks!

  183. Hey Mike!
    I will be retiring soon and will be in need of extra cash. I would love to win the permanent membership to your private backyard growers business center as a way to learn more and supplement the meager retirement / social security income I have to look forward to.
    Been a fan/member for a few years now and find the time is right to advance my experience in your ways.
    Keep up the good work!

  186. Hi,
    I have been following your emails for so long. Thank you for sharing your knowledge so freely. I would love the chance to have a membership and be able to learn more on how to grow and make a profit.

    Thanks,

  188. It’s spring, and I can’t wait to get dirt under my nails. I absolutely love growing things, and I call my gardening time “therapy”. I look forward to checking my e-mails every day…hoping there is something from Mike.

  190. The membership would be a great
    Deal just had my birthday and my anniversary coming up in a few day

  191. Would love to be the one to win your membership drawing! Love reading your emails, your blog, and watching the videos.

    Jennifer Tevlin

  192. Ahem: . . . Spring has sprung, the grass is rizz, I wonder where da birdies is??? (sorry) Mike – took down the wire netting and the leaf bed for the lilac bushes and they survived the winter and are already budding – I mean great big buds at the ends of the branches. Once it gets warm again – (Friday 3/25 and it is supposed to freeze here in Columbus – UGH!!!) will start digging out the strawberries, red raspberries, black berries and grapes – they too are buried under last falls leaves and are also sending out green shoots – then they will get transplanted and mulched, fed and watered. Come On Summer.

  193. I am already a member of the Back Yard Growers so you can take me off the list. I just wanted to thank you for the opportunity you have give me and hundreds of other people to do something that they really love to do and make money doing it. For the ones that are not a member, you really need to consider joining. In the past Mike has made it possible for people like me to join and pay by the month. Just do it, you will not regret it.
    Robert Behlen
    Blue Ridge Foothills Nursery.

  194. Looking forward to the chance of winning a membership. Love fiddling around in the dirt.

  195. Would love to get in the group
    Just built the box and put 400 cuttings in just to try it out
    Also need the help to get some
    Plants I would like to have can’t wait until yall open it up

  196. Mike Thank you for all the great information. Please pick me, pick me please!!
    Thanks, Kathy Dozier

  197. Hello Mike, I’ve always had a passion for any thing that has leaves,I can tell you have that same drive from the very generous news letters you have sent to us fellow gardeners.I don’t have any fancy words of inspiration other than I would love to have a membership from a wonderful organization such as this. I’m 72 but I still love to learn new things that you have to offer. I’m going to visit my daughter in Ft Mitchell KY. and I’m planning to visit you in Ohio. Thanks Ed Cottle Denton,TX.

  198. Mike what you are doing sounds great! I wish I could be one of your permanent members. As you know starting is tough sometimes. Hard work can seem easy compared to getting the finances to follow. Hope you will consider me for your membership. A relatively new rancher who has the animals going but is slow on the planting.

  201. Your site is very enjoyable. Information is always on mark and never “bull” in between. Keep up the good work.
    Thanks for this opportunity.

  205. Thanks for the books Mike. We have a new house on an acre and I was just looking for info on making more trees from the ones we have to add to the property but now you have me excited at the prospect of selling plants in the near future at our local farmers market and to our local nursery and in the more distant future maybe being able to retire early from my other job to play with my plants full time.

  208. Thanks for all you great info, and free chance! Happy spring!

    Love your donks!

  209. This site looks like a great resource, and I plan to spend a lot of time here. 🙂 I think there’s a lot to learn… here’s why.

    I’m the co-owner of a small family landscaping business in Portland (OR). We have overwhelming amounts of basic maintenance work, MUCH more than we can ever handle, we are turning people away constantly (and we’re looking for some other small landscaping businesses to refer work to), but… we’re all kind of getting sick and tired of “mow, trim, blow, and go” and not much of anything else. So I’m starting the horticulture program at Clackamas Community College! 🙂 Yep, I said I’d never go back to school again, but never say never, I guess. I look forward to all the learning to come, and I will be back here many many times I’m sure.

  210. I love your blog. It’s so simple and down to earth so we can all understand what you’re talking about. Thanks for all you do!

  215. I have always had a garden except when I was serving out of country in the Army. We never had much money but we ate well. When it came to landscaping I was constantly taking cuttings from anywhere I could and rooting them. I gave away most as I could not use all the plants I grew. The same with the veggies. I have finally retired and have an acre for gardening and growing. I have a 12×14 greenhouse and started enough plants for my garden and gave the neighbors more than enough for theirs. It is a passion and eager to meet those like-minded.

  216. I sell out every year. THANK YOU!
    This year I’m hoping to find some youngsters in the neighborhood to help out so I can make even more baby plants.
    God bless you and thank you again!!
    Judi

  217. Mike–your articles, tips, photos, family, and donkeys are always a treat for me to see! You’re a good teacher as well as being a great gardener. I’ve learned a lot. Thank you so much!

  218. I really appreciate all the excellent propagation advice you have been sharing for so many years! I learn so much from you.

  219. I am a retired Grandma, raising 3 of my grandchildren due to my sons untimely death. We live on the Big Island of Hawaii, which is very beautiful but has no soil. Everything grows in lava or 2 inches of dirt so I am going container only. My 3 grand babies are involved in every aspect, learning so they can feed themselves forever and teach others. We learn a lot from your site, thankyou. A membership would be a great blessing. Long live America, long live food freedom……….Linda

  220. I would love to win this membership. I learn new things each year and want to continue to do so as many others.

  222. Now is the time I wish I could get into the members only area. I want to get more involved but lacking funds right now!

  223. Love the newsletter Mike, I bought your Backyard Cash Machine book last year, full of great information. I will be starting up a backyard nursery this year thanks to the knowledge you share in your newsletter, on the website, and in your book. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge!

  225. I’ve been following you for some time now. Just waiting for the right moment for me to jump in with both feet soon I hope thanks Mike for all that you do!

  228. Being vegetarians we grow lots of our food. But we also grow and sell plants. Love your helpful posts

    Thank you
    Glen and Elizabeth

  230. i’ve been following you for years, please can i have an honourary membership, here in the uk xx

  231. Mike, Thanks for all the great info on planting. I have a true passion in growing. I would love to be a member and share all my experience with growing blueberries on my farm. I just started a nursery for just blueberry plants and hope to have the majority of varieties to offer in the back office to other members for great prices.

  232. Mike,

    You’re a gardening guru!
    I’d love to meet you . . .
    and, of course, the donkeys!

    Bill Brown
    Rector, PA

  234. Hi Mike, your info, videos, blogs, etc have given me new hope for my 5yr plan to transition into something I love for the last chapter of my working life. We have five of those precious mini donkeys on our little farm. Hopefully they’ll be amongst rows and rows of nursery plants very soon too.

    Thanks for sharing!

  235. I love all the videos and the great information from you Mike. Keep up the great work.

  237. I’d totally love to win this free membership. Been in the nursery business for four years now. I’m trying to set up my own backyard nursery. I follow your emails religiously.

  239. Mike,

    Your articles and information have been so appreciated over the years that I have followed you; thanks so much. You’re the kind of person that anyone would appreciate having as a neighbor. Your membership contest would be a great gift.

    Bob C

  241. Dear Mike,

    Years ago, before hurricane Charley hit (2004) where I use to live in Florida, I use to be on one of your forums. It was a wonderful learning experience! I had some of your books but don’t know if I was a member or not. I’ve only been able to follow my emails since. Do you have any idea how I can get back into the forum? You did give aways every once in awhile, and gave out a lot of wisdom for the early gardener. I had 6 children at that time and am now pregnant with my 13th. Our family has grown and we have lots of hands to help. The children made a small greenhouse for us this past winter. I couldn’t find good greenhouse covering, so we used the thickest visqueen (sp?) we could find. It didn’t last, but our pool cover got us through! We have full grown pepper pants, blooming azaleas, live orchids and more!
    I’d love to catch back up with the forum, with my older children at my side. Is there any way possible?
    Thank you!
    Sarah

  245. Been meaning to try this for years! I grew up next to an azalea nursery that had bed upon bed of starter plants. Maybe it’s time for me to give it a shot!

  247. Mike,

    I would feel honored to become a member. But if I am chosen for a free membership, I wouldn’t turn it down.

  250. I started a 2700 ag ft garden at my school with 16 8×4 garden boxes as part of our intervention program for at risk 4th and 5th graders. We have been growing for two years now. Most food is eaten in the garden and never makes it home. Kids are eating healthy food they grow. We need to move to the next stage of brining money into the garden to sustain it that’s why I’m hoping to win the membership. Love your posts

  252. I had a donkey when I was a child that would plow the garden. You could take her in the house and she would sit in a big chair. Her name was Minnie Pearl and so very sweet. I have ordered a variety of information from you. Enjoy all your emails. Yes, I would love to win!!! You are the best.

  253. Watching the Donkeys run in the U.S. battle is hilarious, but I can tell you we have same political Donkeys here in Australia so don’t you worry about that! At least escaping into the garden I can concentrate on the REAL things that matter 🙂

  254. I had a donkey once that plowed the garden. Her name was Minnie Pearl. She was so sweet. I have ordered a variety of books and other things from you. Great emails. Yes, I would love to win!!! You are the best.

  257. I have been working in the soils for over 40 years life took me away from it for a while now I’m back and teaching my Special child,

  258. Mike, I found your site while looking for some information about encouraging some things to bloom, but then got interested in the Taking Softwood Cuttings discussion, because I tried that last year and, well, it was a disaster. You’ve given me courage to try again. Thank you!
    But, about the no blooming bloomers… My mom has a lovely red Ohio buckeye that is loaded with blooms every spring. Mine, while over six feet tall, has yet to produce even one bloom. I’m sure it’s getting plenty of sun, btw. Also, I have a couple American hawthorns that should flower in the spring as well, but are also not blooming. One of them definitely gets a lot of sun, but the other is morning to midday sun, pm shade. I just cannot find any info on how to coax either species to bloom. Can you help? I live in northwest Arkansas.
    Oh, since I really only want to propagate plants for myself, and a few friends, don’t put me in the drawing. ? I expect I can learn a lot just by poking around your site!

  259. I recently retired and now need a hobby. I have always loved gardening and love your site.

  260. I love your site and all of the great information that you share. Thanks for all you do! I love your keep it simple approach!

  261. Mike,
    I have just started a nurse business because I lost my job due to injury. This is the perfect profession but I am having a hard time saving the funds to purchase the membership. I realize how beneficial this group is. If I could get in the group I will have lots to offer. I have been putting the information in your videos to good use. I appriciate the offer thank you sir.

  262. Hi Mike,

    I live in PEI, Canada and would love to connect with members from the US and fellow Canadians if they exist. Have been following your website for years and have picked up very useful advise. Many thanx.

  263. Mike, you have been such an inspiration to me to finally stop spending my time and energy working towards someone else’s dream. It’s time to do what I love! Thank you!

  264. Been following for a couple of years now…love all the info….will be starting my own small plants business soon. I’m wishing me luck!!

  266. In moving to South East Ohio I have been challenged by the clay and rock soil. I enjoy the gardening I do and appreciate the tips and antics in your video’s. I have contemplated joining your group but haven’t taken the “Leap” to move forward. Being chosen for a membership may well be the inspiration that is needed to change the hilly, clay and rock soil of my Hockingport land into the plant loving place it has the potential to be.
    Always enjoy the articles and your pets.
    Tom G.

  267. I just love your e-mails. I’ve always wanted to own my own nursery, but it has never seemed possible. Always so overwhelming. But your posts help me to keep that hope alive. Thank you! Happy Easter!

  268. I enjoy your comments and tips very much. I grew up planting and tending flowerbeds and gardens with my grandmother. Reading your site inspired me to get back in my boots and gloves. Free membership or not, I’ll keep reading and learning! Thank you!

  269. Mike,
    I have been following you for years and never once felt as if you were anything but the real deal! You have been educational, at times entertaining and even a friend who has a gift at giving others hope! Thank you for all you have helped me with as I pursue hopefully starting my on Backyard nursery!
    Lee

  270. This is something that I really want to do to make a nest egg for our retirement,at this point our retirement looks a little bleak to say the least. I would like to start something that I can sustain even in old age and I think this might just be the ticket.

  271. Mike always has useful information on his blog. Thanks for the years of advise and help.

  272. Hello Mike,

    I would love to be a part of your community of growers.
    I got into gardening about 6 years ago and I keep adding to my plot every year.
    I recently planted a mini-orchard of 10 fruit trees in my backyard as a new addition.
    I would love to learn more from you and be a productive resource to your community!
    Thank you for your knowledge that you have passed on.

  273. Hello Mike,
    Thanks for the opportunity to be in the members area. It is easy to identify with you in many ways and hope to be able to help others as you do. It is fun learning from you. Hope this is your best season ever. Working to make things better here in Oklahoma.

  274. Hi Mike,

    I really appreciate and love reading your emails and information with that powerful upbeat manner you have . Every time, I I read them I feel enthusiasm, and an even greater positive attitude. You certainly are a great “cheerleader”. I’ll bet your donkeys, dog, son, and yes, especially your wife really enjoy you, In reading the comments of your “fan club” I would say your quite successful, now I see why.

    Yes, I really would like to win a free Backyard Membership. I’ve never won anything before. Well I did win 35 cents playing Bingo one time.

    Your terrific,
    Anita

  275. Mike, I would be a great choice for the free membership! I am kicking off my backyard business as we speak. I was a manager in a factory and lost my job of almost 20 years in January. This change has pushed me to try to make a living doing something that I love, working with plants.
    Thanks, and God bless all of you….

  276. I just found your remarkable little website. I’ve been searching for reliable gardening info for years with very little luck. Most of the stuff online is the same regurgitated nonsense that everyone has. Your site is truly different. You explain ‘the why”, besides ‘the how’. I am so excited to get the chance to finally explore and learn. Thank you, thank you, thank you! And God bless you for putting this info out there for the rest of us!
    PS. I think your donkeys will win. I don’t see why not. They’ve already been running the country for years! 😉

  278. Hi, I don’t have a green thumb and I’ve never done very well with my outside garden, but I do ok with my houseplants. I really enjoy, and look forward to receiving your newsletters. I’m amazed at the things you know, about plants and gardening. You make it seem really easy. As if even I can do it and for that I am thankful. :)!!!

  279. I am not a very good gardener but I guess everyone starts with a few plants. So I’m ready to start.. Thankis, Mike for the encouragement.

  281. I believe I found you when I did for a reason. Im a novice at gardening so Im really looking forward to learning more and starting this spring gardening together!!!

  282. Mike… due to curcumstances, I had lost touch with your site, but recently, did a search to see if you still had your site and boy was I glad to see it!! I really enjoy your informative newsletters and have been trying to save up for some of your products (had my eye on your full package) but have decided to start lightly while I save to expand.. you have a unique opportunity!!

    My only complaint is that I dont know if I will ever read all your information in my lifetime, you have sooo much useful info,

    Thank you

  283. Have been reading your blogs for a couple years. Always informative. My husband loves to garden and always seeking advice. My son started a landscaping business and nursery and needs all the advice and expertise he can get ! Thank you for sharing your hard earned experience!

  284. Mike: Have had problems with my computer and don’t see my name here (AND WANT TO WIN THE FREE MEMBERSHIP), so am adding this. Have greatly enjoyed your site and all you advice. I made a vegetable garden in the middle of my back yard in a residential area and love to spend time there even though it’s hard work sometimes. Love the lettuce, cucumbers and tomatoes fresh from the garden. When I bought this home ten years ago, there were many overgrown evergreens, but only one flowering plant: a pink peony. Needless to say, much has changed over the years. Hope to win and expand into a money-making enterprise to supplement social security and my pension.

    Happy growing!

  285. I am a new by and would love to win the membership! I am a gardener for our food but just now learning more about the ornamentals. Your site has been so much fun & education for me since we relocated to the Ozarks. We plan on coming to see the Finnigan and Ferguson next opportunity! I want to win that membership!!! LOL

  286. I would absolutely love your membership. I am from New Hampshire and I feel right at home with you speaking in layman’s terms that we can understand. Awesome videos. Love those coveralls (most comfortable apparel for gardening/farming) ?

  288. Thanks so much for your regular posts filled with great information!! Starting this year with a new gardening venture after retiring from the school system and I find your posts to be very helpful. I would feel so lucky and grateful to win a membership to your backyard growers group. Plus, a trip to visit you would be like a trip home as I grew up in northwestern PA!

  289. Your website is chalk full of information about plants and propagation. I love reading the things you have on your website and the emails. They are both very informative. I also watch your youtube channel and subscribe to it. I’m very passionate about plants and I see that you are too. I’m always looking for more information about plants.

  290. Mike – I’ve been following your recommendations for many years and have been building up my nursery while working full time. I’ll be ‘retiring’ from the workforce next Spring and a free membership to your Backyard Growers group would be a big help to a comfortable retirement. – Dave

  292. I’m ready to go to the next level selling plants. I would love to be part of your community.

  293. What an awesome prize. I would love to win. I have 2 acres I can plant and 2 1/2 occupied by my horses. The fertilizer makers have made my garden grow in this Florida sand. Hope to win and grow some plants for profit

  294. Thanks Mike, for your dedication, information, and caring. I plan to take full advantage and change my life. Also hope to be answering questions and helping others one day on the membership board.

  295. I have learned so much from your letters in the past 7 years! It would be so interesting to see your growing system and the donkeys in person.

    Thank you for all the great information you share with us.

    Good luck to all!

  296. Hey Mike. Please enter me in your drawing. I have two kids going into college this year, so funds are kind of tight right now.Thanks Mike. As always, your the best!

  297. Your books and videos are so refreshing because they are produced in everyday language for those with or without a fancy education can follow. Thanks for keeping it real and offering the give aways. I hope to start my cuttings in the next 2 weeks. Had 7 hard wood cuttings of Oregon grape/Mahonia(?) Survive the winter.

  298. I love your blogs and all the information you pass along. Your wisdom and insight has saved our community garden workers a lot of hard work. I absolutely love the tips and tricks of the trade on how to start all kinds of plants. That has saved us lots of money starting plants. We are hoping and praying that we win as it would be a huge asset to our community garden and all that serve there. Thanks again for sharing!

  299. Hi Mike, I grow Daylilies here in north Florida, but I would like to grow other things also, I.e., redbuds, dogwoods, blueberries, etc. Thank you for your consideration.
    And yes, I’ll vote for the donkeys too!

    Carol

  301. Thanks for the wonderful advice! I’ve always wanted to start growing but never had the know-how. With a membership I’m sure I will learn even more! Thank you!

  303. I have been following your back yard nursery for 6-7 years now and have ordered products from you. My lifestyle is natural and organic. A failed back surgery and development of fibromyalgia has kept me from having my own plant business. After 8 yrs. I have overcome my physical problems and am now ready to go like gang busters!

  304. Hello! I live in Michigan and the last couple years my garden has been absolutely horrible. I’m about ready to turn it into a pumpkin patch…help!
    I’d love to win a membership to your website. 🙂

  305. I enjoy your site and would appreciate your membership to help supplement my upcoming retirement since I can;t count on getting what the government took back.
    Enjoy,

  306. Oh Wow! I would so love to win a Free Backyard Growers Membership. I have been following Mike McGroarty blogs and articles and info since 2011. I love getting all the information. I was a Canton, Ohio resident since 1953, but in 2013 moved to Jacksonville, Florida & now Orange Park, Florida. Growing season is so much different here than in Ohio.

    I never did make it to a Backyard Growers Shindig, but always wanted to go, and to see your place Mike. I recently ordered your Small Plants special. It is packed with information. I want to get more of your books and articles. I would love to be a part of the great information of the Backyard Growers and to have the comraderie as well. I could definitely use the Membership as it would help me so much with my gardening and selling plants the Mike McGroarty way. Thanks. Nancy : )

  308. I love getting your e-mails! I live in East Texas and have more than a few challenges trying to garden with so many trees!

  309. Money is tight, this would be a great door for me to open & stay self employed.
    Good luck to all, and, thank you Mike !

  310. I love the blue ear mouse hostas and can’t wait to try planting some. I keep increasing my knowledge and amount of time spent gardening and trying propagation techniques. Thank you Mike for always giving me inspration, ideas, and boosting my confidence.

  312. Hi my name is Lynne and I live in Eastern Ontario Canada zone 4b.
    I subscribed to your emails years ago and also got my Dad and brother ‘hooked’ as fans.

    My Dad has bought your hard cover book and booklet for himself as well as copies for me and my brother.
    Our 3 acre property has established blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, goose berries, five grapevine types, mountain ash, 2 types of lilac bushes, a rhododendron bush, a barberry bush and tonnes of maples, cedar, pine and other evergreens, birch and some kind of weird olive tree not to mention tonnes of austrich ferns by the creek which make for a great fiddle head harvest. Oh, and I forgot the spy and macintosh apple trees, bartlet and Dwarf Ure pair trees as well as a cherry tree, asparagus row and rhubarb plant. There are other flowering trees that I can’t identify. My brother has a 2 acre property with beautiful lace japanese maple trees as well as other goodies.

    I’ve got a million questions and overflowing inspiration from following you all these years so the next logical step is to join as a member, if, that is, you accept Canuck neighbours.

    If you do accept Canadians, I would be absolutely thrilled and honoured to be chosen for the free membership, especially since I could buy your misting system sooner and get started this season with a better chance at success.

    In any event, I just want to thank you Mike, for taking the time to share your inspirational stories with us all.

    Cheers from the north and may all your transplants be fruitful and multiply 🙂

  313. You need a mini elephant to balance out your political ticket. It can also help with the plant fertilizing.

  314. This could really turn my life around in many ways. Thanks for the opportunity! Blessings to you and yours.

  315. Howdy Mike and all the folks at Backyard Nursery! I’ve been following Mike and his blog for about 2 years. I wouldn’t say that I have a “black” or “brown” thumb, but in the course of 2 years I’ve learned that when looking to a lot of the ‘other gardening professionals’, one such as myself (being not entirely seasoned, but knowing which end of the bulb’s up) can get lost in all the chatter and “thou shalt not’s” or “thou must certainly’s” of gardening advice. Fortunately, Mike provides helpful gardening advice in a clear, digestible, yet proven manner. For this, my aspiring green-thumb thanks you. Andrea H. in St. Louis (6b)

  319. Enjoy your posts. I am reading and trying to learn as much as possible about plant propagation.

  322. Hi Mike, I am retired disabled but have found myself miserable sitting home with nothing to do. I came across your site and decided that gardening will be a great hobby to pick. I’ve been following you now for a few years now and I think your great offering all the tricks of the trade. My next move is to get the wife interested. Lol. She’s not an outside person.

  323. This is actually a thank you note. I am on disability from cancer (in remission) but I like to work. I have read a lot of your posts and am really excited about starting a small plant business and once again support myself. Thank you.

  324. HI Y’all! My name is Carmen and I’m a Disabled Veteran, wife, and Mama of 3 beautiful kids. Due to my disabilities and Ptsd unfortunately I can’t work. Even though I can’t do everything I used to be able to, I can still garden (with help with big things) and when my hands are in the dirt my mind goes to a happy place and I can actually relax. For me relaxation or sleep doesn’t come easy. Anyhoo, if I were so blessed to win this membership I could do more of what brings me peace, be able to bring a little money into the household and feel like I’m contributing again, and make wonderful new friends in group. I’m so very excited to have this chance! Thank you and God Bless! =)

  325. Would love to win this membership. I have an average size city yard of mostly weeds and moss. I would love to learn how to get rid of the moss. Nothing I have tried helps. It keeps coming back.

  326. Hi Mike, I ordered your $7 and have been getting great emails regularly. A lot of new information to learn. I have been growing mostly vegetables from seeds, and fruit trees but it is nice to learn about other beautiful plants and how to propagate them for fun and possibly extra income.

    Looking forward to learn and do more. Thanks

  327. I have enjoyed your booklets on rooting from plant cuttings. I live in ZNortheast Ohio and have 5 acres, unfortunately 2/3rds are wooded. Keep up the great educational work.

  329. Thank you for all the help!!! I have decided to start a small Backyard Nursery this year and I’m very excited to get some plants in the ground. I ran grounds crews for years and never even considered a backyard nursery until I came across your website. I have used my ties to the landscape industry to get a lot of my materials for free. I can’t believe the stuff these guys throw away, I will never have to buy pots that’s for sure. I encourage all of your growers to talk to their local landscape company’s and see if they throw away their pots. REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE!!!!!!

    Thank you for the time and energy you give to our community.
    Chris Hurt

  332. Thank you Mike for all the inspiration you gave me on propagating all my own plants and making my back yard a place that I enjoy. It has been some of your ideas that have helped me take one plant and make 15. I love it and hope I can continue it for many years to come. Thanks

  333. I’ll throw my hat in the ring. I have been trying to get cuttings to root with no success.

  337. What a generous offer. I am in upstate New York and need all the help I can get to grow some plants. Thank you for this opportunity. I have been a big fan of your postings for years.
    The Donkeys in the election is great. Seeing we have a few horses back sides in the race now, your two will win by a landslide.

  338. I live in Texas and start planting the week before Easter. I was wondering where your video is about planting cuttings. It was the one where you were standing behind a table, you put sand in a container with holes all around, inserted cuttings, and covered it with a plastic bag. I forgot what you said about how long to keep the plastic on. Do I take it off when the leaves start growing or before then? Thanks for your help.

  339. Left a comment when this was first posted but don’t see it. Wonder why//
    How does one get any questions answered re: using you system etc.
    Old 90 year gardener.r

  340. Would like to enter the contest, I have been in the gardening for years and following your posts. I sell fig trees from my yard and could be an active member selling fig trees to the members. Thanks.

  341. Mike, I can’t thank you enough for sharing your amazing knowledge with the world. I was a pitiful gardener for years and gave up, but my new job at a school WITH SUMMERS OFF, along with your site, has renewed my hope; I just started some seeds! I’d love a membership!

    Anne

  342. I would love to turn my passion for gardening into a profession some day. You taught me so much in the past year and I thoroughly enjoy and use your advise. It would be an honor to become a full member of your Backyard Growers group! Thank you for providing so much useful information!

  343. Hi Mike – love your e-mails and information. Keep up the good work! Nothing I like better than playing in the dirt and watching new life turn green 🙂 Happy Spring.

  344. Hi Mike,
    You have been a wealth of knowledge, your website has invigorated me and I am really looking forward to the adventure. I was so excited when I found your site I looked at it for hours as well as told many of my friends. Blessings

  345. Even though some of the information in your e-mails doesn’t really apply to my situation at this time, I have found many of them useful and interesting, I enjoy getting it. As far as the donkeys running for president, they’d probably do a better than any of those in office or currently running.

  346. I have been following your posts for a number of years now. Getting and saving information from your site in hopes that when I retire I can start a business.

    All the information is so helpful and would love to be a lifetime member. I would love to come and visit your business in Ohio.

    Keep up the good work!

  347. I would like to be considered for the winner of a Free Permanent Membership because I think it would help me achieve my goal of building a nursery business income to supplement Social Security income that will allow me to retire from my full time job and enjoy my first love of growing plants and trees.

  348. I enjoy reading all the articles and comments. I never comment on anything myself, but I could not resist today so I can have a chance to win a free membership. Thank you Mike.

  349. Free membership, what a fab opportunity although the price of a paid membership sounds very reasonable!
    I really enjoy your newsletter and the various articles have helped my garden a lot.
    Good luck to everyone who entered!

  350. Would be happy to join the club! Hoping to start my small plant projects soon! Thanks!

  351. Mike your such a great inspiration, after last year the garden failing, too many weeds to attack, flowerbeds in need of help, a hot dry summer, I said no more, but after reading your posts I am inspired to give it another try. I would love to win a membership. Thanks for all you do!

  352. Along with everyone else, I would very much like to win this membership! I remember a few years back, I happened upon your site quite by accident and bookmarked it and set myself up for emails right then and there. I’ve learned so much from you! Thank you for your wisdom!

    Deb

  353. Hi, Mike. I would love a free membership! I have learned so much already and have sent friends to your web site. I am looking for just the right something to plant in my yard that looks nice but doesn’t need to be mowed, and that will grow in sun or shade. I’m in south-central PA. Thanks for all you do!

  354. I have been disa-bled f family or years and this site keeps me going, THANK YOU for the info I use it to grow various plants to keep my self busy. I just grow them to give to the needy. Your people help me to help others, for that I am humbled. If there is any way that I may help others through email )etc me know. You have made a difference for me, David

  355. We are a self-employed (independent pizza shop), single income, homeschooling family with 9 kids and 7 acres. I just bought the 7 dollar e-book and think this would be a great way to supplement our income that could involve all the kids. Our current income just doesn’t allow for the membership at this time so when I saw the giveaway I had to enter.

  356. I did the trial for the backyard growers and loved it. I have my propogation boxes full of cuttings I purchased from there right now. I would suggest this for sure. I would still have a m miner ship if my wallet would let me at all he time. I’m still new to growth no and propagating and have learned so much from this site.

  360. I have been an avid gardener for many years, but it has been mostly limited to vegetables. I think I am going to expand on that and follow your lead to growing plants I can sell. Us older folks can always use some extra money.

  362. Please enter me in the running for a chance to win a permanent membership in the Private Backyard Growers Business Center. Thanks!

  363. I’m less than 3 years away from retirement and I can’t wait to grow, grow, grow. I have the acreage and lots of grand kids to help me out. First project, a lavender farm.

  364. Mike – Thank you for all the wonderful information that you provide. The gardening bug really started for me about a year ago and I would love to be able to turn something that is currently more of a hobby into something more. Thanks again and keep up the good work!

  365. I need all the help I can get with plants! I would love to win a membership. Plants bring such joy to my house, until I manage to be watering dried up, dead shadows of the plants I buy every season.

  366. While learning more and more about gardening and landscaping plants the one thing that seems to be the hardest to develop is patience. I keep thinking all in God’s perfect timing.
    Can you tell I am anxious for the warmth of Spring here in Colorado as it is a near white out here in late March?

  368. WHEN I WIN I will need a lot of advice from you. I have been waiting 2 yr’s for our house to be raised due to SANDY, living in a rental home for the past year. There will be a lot to do setting up the garden’s when we get home. Thank you

  370. Gardening is my passion. Now that my kids are grown and flown, I am able to spend so much more time in between my veggies and flowers. The best things is that my husband caught the bug and now wants to plant everything everywhere. One thing about it, no room for grass which has to be mowed. Would love to win a membership. I want to learn to propagate for my own use, to beautify my children’s yards, and my neighborhood, If after that I would have enough “left overs” to supplement retirement income, so much the better. thank you for all of your inspiration.

  371. Thank you for all the information you share. Your knowledge has made my gardening process so much more fun and efficient!

  375. We’ve been following you for a couple of years now. We are ready to grow and expand our hobby farm up here in Canada and would LOVE your help and the support of all the members! Looking forward to meeting you!

  376. I have often thought of getting into the backyard group, but it doesn’t seem that there are very many members in the southern part of Florida. Our plants are so very different from your usual ones.
    Are there many from down here?

  377. Mike
    I have been following you since Dustin was just a helper I have enjoyed your news letters and videos hope to put the advice to good use on recently purchased property. You Rock!!

    Don

  378. Looking for a membership winner? Pick me, pick me!! I have 300 artichoke plants warming in my house right now. I need help! ?

  379. What a blessing this would be!! I can hardly wait for April 1st and am so excited about the possibilities of having my own small business. Thanks for all the great info on line – I can’t wait to get started!!!

  380. Hi Mike
    I have been following you by email and blog for is while now. One of my favorite videos you have done us about our NC dark bark mulch which I also use in my hybrid gutter and kiddy pool gardening, I have employed some of your principals in successfully rooting cuttings from my ornamental trees and shrubs already with new rootings last spring, if there is a day that it is not pouring down rain I am usually out in my back yard, green house or garden. Winning a membership would be the icing on the cake for me.

  381. I’ve been reading your articles for years. I’m finally going to have a spot to start this business on
    I’m 69 I’ll do great. Thanks for all your knowledge

  383. Mike, I always read your emails first. Your information and user friendly format always makes for
    great reading. I love your sense of humor, pictures and videos! I save your emails/information in
    it’s own folder so I can go back and re-read articles.

  384. Mike,

    I need to win a backyard growers membership!
    Please pick me!!!

    Thanks,
    Mark

  385. Hey Mr. Mike.

    You and your family of Growers have inspired me to live, breath and sleep plants, I love your detailed but yet simple information about every thing to do with this business, either way I look forward to growing this dream into a successful business to inspire others to love plants as much as you and all Backyard Growers do.

    Many Thanks. Justin Kinsey

  386. I have read easy plant propagation and am now reading small plants big profits. Lot of good info in them. I am going to build a sand propagation bed with intermittent misters. What is the danger of rabbits damaging cuttings? Would enjoy a membership.

  388. Love your blog. Your ideas seem like a good idea for those of us who are retired and on a fixed income.

  389. What a great idea – my husband and I are both retired but could use the extra income so this would be an opportunity for us to take seriously. We only have a little over an acre of land we could use for this but if you pick the right plants you should be able to make a serious return on the investment. We have been in business before and you only get out of it what you are willing to put in it – including labor. Thank you for this opportunity.

  392. Hi Mike, I enjoy your up to date newsletter and featured plant species or advice. I have gardened ever since I was a tike with my grandma and grandpa. I would like the chance to meet you in person and see where all the magic happens. Keep up the great work! Dave Ruzicka

  393. I have joined twice on the 30 day membership, but could not afford to continue. 2 years ago, I would not have believed what my yard would look like today. It is progressing into a full blown plant factory. Mike, thank you very much for giving me the confidence to believe that I could actually do this……… It takes diligent work, man I love it!!!!!!! I have not had a sale yet, but, I have more plants than space now. Pick me, or picking me for the membership would be the best!! Anyway, thanks a million big mike.. Sincerely, Robert Chambers, Modesto Ca…………

  394. I could garden 24/7 if it was light that long. My whole backyard is a garden, but not nearly as priductive as i’d like. I an very interested in your membership.

  395. Hi Mike – I learned of you 4-14 and have been following and learning from you ever since. I had just had a stroke and have been waiting on disability ever since. I am now on disability and will be getting my own place soon. I am planning on putting into practice some (a lot) of what I have learned from you. I can’t wait. So, I would find a lifetime membership very valuable and would treasure the opportunity to continue to learn from you! It would be one of the greatest gifts ever received. Thank you so much for this opportunity!!! I hope I win but wish ALL good luck!!! A GREAT BIG THANKS…IN ADVANCE!!!!!

  396. I look forward to your newsletters! So much great info with such an amazing sense of humor!

  397. I am brand new to this site, but already enjoying it! I would love to have a membership. The members only areas sound like just what I need. I live in South Carolina and have a very long growing season. I’m trying to do everything organically, but have a HUGE bug problem. I would love to find out how to deal with them. Thank you Mike for the contest, fingers crossed!

  399. Thought I did but dont see it love all your great info and of course would love to win 🙂 thanks for the chance
    Ecole

  400. I’m a Zone “3”er, up here in Northern Minnesota, the land of 10,000 lakes. I am going to specialize in growing trees that can survive up here, particularly weeping willow, curly willow, tamarack, some cedar and juniper; varieties that grow in wet lands and can withstand the long, cold winters. Varieties of plants and shrubs that deer don’t like to eat. That will be my selling point.

    I have spent a small fortune over the years on shrubs, only to lose them if we didn’t get enough snow to protect them over winter, or the deer and rabbits ate them in the spring when they sprouted their first leaves. In the spring, my hostas look like little sticks coming out of the ground because the deer eat the leaves off at night.

    I gave up on the vegetable garden. Deer jump the fence. Raccoons steal the corn. Couldn’t keep up with the weeding. So, the vegetable garden is going to be my new tree nursery.

    I’ve been driving an 18-wheeler for 28 years. Just got an office job. I’m going to do this!

    Thanks Mike!

  404. I would Love to win but I know a lot of others would also. I really enjoy Mike’s newsletter and read it thoroughly every time I receive it..

  406. that’s a great way to get us silent observers to comment. I do follow your site, refer to your university when I have questions and been hanging around about 10 years without commenting…. But I enjoy your backyard nursery and share you with many friends. So Pick my comment and make me a winner!
    Cheers

  407. I love your info too Mike! Been a loyal reader for almost a decade now 🙂 Pike me, pick me, pick me!! 😀 I’d love to have a membership, wow!

  409. I am always searching your website for tips and encouragement as I move forward this early spring to make my gardens more than a work in progress. You are an inspiration and make all of the rest of us feel like we can accomplish good things ourselves with encouragement from your site. Gardening has become a big business as more and more people discover the world of flowers and how they can make landscaping fun…so hang in there…your audience is surely growing…Blessings at Easter…and always…Sue

  410. Your gardening advice is very welcome to me. We live in Portland, Oregon, so selling pants from our front yard will not work out. Licenses, permits and other red tape. However, your plant Propagation and gardening ideas and tips have been very helpful to me.

  411. Thank you for all the information you so joyfully share. Cant wait to get started as Spring settles in here in Wisconsin. A membership would be great.

  413. anxiously waiting for spring to see results of my first backyard grower project: thirty (30) 3 year old colorado blue spruce that were appx 14″ height..

  414. I grow a lot of plants to donate to a community ministry and I have learned a lot from you. I’m finally ready to take the big step and do it right! I’d love to win your free membership! Thanks.

  416. Mike, thank you for all the information and encouragement. I tried some blackberry cuttings this winter and some are now beginning to bud out. Super excited to share some with friends and family. Would very much like to develop into a business. Have always relied on gardening for stress relief.

  417. Mike, I take care of my husband (6 yrs since his stroke). I can’t leave him alone for more than a couple of hours, being able to have a true home business will make life so much better, we attempt to live off disability and food shelfs. Please please I love to be outside gardening. Thank you! Garnet Pero

  419. Mike I LOVE your emails and videos!! I have learned so much from you and am wanting to learn more by being a member. I have already started propagating cuttings from mine and my neighbors yards. I have been having success getting them to root but now I have too many plants to take care of with all the watering required. I have had two sales one at my house and one at the monthly 1st Saturday community sale but haven’t sold but a few. I am saving up to buy your sprinkler system and buying into the members group but being on a fixed income it’s not happening fast enough. I would really love to learn more from your wife about trimming the plants while they are small to get them to be bushier and from you about how to sell these plants once they are ready. Thank-you again for sharing your knowledge with us!! Awesome!! 🙂

  420. I hope I am a winner, but in any case I still enjoy your articles, and I have learned a lot over the past four years.

  422. Your the GURU of Plants Mike, I am on your site every day, drooling over all the info you have to offer, I would love to have a membership to the Backyard Growers, and meet all those wonderful people, But sadly I live on the wrong side of the border and I really can’t afford $ 646.00 on a Old Age Pension.

    Keep up the good work Mike

    All the best
    Wayne

  423. would love to win this from up here in the Great White North of Canada. Love your tips. Pet the donkeys for me, maybe give them an extra carrot too

  424. Since I found the site I have made the box to root cuttings and have already put in several hundred cuttings in just to try it out got the backyard machine book and can’t wait to see the cuttings grow
    Hope to be a full member soon

  426. My father had a membership, he is gone now. We had a great time setting up his backyard, but due
    to circumstances, it all went away………….

  427. I’d love to win a membership. Three years ago I moved to a better climate and rekindled my love pf gardening. Now I’m retired and on a limited income I’d like to earn a bit of extra cash by selling plants. I’ve seen what you have done and If I can do a quarter of what you’ve done then I would be happy. You are very generous with all your information. Thank you for being so caring.

  429. I’m throwing my name into the pile! Enjoyed the comments 🙂
    Thanks Mike!!
    Darby

  430. Going to give this a try. Love gardening, and think it’s time to turn my hobby into a little part-time business. I’ve been enjoying your free informative emails for some time.
    Thanks for all your helpful and FREE advise!

  431. Hi Mike,
    I have been reading and saving all your valuable information for quite awhile. It is now my time. I have timed my retirement to coincide with the coming of spring. In a few short weeks I will be applying all the knowledge you have shared and all the time I want to gardening. Hooray!

  433. Mike,
    I’ve just become aware of your website in the last few months and bought your book on Easy Plant Propagation. I have always been intrigued with gathering and sowing seeds and starting cuttings. I have also just recently retired and am looking forward to having more time to pursue these interests. Thank you for all of the great information and assistance you provide.

  434. I would really like to win this free membership to the Backyard Growers Club. I am retired and on a fixed income Which doesn’t leave me much to play with. I have learned so much from your newsletters and I think the Backyard Growers Membership would be the next logical step if I could afford it. Many thanks for every thing that you do to help us gardeners. You have been my steady ad-visor through all my trials and successes, thank you for all that you did for me.

  435. I have been involved in the oil patch all my life, and times are tough right now. I am nearing retirement, and I am looking forward to trying this opportunity as a business to lead me thru my retirement years. I have always gardened, and started my own plants, so I enjoy getting my hands in the dirt, and working with plants and seeds. I am excited to have come across your plan, and to test it to settle my current situation in life.

  436. What a blessing that would be! We learn so much from your shared experiences. Thank you!

  438. Just bought free and clear 2.5 acres near Show Low, AZ in the White Mt area. Very excited to get a well in, fence up and home built. Then we will start the gardening. Planning fruit trees & bushes and lots of bee feeding flowers + greenhouses. Will be using your website to determine which plants are best for home growing for sale. Thanks for all the help you’ve given me, even without a membership. Would absolutely be THRILLED to win one.

    Thanks again and the very best of Great Good Luck to you and all your fans*!*

  440. Dear Mr. McGroarty: I have been reading and following your blogs. You have a lot of information that has really come in handy in our gardens. I have one question that I’m hoping you might be able to answer. We have an issue with Asian beetles devouring our raspberry bushes. We’ve tried all kinds of treatments and insecticides and nothing seems to work. They seems to enjoy fornicating on and eating our raspberries until there is nothing left. Wondering if you have any ideas on how to get rid of them once and for all. I really like canning and love making raspberry jam, but the past few years, we haven’t had enough left to can after the Asian beetles are through with them.

  441. Mike, I’ve been staying up with just about all that you have shown on your site

    for at least 3 years now. Bought some of your material. I received a plant

    growing education I never thought I would ever possess. Thank you for

    all that you have done for this Ohio buckeye from Ross County.

  442. I have always loved to garden and since buying our property and choosing to stay at home to raise 3 little ones, I am aching to make some extra money and contribute doing what I love — growing plants and giving others a little sunshine in the form of beautiful, affordable plants. Gardening is in my blood and since finding your site, I am more excited then ever to turn my hobby into a enjoyable livelyhood. Thanks, Mike!!!!

  444. All the space I have is my apartment balcony.But I am going to try several plants including:Harry Louders Walking stick.please pick me,as I am a member of masters gardeners in texas permian basin chapter for over 20 years.The young gardeners have been a joy to teach..Thanks

  446. I am interested in learning to grow plants. Now that I have retired, I have time to spend outdoors. I volunteer with a group of gardeners that have an annual plant sale. I have learned so much from Mike about making more plants.

  447. Great website love your videos on YouTube. Has really inspired me to start a full out backyard nursery.

  449. Would love to win this. Rooted some cuttings like you teach in your propagation book, and it worked great! Keep up the good work.

  451. Your tips via email have already helped us leaps and bounds and we are making sales in the same day! We would love to be members!

  452. I would absolutely love to win this!!! I am an avid gardener, my family would say obsessive….but nonetheless I LOVE TO GARDEN. I keep waiting until my kids are older and then I plan to go work in a nursery or garden-center, But my true dream is to make money gardening at home. If I could just make enough money to feed my obsession of buying plants…..all would be good. So PLEASE let me win this so I can learn from one of the best…..Mike’s Backyard Nursery!!

  453. I have only just discovered Mike (pasted on by a friend) and love the down to earth advice. I have learnt so much. I have a 9 acre property that I need to populate with trees, shrubs & flowers so this is helping me achieve that goal. I am starting to get the propagation bug and I am afraid of getting carried away. I believe that eventually I will end up a member one day anyway.

  456. I am new to gardening and I am learning a whole bunch from your presentations. Keep them coming.

  458. Mike send me a lawn sign for the donkeys … I have a great yard that needs a sign.

  460. Hi Mike,

    I have been on your email list for a few years now. I have saved every email you have ever sent. I also have ordered some of your books and downloaded some of the free ones etc. I had to take care of some family issues and now, years later, I get to get back to what was on my mind when I first signed up with you, Getting My Backyard Nursery started. I’m very excited about it. I never gave up, just had to wait a bit. I hope I get to win your free membership. That would be the icing on the cake for this year. I wish everyone luck though. Best of luck everyone. 🙂

    Connie

  462. Love reading all your tips and info,Mike. It would be awesometo win a free membership. Thanks.

  465. This is very exciting! I want to work from home and make gardening my foremost hobby that I can earn a little money to work more and grow more things and of course to share what I harvest with friends and loved ones! What a great opportunity to earn that membership!

  466. I have been a gardener for most of my life and I. Love your posts I took the $7 try but at this time I just could not take it out of my time and income I know I’d make it back in no time from trail but I. Just did not have the time but what I did get wile in the trail was grate stock
    Again thanks

  467. I just ordered your book and am so excited for it to get here. I just got a house where I can plant lots of items and have started planting some things. I love the newsletter.

  468. I don’t have a lot of space but I want to start growing and selling plants from my own yard. Your information snd teachings are great and help me make up my mind as to which way to go. Thanks and keep up the teaching.

  469. Mike, Well,…..It sure will be nice to get some intelligence in the White House! I’m retired now, and your basic course was my start. Thanks for all of your teachings. I put them to good use.

  470. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us all. You’ve inspired me and given me confidence that I can do this and that there is no reason to fear the future if the commitment to do the work, constantly obtain knowledge, and keep the faith is there.

  472. Here’s to you Mike! Thanks for all your advice. I’ve Been reading your posts well over 10 yrs now…

  473. Been reading your newsletters and following your advice for years! Pick me, I need a retirement job!

  474. I found your website when I lived in San Diego, California. Now…I’ve moved to Michigan, and I know nothing about growing in a four-season climate. It would be great to learn from you and your members!

  475. Would love to get in the club. Just haven’t had the money to join. I can only hope you pick me. Looking forward to growing some plants.

  477. I am excited about this opportunity as I love to grow plants. I wish there were more Canadians that would do this so I could get plants shipped to me here. I would love to be able to post my plants on the backyard growers board but not sure if there are problems shipping across the boarder still without a phyto certificate. I am looking to start a better business this year with selling plants. I am looking to get some more plant varieties to propagate that are good for lower Quebec area. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Good luck to all and happy growing.

  478. Mike,
    I have followed you for about 3 years now. Love your advice and donkey stories. Pick me, please!

  481. I live in Tx and I would love to turn my backyard into a plant nursery ot evem a Japanese Maple tree farm. That would be awesome.

  482. It seems that Spring has sprung,
    Nature’s re-starting bell has rung,
    Time to get released from Winter’s drenching tizzy,
    Let the fun begin…let’s get growing, let’s get busy!

    Thanks Mike for all you do to help us succeed!

  483. Mike, you are a great inspiration! Thanks for all your information. Just really getting started and hoping to have some good plants hopefully in the fall(rabbits ate everything that would of been for spring). Thanks !

  484. I am looking forward to learning easy ways to grow my own veggies for my family. Thank you for the best tips on the web

    • Growing healthy is great and necessary especially there is really no good (limited variety, old with less nutrients, and mostly GMO) veggie at supermarkets.
      Happy gardening. .

  485. Been following you for a bit now. You’re doing what I’ve wanted to do forever! My family things I’m crazy:) Looking forward to learning more & a membership would certainly help!

  487. Mike,
    You always give great advice with a smile. Plants bring the best out in all of us. There is nothing more rewarding than a prosperous plant that you grew yourself. Thank you for all your motivation!

  489. I would love to be a backyard grower!! Living in Florida, I have year-round opportunities to propagate and grow many sub-tropical and tropical plants that might appeal to you folks up North!

  492. Mike, Just want to say keep up the good work you mean so much to so many people. There is so many deserving people vying for this free membership its such a shame there could only be one,but with so many followers what can you do but keep all those great youtube videos coming. ps,this is not to enter the contest I was just checking my E-mail ,read your post and had to give you a thumbs up!! Sincerely , Ernie

  495. Love gardening and would love to be a member! I really need some extra income as I only work a part time job and have twin grand babies on the way who live 6 hours away! I need something that can really help financially so that when I retire, if I get to retire, I can do it full time.

    Thank You,
    Kathleen

  496. Hello Mike, Family and Donkeys! I was searching for information on how to start a nursery business in my backyard and came across you. My boyfriend and I have started our own personal collection of plants and cuttings for Bonsai purposes. I make pots because it is very hard to find bonsai pots that are unique and small enough. So i thought why not put two hobbies together and start a small business. However, there are many rules about nursery plants and businesses and in my search for the legalities i found myself here with much to learn. I look forward to learning more and getting this business stared. I am in CA in the pit of the Valley where the drought is hitting us pretty hard.

  497. I just love your site and all your videos. I have bought several of your DVDs and ebooks. So much great information! Thank you!

  498. Hi Mike,

    My age has slowed down my gardening, but I still love it.
    Thank you for all the information you give us all.

    Lance C.

  499. Thanks for the chance Mike, I have purchased all your books and would love the opportunity to join like minded folks. Thank you for all you do…
    God bless, and good luck to all!

  501. Thanks for the opportunity to win a membership. Love donkeys, our girls are Chicky and Chocky! Thanks for all the info over the years.

  502. Thanks for the chance to win a free membership. I’ve followed your website for years and love all the information available.

  503. I have an upland and I am trying to restore it cheep. !st it was thistle that took over and now dodder vine. Ive kept at it and I am hoping this it the year that I can focus on my plants. You have helped me a ton in the past 4 years. Thanks

  504. I love your site. I have worked in many nurseries and even in a teaching nursery at a major university. Your information is always great.

  506. Have really enjoyed your advice over the years but just don’t have the money to buy plants off the net.
    A free membership would really help out…
    Thanks for all your help…

  507. Thank you , Mike, for all you do! You taught me that plants are not stationary….and it transformed my way to thinking. Now I move plants and use them to “paint” my yard…someday it will be an amazing space. Currently, we are making our space a permaculture paradise that will provide food for our children’s children….keep doing what you do. You are inspiring!

  508. I appreciate your newsletter and books! Been reading them for a few years now.
    Love to be the lucky one picked!

  513. Count me in Mike! And thanks for all the great info on growing plants. In a couple of years I’ll be moving from Ohio to Florida so I’ll have to learn a lot of new things!

  514. Mike,
    I really enjoy reading your emails and live your website. I have a love for plants and since finding your site I love to get cuttings and attempt to root them. I work in landscaping so any interesting plants that I know are easy to root I have access to. I live in Georgia and I planted some spirea on Jan 1 and they have started to flush out and actually put on roots. Thanks for all the great information.

  515. Hello,
    My husband had a work injury in 6/27/12, he can not work and now he is trying to ge his disability. We are glad you have a contest like this for people to enter. And wish all who enter good luck. As we are trying to get out plant growing going.
    Thanks for having this.
    Della Jackhson
    (Robert Jackson)

  516. Mike,
    I am eagerly waiting on the reopening of the memberships. I just missed it the last time. You have a very unique website and it is so informative as well as entertaining, at times. Go Donkeys!

  517. I read your Small Plants, Big Profits from Home guide and absolutely love it! You are awesome!

  518. I purchased you system several months ago but it did not include the Permanent Membership to Our Private Backyard Growers Business Center. I really wanted to buy that but I could not afford it at the time and you had stopped selling it together as a package.. I love plants and gardening. I really want to do this and I think the private backyard growers business center is critical. My husband has been extremely sick for the last 2 years. He has had 8 operations in 2015 and 2 already in 2016 so the medical bills are beginning to be a problem. My stress level is through the roof with everything going on and this would be such a life saver for me. Working with plants and gardening is a major stress reliever for me and I sure could use a big dose of that right now. When I am working in the dirt and with plants it makes me very happy. It is so peaceful for me even when it is hard work. I love the satisfaction of seeing the finished product/look when I am done. I have so much respect for you and the knowledge you have with everyone. I have followed you on facebook and gotten your newsletter ever since I found you. Your an incredible man and I know god blesses you everyday and the donkeys too. I hope you pick me to win as I can just image the stress relief it would be me not to mention how happy I would be. Thanks Mike for all you do, I truly appreciate it. God bless.

  519. I get your email letters and love all the advise I would love to be a member of your club . But if not I will still enjoy your email letters and advise. Johnnie Belinda Evans

  520. Mike. Thanks for all the great advice. We purchased a run down Nursery and we are having a house built on it. We need all the help we can get!!

  521. Please pick me! Gardening is my passion and would love to get into the nitty gritty of it!

  524. I have followed your site for a few years now and love all the advice you give so freely. I would love the opportunity to interact with those who are being successful at growing and selling plants. Please put my name in the hat for the membership prize! Thanks for offering this.

    Fingers crossed!

  525. Hi Mike,
    Thanks for the chance!

    Either way I am hoping to learn from your site as I’m finally getting the long wished for potager!

  526. Hi Mike,
    I’m going to toss my hat in the ring and hopefully I’ll get lucky. I’ve followed you for a while now, purchased a few of your books, so win or not, I’ll still be around. Thanks for all you r free tips, they’re really useful..

  528. A few years ago I ran across your website and with your help I started rooting cuttings from bushes we have and cuttings from anyone I can beg from. I’m not ashamed to beg.

    I’m 92 so I don’t have much time left on this earth. For the past few years I have been rooting cuttings to give to a friend who wants to start a plant business. I always have extra rooted cuttings to give to family and friends.

  530. Hi Mike,
    I had so much fun taking hundreds of cuttings last year. I built my own “placemat” boxes and successfully rooted many species of plants. I look forward to being picked for the free membership!

  531. I have so loved receiving your emails over the last 2 years. I save every one of them in a special folder on my computer. I am 63 years young and currently looking for land to start a small farm. For the last 15 years, I took care of my mother until she passed away before Christmas. It has always been my dream to live on a farm and I plan on selling rooted cuttings to help with the farm expenses. Many would say I was too old but I say “Never give up on your dreams”. Receiving this membership would mean the world to me. I did join the University, but haven’t been able to afford the membership. Thanks Mike for all you do!!

  533. I made some cuttings last year from some random shrubs from my mom’s and my own yard to expand my landscape greenry. Wasn’t able to ‘overwinter’ them under the plastic like you talk about..and was anxious to see what survived..to my surprise it looks like everything had so far…so exciting.

  534. Mike,

    Whether I win the membership or not, I appreciate all you share with us and every little bit I learn from you. Gardening takes up a huge part of my day every day and I still can’t get enough 🙂
    I’d love to be a member but if someone else wins, I will also be very happy for that lucky someone else!
    Thank you for all you do!

  535. I have learned a lot from your e-mails and am looking forward to having a backyard nursery sometime in the future. I have been successful in rooting a number of cuttings using your methods. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

  539. My mom was always into gardening she had flowerbeds, fruit trees and bushes, vegetable gardens all over the place. To list all the stuff she had would take forever. I have inherited her love for gardening and am just starting to venture into it; due to never having my own property I never really got the chance to do much before. I have been watching your videos and printing out a lot of your articles, so that I have them on hand when needed. They are very helpful and I am very glad that you willingly share this information. It is truly priceless info. Even if I do not get the membership, maybe I will make the trip to your nursery some day anyway just to buy some things. I can not thank you enough.

  540. Thank you, with the donkeys running for president this country may have a chance!
    They are honest and they give don’t spew bull **** only donkey manure ( the makings of good honest compost) How can we loose!
    Tried to join once before but family catastrophe stopped me half way.

  541. Help%%%%%%%%%% plain and simple fired up ready to run. Have trees and land and green house ready to take the torch and run with it

  542. Hi Mike,
    My name is Gail. I am an Aquaponics & traditional gardener, web designer, blogger, marketer, , Mom and Wife, living in New Jersey. Winter here can get pretty rough, but I’ve just learned through you that it is the time to plant twigs to grow new bushes in the Spring – who would have thought?!

    As a beginner traditional gardener, I have religiously followed your web site articles and Youtube videos and have learned so much from you, and I want to first thank you for that. Working in the business, I know how much time and effort it takes for you to write your articles, take related photos, taking, editing videos, etc.

    My personal goal is to grow GMO-free food for my family and friends and am also interested in growing and selling plants locally to off-set the expenses of having a greenhouse. Your resource(s) would be invaluable in obtaining insight on helping to heat the greenhouse, where to find REAL GMO-free seeds, etc. And who knows, if you or your Members are interested in Aquaponics, maybe I can offer tips on building/maintaining an Aquaponics system(s).

    Have a great day!!

  543. I would like you to pick me. I have been following your nursery, your methods, and each year I say Maybe next year. Well I would like to something started before I’m too old to really start selling some plants! I would like to bring my daughter & son-in-law into this type business. They have a perfect area with about 3 flat, cleared off acres with a small already fenced in growing area.

  544. Hi Mike,
    Just want to say thanks for all the great information you give us. I have been following you for awhile and love all the tips and tricks. I would love to be able to join your members area but just not possible right now (maybe some day!) so I will keep plugin along using all your advice. Keep up the great work!

  545. Dear Mike,

    As a 13 year old homeschooler, I’m a young entrepreneur endeavoring to grow plants and cuttings. I’ve been following your blog and watching your youtube videos for several years now. I’ve already learned a lot and have begun my business.

    I’m interested in being a member of your grower’s group (under guidance of my parents) as it would be a great place to interact with others who have the same interests, one of the best places to get top notch advice from seasoned members and, in time, be able to offer advice. It would also be a great outlet for my efforts, as well as a source for my needs.

    My parents have encouraged me to expand this endeavor and such a membership would sure help get that accomplished. Thanks for such a great offer. I would be thrilled to win! Yours Truly, Aaron P (with parents Steve & Lorie)

  546. I live with much chronic pain, about 8.5 most of the time. I moved to the property left by my mom and dad to design a park like garden, I work every day to transform my shade covered property to a place of heaven on earth. I study ethnobotany even from recent past college classes till today. I want to leave my children, grand children, and friends a place of plant paradise. Because I care for the plant it gives and recieves joy from the best care, therefore I learn plants. I hope to have for sale what grows naturally as i design for the best of the lands abundance, and as i learn more about plants and habitat care. Some of my best friends live closs by that shared Back Yard Nursery with me. because of my impairment of pain, learning from you all this way helps me get to another day in paradise. I am fifty nine soon and love to work in the dirt, even for my food as medicine. please consider me for the membership…blessings.michael

  548. Mike, I have read and watched your instructions for a couple of years now. I have enjoyed everyone of the easy to understand, no nonsense tips on growing plants. I really appreciate your sharing your wisdom with us.
    I am of retirement age but still need income to make ends meet. Growing and selling plants on my 2 1/2 acre rural NW TN country place would make a real difference in both the quality of life and affordability of living in our present economy.

  549. My son was amazed that every flower I took cuttings from and stuck in the ground grew with little care. He tried a few, but just couldn’t get them to grow. He’s in Tulsa, (hard pack clay soil) I explained to him that Tulsa is nothing like Southern California where he came from in 2005, and that he would have to do quite a bit of soil work if he hoped to have any success. Bet you can’t guess where I got that information from!
    I’m lucky, live deep in the ‘Old Black Oak’ forest in SE Oklahoma, right off of Lake Eufaula, where our soil is very sandy with layer on layer of composted leaf residue. Seems everything I stick in the ground grows, but with Mike’s guidance they grow better!
    I now have expanded my vegetable garden from the original 220 square feet to 798 square feet. Last year I had strawberries that never quit producing, at least 5 pounds every day from May all the way through November, and asparagus every day from February through December! Potatoes yielded well over 70 pounds last year with only a small area 4 feet by 10 feet, have tripled it for this year. Gave over 100 pounds of tomatoes to my neighbors last year, along with zuccini, table squash, cucumbers, potatoes, pumpkin, watermelon, honey dew, and cantaloupe.
    My Periwinkle rootings have really expanded in 3 areas, and I’ll be taking cuttings from it to fill in my 150′ driveway borders. The Hydrangea cuttings have been doing great, now have 26 ready to plant, Forsythia are in full bloom, Coreopsis and Scabiosa are perking up, now that we’ve had some good rains, and the Scabiosa are about ready for more division. 3 colors of Daffodil are in full bloom, Iris are beginning to bloom, in 5 colors, and all of my roses are budding. I’ll be taking some cuttings from the roses to root soon.
    Have started apple, peach, lemon, Mimosa, and Oak tree seedlings.
    Only problem I have (besides dealing with all the critters) is that Mike gave me the bug when I stumbled on his site several years ago, and I got bit BIG TIME! Now I just can’t seem to quit!

  550. I have recently purchased your misting system and looking forward to rooting hundreds of soft cuttings. I have had great success, thanks to your help, rooting hard cuttings and even soft cuttings using a container and trash bag. Started about 2 years ago and have started a nice plant inventory. I recently retired from a 40 year career In newspaper advertising ….and I always had a passion for playing in the dirt. I would appreciate the opportunity to be entered in your backyard growers giveaway…. I been taking “baby steps ” at this , but getting closer to realizing this as my business. Thanks again for all your help, guidance….and helping me to live my dream !

  551. Been reading your blog now for a while and would love to learn everything you have to offer!

  552. Mike I have been a groundskeeper for over 40 years and have always hoped to open a little back yard nursery when I retired.

    I just turned 62 this month and unfortunately my Grounds Supervisor job of 14 years was out sourced 3 years ago and well you know life has a way of throwing you curve balls. Unable to find another job in the industry I found work driving a school bus for Special Needs Children.

    Certainly took a huge cut in income but it has it’s rewards when you are driving twenty three 3, 4, and 5 year old’s home everyday it is like having a huge number of grand kids You quickly fall in love with them and look forward to seeing how they are doing each day and they always bring a smile to your face.

    Having followed you for years I can truly say that anyone that is thinking about joining your group could not find a better mentor nor someone that will give them the straight up information and support they will need to be successful.

    You can always tell when someone loves what they are doing and and I am sure that you think about how lucky you are to be able to do what you love. It takes a lot of blood , sweat, and tears to get it right sometimes and lots of folks just don’t know.

    Thanks for all your time and efforts sharing so others can find the success you have.

  554. GitelWidow from NE p;art of the states Maryland. i took the advice to get rid of poison ivey ive had on the side of my house for forty some years with high percentage vinegar which inone of the garden books it said to use it. No one in any of the master gardening books knew where and Home depot had some regular vinegar.One woman part of a Columbia Md Garden Club offered me sometips and said its somewhere and it only can kill the ivy doing the spraying of 30% of vinegar. In Beyond pesticides for i don’t like to use any pesticides in my garden or lawn. a grower in Texas was cited and i called him.. I got three cases and it worked so that this year first time in history of living in this house as i am the 2nd owners ; now after five times of spraying. it is completely gone. i am now ready to start a new and plant in that wide space after its tilled to begin again . I ask if the pink hydrangeas can be in a place where sunshine is late afternoon but tree covered during the days.?
    and how cani put in a Zen garden for i lived five years in the late 80s in Japan and that is the look i want to see when i come in the house of placid moment. serene and calming to set my time at home and pink fuchsia and purple flowers with varied green to surround the house and zen flowing pots to set the tone..
    Gitel widow Columbia Md.. 21044

  555. I love growing and nurturing plants out here in CA and am always interested in trying new plants, indoors and out.. BTW, I traded with the local garden club Plant Exchange last fall for a Bromeliad Bilbergia and it is already blooming AND has pups! What a thrill!!I

    I would be honored to be a part of your Backyard family and have the access to plants, people, and information through a membership to your Backyard Growers Business Center.

  556. Thank you for all you that you do. I would like to win the membership. My wife and I will be retiring in the next few years. We are going to start growing plants to help earn money so we can do more things once we are retired. We have cleared off about 1 1/2 acres so we have room for the plants.. We did do about 3000 hardwood cuttings this winter. Two years ago we started 80 plants that we can take cuttings off of. This spring we will be taking about 20000 cutting. With everything we have invested at this time we do not have the money to buy in to the members area. So winning this membership will help us in our retirement. Thank you

  558. Mike,
    Thanks for the opportunity to try to win a membership. I had to retire early from my line of work due to a bad knee. I am on a blood thinner and need to avoid any surgery. I am able to garden some, cut grass, and substitute teach at my old high school. My wife needs to work to build her retirement because she and I wanted her to be at home to raise our two sons. They are grown and married now. We put all we can into her retirement. This is why I would love to win a membership to supplement our income for her. I also enjoy giving away some of our veggies to people who aren’t able to make a garden. Thanks for all you do for all of us.

    P.S. I love your humor in your writing and videos.

    • I would like to abbreviate my previous comment. I would like to win a membership to supplement my income. Thanks for all you do for us.

      P.S. I love your humor in your writing and videos.

  559. Thanks Mike for your posts about growing plants. I’ve been reading them for several years, but did not have the strength nor energy to follow your system. In November 2010 I discovered I had End Stage Renal Failure, which put me on dialysis until I was fortunate to receive a kidney transplant on 6-19-2014. Dialysis takes a toll on the patients’ heart, and I had my first heart attack while in the hospital recovering from the kidney transplant. That followed with a triple bypass in December 2014.

    So now I am recovering and moving to a place where I want to grow a bunch of plants. My thirst for knowledge is immense.

    My wife and I are praying that we are the fortunate couple receiving the membership.

    Thank you.

    Oliver and Iris

  560. I have been gardening since I was 10 yesrs old. Now I am 54 and still love u o be outside in fresh air and getting dirt under my finger nails. My wife says I missed my calling. I love reading your posts and it has inspired me to continue with my passion of being outdoors and gardening.

  561. Mike,
    I am looking for somethi g to do when I retire. I’m not ready to stop working, but I would love to work for myself, at something that will be doable. Pick me??

  562. Bought your system several years ago and have had a lot of success with it .I like to look at your blogs all the time .Thanks for all your help.
    God Bless

  563. Pick me! Pick me! (Waving hand wildly while jumping up and down….) I’ve done all my own gardening for over 30 years in my tiny back yard and it has been both a comfort and a joy! I am now semi-retired and need an income sorely! What better way than gardening which has sustained me through the years?! I hadn’t even considered this until I found your blog! So please pick me to help me start a new direction and make a new life for myself!

  564. Love this treasure trove of gardening information – would love to win a membership to delve deeper in the pot! Thank you so much for all your sharing.

  565. Mike , I’ve been growing things for most of my life and reading all your articles has keep me in the dirt. thank you for all your helpful posts. Always wanted the membership but never was in a financial situation to invest.

  566. Winning the membership would be a dream come true!! I’m just starting to try set up my own backyard nursery here in Tasmania Australia.
    I thank you Mike for all your emails and hard work put into them. You’re a true inspiration.
    Happy gardening!! ?

  567. I love your advice and support. With your guidance and the membership I really feel like I can do this!!!
    Debbie

  568. Hi Mike,

    I have been following your blog posts and videos for a few years. The past few years I’ve managed to sell enough plants from the front of our house on a honors system to sustain my gardening and make a few ends meet.

    Last year we moved to a house of our own. It has no yard to speak of. I am in the process of creating gardening spaces.

    My life partner passed away the end of January. I am forced to begin SS starting in April to ensure I have the mortgage payment. I want to continue supplementing my income with mail order root cuttings. Here in MA, we are allowed to sell from home what we grow from home without permits and taxes.

    Money is very tight for me. Winning a free lifetime membership would be a dream come true. It would be an additional tool for success.

    Humbly yours,
    Irene

  570. I would love to win your free back yard growers membership, recently started staying home and am I ever bored!! Please help!

  571. I love getting all your information. Thanks for sharing! I am currently in an apartment with extremely limited growing space, but am looking for something with a yard as soon as possible v

  572. How wonderful that you are offering this amazing membership Mike!! I truly appreciate all your helpful advice and have followed your blog for many years. It only gets better and better! Happy gardening!!

  573. I am disabled and would love the opportunity to become a member. I have just bought a small greenhouse. I have several seeds to grow bonsai trees. They will take a while before I can make money with those. Please pick me!!!!

  574. Love your site & have learned so much from it. Also passed on information to my son who is just beginning to garden after 20 years in the Army.

  575. I really enjoy reading & watching everything you have shared over the years, now…after 15 surgeries on my stomach, I have learned what I can & can not eat!…
    And 18 years ago I was diagnosed With MS. And no medication at the time for 1 stage MS.
    So I changed my Diet and what a difference it has made…my life has forever changed, I’m still not on any medication..the Dr’s say that not even the medication would have done this good….
    And for the surgeries my Body actually craved salsa so bad while in the hospital the Dr’s decided to go all organic and my Body healed beyond what all specialists exceptions!…I could not eat any food for 81/2 months..but I could drink my salsa anytime..it’s been an amazing change…I have many people ask what I’m doing…and I’m always being told to start a business that could help others!..my response Is… I did…your buying what helps me…everyday….and this is how I use it…and they leave with more knowledge about the plant, and what it can do for the body!…
    Thank You for all you do…Mike…

  576. I run a huge plant sale as a volunteer for the Master Gardeners in Greensboro NC. I would probably do a lot of business with your growers on here.

  578. I have wished to be a member for years. It seems other work and financial needs come first everytime I get motivated. I have started my backyard nursery now as I have more time but less money so bit by bit Im learning and growing. This year I expect to sell about 1,000 plants. The membership would definately help move my plans faster!

  580. You have inspired me to want to start my own backyard business to supplement my income. I love plants, watching them grow, and watching others benefit from them. Would love to win!

  581. Those two donkeys have more sense then most in DC ! But, you will be their personal adviser/spokesperson.
    This would be a great resource to help me in my retirement and good for me to teach my grand children how to do/grow…will make parents learn too, kids will help there…lol
    To the future…

  582. I am recently widowed, a Master Gardener and would dearly love to “retire” from a menial office job and spend time outdoors with my dogs and plant babies.

  583. Hi Mike! Love the info you provide. Finally moved to a house we own a couple years ago and finally have freedom to grow whatever I want now. I would love to take my gardening to a new level and go beyond selling my veggies at my towns farmers market. I am getting on in years and traditional jobs just aren’t for me. Really want to be self supporting and think your help can make that happen.

  584. I am new to your site and am trying my hand at starting to work with a green house and backyard garden. I enjoy working with my flowers and am hoping to be able to make some money with it. I live in northern Vermont where work is difficult to find.

  585. Hello Mike,
    Appreciate your e-mails. I test drove the member area for a trial period last year. Bought only a few plants as it was too early in my area. Located in northern Saskatchewan, Canada. Would love to win the free membership as we are trying to get our nursery going as well as a greenhouse. Using some of your tips and once we have the water trench to where we need it, we will do more.

  586. Well Mike, I fully intend to get my membership in the “Members area” but at the same time a free membership is decidedly better. That wouldn’t cut into my grocery money. Any how I will be a member as it is an investment and not a cost. Investments generally offer a great return. I think this will be one of those. As for the “grocery” money…. I eat too much anyway!

  587. Mike,
    Thank you for all the time you and your family spend putting all this together to help the people who are like me that needs a little bit of knowledge. After following you for a few years and following your instructions from Newsletters and videos, I finally got my little place cleaned up and this is the year I try to do as you. Thank you for all you do.

  588. I sure hope you pick me Mike!!! We are getting ready to start a whole new yard and this would be very helpful! I love your posts!

  590. I have your how to book but as a senior your membership fee is out of my budget. I follow everything you share publicly and have tried many of them. Some with success and some not so successful. I have a small acreage that I would like to put to some good use so I am excited at the opportunity to enter your free membership competition. Good luck everyone.

  591. Mike,
    Your knowledge and experience is amazing and the fact that you are so willing to share is even more amazing.
    My husband and I attempted our nursery a few years back but just got too overwhelmed with our lack of knowledge, time, resources and so on and put it on hold. We are in a better situation now and once we found you, we got soooo excited to give it another go.
    Having your books, blogs and help has truly inspired us to start over and do what we truly love doing, knowing that with your guidance and our hard work, the sky is the limit and we can take this however far we can! We are truly inspired by your passion. It’s contagious!

    Please pick us !

    Thank you for all you do!
    Sharon S – New Jersey

  592. I have followed and love receiving your emails . We travel to Ohio often hopefully will stop to meet you and visit your donkeys !

  593. Planning on retiring next year and wanting to make some money to help during retirement. I have rheumatoid arthritis and am determined to keep active as I am a Master Gardener through my local university and volunteer with their website. Keeping active in church, choir and gardening is my desire – I already don’t have time to work! Anxious for retirement and doing things I love to do – like gardening! I love your e-mails and read them all, and keep them in my personal files, for years!

  594. I have learned a lot. From the video s and your posting. Would. Like to find out more info on everything.knowledge is a powerful to have so always willing to try new thing with critiquing the old .

  595. I have always loved plants and had multiple things growing wherever and however I could. But after more than two decades moving of living in different places overseas, having my my own yard is almost heaven! I love, love, love making things grown and thrive, but have a lot to learn. Your website is gold mine!

  596. You have a lot of knowledge to learn from I read so much my mind is spinning a lot of little thing and a lot of new ideas. Thank you.

  597. I am retired and disabled, and I have learned that when you fall down 20 steps (when you get close to 70 years old) you don’t bounce any more. I enjoy gardening and look forward to all of your educational wisdom and insights. I would love the back yard gardening as a way to stay active and train some of the local kids on gardening and a way to make some money as well. Keep up the good work

  598. I am going to start a small nursery on my property in North Carolina ! I only have about 5 acres so I guess I could use some plants?

  599. This green-thumbed girl is a Landscaping Student at the community college in Portland, Oregon, After many suggestions from friends and family, I’m a houseplant propagating maniac in my tiny apartment in St. Helens, OR with the hopes of opening a small business in our historic downtown, selling unique houseplants in a county that has to travel an hour to find different varieties in large greenhouses.

    Tropical carnivorous, orchids, and other exotics are my specialties!

    I rescue and rehab plants from stores, businesses, and friends, and hope to teach people how to give their plants some love.

    I hope to find someone who will send me a snipping of a Wingthorn Rose!

    Thanks a bunch! -Lindsey

  600. Holy Moly Mike, so many to pick from and only 1 membership. I promise to make it easy, pick me. Retired a little over a year and bored and need a new job. Always loved to work in landscape and trying to learn to grow my own food and plants. Want to be able to pass this knowledge on to my children and grandchildren so that generations forward will remember Da and Mike McGroarty! I’m passionate about learning how to learn the proper way to do things. Since I was a kid I always wanted to know how to do everything, anything. I got that from my Grandfather, who was forced into self employment after working for the same company for close to 30 years and closing down. Being only about 2 years from being able to collect a retirement from this company he found himself without a job, any retirement benefits and in a bad economy. So he picked himself up and started doing odd jobs for anyone who needed help. He became the “Go To Guy” until he couldn’t physically do it any longer. I’ve always been impressed by that and I want to be that guy. I feel with access to your membership that would help me build upon my legacy with my grandchildren.

  601. Mike, I have been following you for several years now. You are a wealth of knowledge. Keep up the good work.

  602. I am new to your site but learning a lot. What an adventure. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with everyone! Oh, and thank you for an awesome opportunity!
    Looking forward to April 1st!

  603. You have changed the way I garden FOREVER. I Rarely buy plants anymore. I don’t go anywhere without my pruners and have NO SHAME in asking others for cuttings. I love to make babies 🙂 It is so rewarding to watch things grow. THANKS!

  604. Hello Mike,
    I have followed you for many years and I now have a greenhouse! I would love to be apart of your backyard membership. PLEASE pick me pick me pick me !!
    Thanks,
    Kathy

  605. Mike I’ve followed you for a couple of years and have used a lot of your ideas, I’ve had great success with the small things I’ve tried. I just started some Royal Empress Trees from seed using your technics and I can’t believe that they have germinated in 14 days. Supposed to take 4-5 weeks. Just wanted to let the people that follow you know that they should really get involved with gardening. Hope I get a membership.

    All Have A Great Day,

    PS: I have vegetable plants coming out of my ears.

  607. have loved your site, and wisdom, for many yrs..

    keep up the good work Mike.

    you have no idea how many folks you have helped.

    cheers

    Gord

    in northern ont

    canada

  608. Mike, I have learned so much from you in the past year! I am hoping to incorporate selling small plants into the other ventures we have going here on our farm. I am so thankful you chose to share your knowledge with the rest of us. It is GREATLY appreciated!

  609. Hi Mike, I just started reading your posts and blogs the last two years. I am a recently retired landscaper and decided that my next venture will be in growing and propagating. I love plants and would cherish the opportunity to connect with the family of backyard growers. Heres hoping chance will happen
    Thanks Rick

  610. I would love to become a member of your program. I have been following your advice for years and finally have a large enough lot in Va (from SC) that I would benefit greatly from the buying of rooted plants to get a backyard nursery up and growing. Thanks for the consideration and good luck to all.

  611. The Mtn’s of western North Carolina are still pretty cold but, it is not so bad when you are doing
    something you love ( I-e working with plants and flowers ). I just a day or so ago put in some Mimosa
    sticks and seed. I love flowers and I love to smell the earth when it is Spring and planting time. I
    did grow a garden and raised potatoes, beans and garden edibles and gave it away to people who
    did not garden for various reasons. I cannot tell you how much I enjoy your ” wealth of knowledge ”
    about planting that you pass on to us the public. I have a McGroarty folder with many dirty pages I have copied and kept . Surely God will bless you more because you share your knowledge. Hands On is the best teacher. I sure am inspired, continue the good work !

  612. Hi Mike:
    You have lots of great comments already – I just want to say I have followed your posts & have a copy of a “A Simple Way to Root Cuttings of Your Favorite Plants” and your cd-rom “The Fastest Way to Make Money Growing and Selling Plants”, which are wonderful resources!
    My problem is that I need a connection to folks who do what I want to do – share my passion. I am currently working a full time job working with disabled people, and I want to have the knowledge to share with them how to grow their own plants without spending much money.
    If you choose me for free membership, I can help others and myself!
    Thanks a lot!

  613. Hey Mike !
    Have been reading your posts for a few years now….I’ve learned more from you than the many magazines and books around.
    Keep it going!

    Lenore

  614. Following , the plants and the donkeys are a great combo hope I win the membership need help on my farm to buy feed

  615. Hi Mike
    Thank you for posting all you do. It is exciting to try out your suggestions. The ones I’ve tried always work. You are an inspiration to many!
    I am now retired and need extra cash. I have 2 acres and a bad ankle so interested in making this all work for me.
    I love to garden, always have. My dad started with asparagus and raspberries and grapes when we were all young then he went to town with everything you can imagine.
    So it is in my DNA!
    HA, of course it is! We ALL come from a LONG line of gardeners and gatherers. .
    “One is nearer to God’s heart in a garden than anywhere else on Earth.”

  617. sure could use a way to add to my retirement income – one that I would enjoy and be successful at.

  618. I love reading your emails and am excited about getting started growing plants for profit! You are an inspiration to me to do something I’ve always loved to do but everyone tells me is not practical. Thank you so much for the encouragement and guidance!

  619. Mike What more is there to say but THANKS! I have been following you for about 2 years now, and the information and advice is so valuable. And you share it with us, who are just learning for free. Thanks again Mike, and of course seeing this offer who wouldn’t want to try and win it!

  620. Thanks for getting me off my rear again this Spring. Someone here thinks I’m flirting online, as I’m so keen to get to the inbox for your latest Gold-Plated Tip.

    The Members Area Offer is truly a Prize.

    Gregor

  621. I need help starting a backyard growers paradise. I am a disabled vet and plan on supplimenting my income. I would like to build a hoophouse with the help of my local master gardners assn.or by your group??? I plan on growing hydrangeas,lilacs and forsythias. I would appreciate you packing a bag and come stay with me and get me started. Bring friends. Ill barbecue for everyone.

  622. This will be a great resource to start my food forest and Nursery. If I could only Garden for a living, Tis the goal.

  624. I have to say being 21 I don’t ever get to talk about my dream to my friends. My dream is to raise my daughter ilon our own farm and nursery. What better business to teach my kid? I appreciate your articles they have given me many great ideas. Now with spring finally here I already made your propagation boxes ( with my own little touches of course!) And now with this being my first year of selling my container hervs and fIowers I would love to increase my knowledge about nursery plants. Just want to wish everyone luck and keep spreading the word about this amazing career path!

  625. Hey Mike, just wanted to thank you for all the info and help you give out! I’ve been growing and propagating plants for years now and would love to be able to turn it into a profitable business…as well as having more time to spend with my growing family.

  627. Mike as a Master Gardener I have propagated many plants, and gave them a way I think its about time I make a little money doing it. Retirement isn’t too far a way and like everybody a little extra cash and doing something I enjoy can make the long days enjoyable , and having all the propagating friends by your side day after day would make it perfect.

  628. What an awesome opportunity to win a membership into your Grower’s Business Center. I have followed your emails and tips for many years always thinking when I get close to retirement I would start applying your advice. I am at 29 years now so I can retire next year if I chose. Thank you for all that you do and I really love the videos that include your Donkeys.

  629. We love your site and all the information! My parents owned a plant farm and we plan to start ours June 1, 2016 when my husband retires. He really likes the videos as he doesn’t like to read books. I love to read so it works well for us! I’m in the process of trying to locate the sand or compost in this area of east texas, Hope to join soon!

    Thanks
    Barbara Duffey

  630. I need this as I keep planting things and so far only the dwarf pomegranate is still alive. If I could buy from your members, maybe I could get the quantity to hav survivors! I live in hot desert Tucson, AZ.

  631. Mike

    I would love to win a free membership. My love for plants and gardening began as a young boy. I was always excited to see the plants turn green in the Spring.I am physically disabled so gardening has been a challenge but I have adapted and am looking forward to the day that my backyard nursery will get me enough profit to be self supporting. Right now it is just in the planning stages but a free membership would be a launching pad to and confirmation of my dream to continue the legacy of my grandfather who recently passed. Thanks for your kind consideration. God Bless You and Stay Green

  633. Hi Mike,
    Nancy Moore here again. My grandson (17 yrs old) and I are working to get things going here in central Florida around the Gulf. I am trying to teach him a way of life, and your helping me to do this for him. I am on disability so I am not able to get around as much as I used to. We would love to have your program. He has a pacemaker, so he is limited to a lot he can do too. But, we are trying :~D haven’t gotten much done, but I am studying everything I can get from you. I was able to spend the $7 for the last offer you gave us, and has been a tremendous help for me Thanks so much. Thank you for all the hard work you do to keep us informed of what is available. Take Care you and your family. I love the family atmosphere that you let us be able to be a part of too.

  634. Being a member would put feet on my dreams of being a grower and merchandiser of plants. It must be a great feeling to sell your own propagated plants to people and having satisfied, returning customers.

  635. Your enthusiasm is catching and appreciate your willingness to share your experiences. Thanks for offering a free membership.

  636. I love gardening and have been following your articles when I can find them. This would be a great way to start spring 2018!

  637. I haven’t joined yo ur back yard club because i:m going to be 84 in less then two months and robably would not be around to use it very much.. I have outlived my family and my time has to be at hand.

  638. Dear. Mike,

    Love your blog and great garden advice! Please enter me to win the free membership.

    Kindest regards,

    Rose

  640. Mike,

    Recently “retired” from gruelling shiftwork after many years. Spent my first 20 years (from age 19 to 39) in the military.

    Am looking for a way to add a little income to our household. No plans for major business, but, one never knows. Either way would love to “win” the membership as it would definitely be a blessing.

  641. Hi Mike,

    I’ve been subscribed to your newsletter for about three years now. You are very experienced and inspiring with all of the knowledge that you share while fulfilling your passion.
    My husband and I are both working crazy fools who would nothing better than to quite all of our jobs and focus on our budding nursery full time from our home. I plan on purchasing a membership at some point to the Backyard Growers Center even if you don’t choose us; it’s the perfect opportunity to network with and support other like minded individuals who also share your passion for digging on the dirt.
    Thank you for all that you do.

  643. I’ve been following you for years and have learned so much. I would love to have a membership! Thanks!

  644. I enjoy reading all of your ideas on planting and plants they very informative. .However I am not able to afford the cost of joining your membership club at this time. Maybe sometime in the future.

  645. Mike, I stumbled upon your site a couple of years ago, and have used many of your techniques for improving my own landscape, not including donkeys or chickens, at least not as of yet, but have found your articles to be entertaining along with informative. I don’t have the money to join, but would be thrilled to win a free membership to continue to learn from you and your followers on how to improve my garden as well as begin to sell what I propagate from cuttings. This is the easiest program to follow. I thank you, and more importantly, my wife thanks you for getting me out of the house and into the backyard to beautify that and get out of her hair. Thank you for all you do. al

  646. i am an 81 year old woman with only Social Security for income and it sure doesn’t go far enough. I could do this at home and make a little to help out. It would be fun for me too because I love growing plants and currently have a dozen or so flower starts in the house and keep doing those all the time and have given away several. Never tried to sell them but am sure I could. Thank you for considering me.

  647. For several years I have tried to become a backyard grower so I could use the extra income to supplement my retirement. I have done so with some success. I have approximately 1100 pots in my backyard at this moment. I continue to learn how best to prune and when on a variety of plants. It seems like a slow process when you don’t have the training but I am determined. The only reason I have not bought a membership is due to a lack of finances. I would love to receive the free membership.

    In closing I want to thank you for all the advice and encouragement you constantly give via your posts and videos. I wish you the best of success.

    Thanks again
    Richard

  648. Love your website! I have learned so much already and can’t wait to learn so much more after I buy your book! Please pick me 🙂 I just figured out that you are in Perry Ohio. You are so close to where I live.

  649. Mike, I was so excited to find your excellent site a year or so ago. I read a few of your books over the winter and I’m now ready to put some of that information into action. I really want to grow a backyard nursery business and with such a great resource at my finger-tips, I know it will come to fruition this year. Thank you for sharing so much!

  650. I HAVE BEEN READING YOUR POSTS FOR A LONG TIME. I NEVER THAOUGHT THAT I MAY GET ACHANCE TO BECOME A MEMBER. YOUR INSIGHTS ARE GREAT AND SIMPLE. YOUR FAMILY IS INVOLVED INCLUDING THE DONKEY. THIS IS MY CHANCE TO JOIN YOU AS A MEMBER, IF YOU WILL HAVEME. I WILL MAKE YOU PROUD. THANK YOU, WYNDHAM

  651. I HAVE BEEN READING YOUR POSTS FOR A LONG TIME. I NEVER THAOUGHT THAT I MAY GET ACHANCE TO BECOME A MEMBER. YOUR INSIGHTS ARE GREAT AND SIMPLE. YOUR FAMILY IS INVOLVED INCLUDING THE DONKEY. THIS IS MY CHANCE TO JOIN YOU AS A MEMBER, IF YOU WILL HAVEME. I WILL MAKE YOU PROUD. THANK YOU, WYNDHAM

  655. Thank you for this opportunity. I would love to win. I just retired and need a little bit of extra income. My love for gardening seems to be the best way to go so a membership would really help me out a lot in getting started.

  656. Mike,
    I am new to your site and have to say that I too learn from every e-mail you send. But being new and being retired I have a lot to learn . My mind is essentially empty and it absorbs new information like a sponge. I need this info more than anyone since my brain is on empty. If it is not filled It may collapse! You don’t want an event like that to be on your conscience do you Mike? So be selfish and save yourself the grief and choose me! Please, oh please, pretty please? If you don’t chose me I will certainly die from brain collapse! You will never forgive yourself! The rest of you please step aside and don’t let this old man die. Mike, if it is not so random no one but you and I will know. ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT BRAIN COLLAPSE(to paraphrase Smokey)!

  657. Mike,

    I would love to win because I am new to this business and just started last year. I haven’t sold any plants yet but have rooted quite a few. I have also purchased your books, plant Misting System and book and am learning. I hope to sell some plants this summer.

    Thanks

  658. Hello Mike,
    I have just started gardening, only four years into it and I am enjoying it. I live on a one acre lot and so far its been very fruitful in providing fresh vegetables for the family. I have been experimenting with different types of planters and trying to grow vertically when possible. Last year I was able to bring my extra produce to work as well give some to the neighbors. I would really enjoy the added knowledge your program took provide. I am currently working on a rain water system for the garden got any ideas ? Thank you for your News Letter it has helped a lot. Have a Great Day – Thanks again – Mike

  659. I’m so new to growing anything and I’m eager to learn. I’m no longer working and I need something positive to do. I love flowers and fresh vegetables so I wanted to try my hand at this. Where do I start? I have a decent sized yard. Front yard is just plain. Back yard is the same. Help 🙂 Having a little spending money would be a great bonus along with being able to bless others unexpectedly.

  660. Hello Mike I enjoy learning from you and am looking for a way to make more money. Thanks for the contest. Bob L.

  661. Hi Mike,
    I am a big follower of yours, I have passed out your site info to most people i know,

    I am In a garden club, We are a not for profit group .. we donate all our proceeds from one plant sale to local groups and some scholarship money to students, a food bank and a land conservancy,
    Our plants all come from our yards, but sure would like to take it up a notch for a more charitable distribution.
    I sure hope you pick me, cause we could do a lot more with your help. Thanks for everything you do for us (your faithful readers)

    Carol

  663. My father in law passed away and left my husband and me an overgrown farm. We moved there 5 months later only to find out my husband had cancer and died 4 months later. I quit my job after 37 years to care for my husband and never returned to work after his death. Now I had to decide what to do with my life and the farm. I am too young for widows pay and I had always told my husband I was going to be a perennial gardener when we retired.. My son found your website and I have been reading and enjoying every minute of it. My dreams for retirement is going to happen. What wonderful information to share with those who love gardening. Thank you so much.

    • Good luck to you! Your optimistic attitude is truly inspiring, may all your plants help to attain your goals!

  664. Hi mike
    I”d just like to say that ever since I found your website ( when I was 12, i’m 16 now.) I had a wanting to start a nursery, I was interested in gardening (still am) and well I saw that starting a nursery looked like a good business venture, so that’s how I became more interested in plants other than garden plants. I could of started with just buying a couple plants and starting from there, but in my mind I had to start out big or not start out at all (silly me), I have a job now so I am saving up, to start up. anyway I just like to say you’re a big inspiration to me.

    thanks and God bless

  666. I have followed you for several years now and always receive your emails – in fact, I keep each and every one in a file (with in my computer- so hopefully they are all still there). However, I tend to get busy and busier on FaceBook over the years and seldom make it back to my email account (s). So I am unaware of IF I already have “membership” or if this is something new (to me).
    Either way, I have learned a lot from you – Mike and I’m sure that if I can continue receiving your emails that I will continue to learn much more.

  668. Hi mike, I am interested in learning just a fraction of your knowledge. I hope it’s not to late I’m 65 years old and I would love just to be able to grow & graft some plants. They say the American Dream is a thing of the past, but I have a good feeling about that. I want to join your team so I need to get you $7.00. Thanks I have enjoyed watching you on YouTube, Ivey

  669. I would like to enter for a chance to win a backyard membership because I am on a fixed income with a desire to learn all that I can about propagation and growing anything and everything. I also do the area farmers market here in South Central Minnesota. I am trying to get a market going for micro greens and salad greens. I have not had very good luck with my gardening so far. I am going to be more forceful with myself this year. I have all or must of your posts and am using them to learn how and what to do.
    Karon Wurst

  670. I have really learned alot from your emails videos n books Mr Mike n would Love to win! Plannin on visitin your May Sales when we can get over there only about 3 hours from ya on northwestern side of Ohio n hopin to shake Your Hand or give ya neighborly Hug! look forward to hearin from ya Sir!

  671. Thanks Mike, Your articles have helped me, a great deal, with my gardening and pruning. My grandchildren like to see the videos when the donkeys are with you. Thanks again…..Scott

  672. Mike,
    I’ve been following you, reading the materials I have purchased, and I enjoy it all!
    I’d love to be part of the backyard growers – what an opportunity!
    Thank you,
    Jill

  673. Hello Mike! Over 5 yrs ago I first ran across your Backyard Nursery website. It inspired me then and now. While I have helped establish community & youth gardens over these padt few years, I had to step away from it when I became my dad’s caregiver. He passed away June 2016. Now I am struggling to get back on my feet, living on a meager social security income, hoping to get back into my gardening & reaquaint myself with your “money making” system. I do so love your heartfelt inspiration. Looking forward to this new journey in my life.

  674. Mike, Dude! You are my new hero. I just finished one of your books (Small Plants Big Profits from Home) and I think I learned more about marketing in those 106 pages than I did in my Intro to Marketing class in college. And full disclosure, I AM one of those crazy retail plant buyers you mention in the book, There is definitely something euphoric about the first 70-degree day, a sleeve-less shirt and work gloves. I stumbled onto your site while looking for info on rooting cuttings (boy did I find it). I was hoping to find a way to make my, uh, “habit” a little less expensive. But with the info you provide, I may go from “addict” to “dealer”. Thanks for the hook up.
    Oh, and it’s supposed to hit 72 on Tuesday…

  675. I’m a 25yr old female in Kentucky and was just gifted from my uncle who passed from cancer 10 acres. I’m growing a vegetable garden, if your information would be useful to me, please oick me because Lord knows I need the help! Happy growing!!

  676. Thank you Mike for the opportunity to win a membership in the Backyard Growers. I will be writing in the donkeys as no one so far deserves a vote

  677. I recently inherited a tree farm/nursery. I have no idea what im doing.I was a mechanic for the last 10 yrs. Mikes emails and videos have really been helping a great deal as I learn how to grow and maintain the farm. The place has been shut down for 15 yrs or more. Maybe im crazy for trying to do this. Just getting into the members section to buy rooted cuttings would be great.

  678. Mike,

    I have been following your blog for several years waiting for a time when I would be able to employ your methods. I was recently medically retired from the Army and figure now is as good a time as any! Thank you for all your incredible information. A free membership would help me get my nursery business off the ground in the best way possible.

    Thanks again

    Adam

  679. I enjoy working with plants and growing food and flowering plants. I would really like to be able to turn into a small business.

  680. The reason I would like to win ? I feel like I need to meet my family.
    I have followed for more years than I can count on my hands and toes.. I think now LOOL.
    Best of luck to all . and thank you for all you do Mike. Thank you for facilitating my learning.

    Happy Spring all.!

  681. I have been a follower for several years and watched all your uTube videos. In the last 18 months my husband has had 2 back surgeries and is doing great. I’ve retired and had my medical issues resolved. We live in south Arkansas, on a small lake and have 3 acres, and a small greenhouse. I have used several of your tips with great success. Only now do we have the time and health to really get with your program. We appreciate your consideration for this great opportunity.

  683. Mike, though raised in GA, I come from IL stock. My maternal-maternal great-grandfather was a wonderful gardener with the earliest flowers and vegetables in the Salem, IL area. He was also a great woodsman, we dug roots, hunted mushrooms and trapped fur bearing animals together in my youth. He made it to 92 and I loved him dearly, You remind me of him in some respects. I would love to be one of your members.

    Live long and prosper!
    Greg Clifton

  685. I’m quite excited about your new on line garden venture. I’m beginning to write out my questions now!!
    I’ve never been to Ohio but I’m sure if I win I’ll be at the shindig. Thanks for all the work you are putting into this project.

  686. Oh please pick me. I really need this. I really want this. It would mean the world to me.

    Thank you

  687. I enjoy reading and listening to your information. I have learned a lot, but still don’t know everything, so will stay tuned. I am looking forward to spring, and getting outside.

  688. Mike, I totally enjoy reading your e-mails and watching your informative videos. I took classes for plant prop, landscape design, nursery/greenhouse management (about 8 years ago) when I went to college. I have worked at a couple greenhouses, but would love to have my OWN business in the plants and trees. I have two tree spades and have moved several trees. Love being outside digging in the dirt. I would like to hear more about trees (native to my area) if you have any to share. I live in south central Ohio. I would like to be picked to receive the free membership because I feel I have a lot to offer (knowledge and trials and errors). Would like to come visit your place some time. Thanks for all your information and sharing your knowledge. God Bless, Anna

  689. I’m 62 years old and have been around plants all my life between garden centers, greenhouses and landscaping business. It’s about time for me to make a consistent income from a reliable source now that I’m getting closer to “retirement” age (ain’t happening).
    Mike, I’ve been following you for years but not close enough. Time for me to make some money with all the seedling plants that are all around me on landscape jobs. I’ve got access to several greenhouses and with the Back Yard Grower membership I can fill them with awsesome plants through the other members. I’m ready! looks awesome ! Thanks for your inspiration!

  690. Hey Mike, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for giving out such useful (and entertaining!) information! I enjoy your website and newsletter. Thanks also for the opportunity to win this grand membership!

  691. Hi, Each Time I Read Your E-Mails I Get Existed About Planting, I Have Tried Rooting Some Roses Cuttings From A Friend, Some Success But I Needed More, Getting A Free Membership Would Make My Wife So Happen Because Of A Beautiful Back Yard. So Many Questions To Help Get A Green Thumb. Thanks For Your Book And E Book, Running For President ? Common Sense Into The White House, Bring It On !!

  692. Great information Mike,I wish you has a course on the business side of things! Any ideas on were I can find courses ?

  693. I really need this. I have had a greenhouse for about 10 years and haven’t used it (except for storage). I am retired now and hope to be able to use it now. I need all the help I can get.

  694. I have been getting your newsletter for several years now, finally bought the “backyard cash machine” last year, but just can’t afford anything else right now. I would love to be able to be a member, because I could use a little help and more information when things don’t work.

  695. I love the work you do. Good luck to everyone on the contest! Have a great weekend!!!

  696. Hopefully you’ll pick me but whoever wins is getting a prize worth a lot more than the membership.
    Your youtube on Mike’s Savings Account really struck a cord with me. I’m starting my “savings account” immediately. Thanks Mike. I’m glad I found you online.

  697. I have always wanted to be a member. Just can’t seem to afford much since I retired. I don’t think that’s the way it’s supposed to be really .. I always thought retirement brought days of ease and doing hobbies. HA !!! Not really. I’ve been in the hospital a lot these last few months .. first one thing and then another. I’ve always been active around my garden, back yard but increasingly hard this year. I’ve had things go wrong that have caused me to have to sit around instead of being able to move which also caused other problems with weight gain, etc. Just sort of depressed and sad right now. A membership would be so much appreciated !!!

    Thanks, Connie

  698. Signed up for membership in 2010 or 2011, paid the monthly charge for approx 3-4 months then had some financial problems or actually one major financial problem called bankruptcy. So I had to stop paying. I’ve been propogating plants since first finding your website in 2010 in FL and now in ARkansas. It’s amazing the cuttings live through cold weather here in AR! U said they would and they have again this winter. I need a membership to buy liners. I’ve not found a nursery within 100 miles of northwest AR that will sell liners or rooted cuttings. I can grow my own but it sure is much easier to purchase from a trusted source at a fair price. I’m 44 yrs old, plants and everything that comes with it will always be a part of my life and I think part of a membership is purchasing from other members, which I’m always needing something and from what I remember it we all easy to find from the members

  700. Mike, I just moved to Alaska and I did live in Florida. I have been with u for many years. I will use your advise up here too. The veggie grow big up here. We got up here Mothers Day last year and were late for growing season but what we did plant we got lots of and helped us save money on veggies which are expensive up here. Love it up here. Right now it is snowing. We have 5″ right now and still snowing. Love all your advice. Keep it coming. Rita

  701. You have certainly made my yard a much better place than it was – your advise has been invaluable. I have often thought about making the jump into selling plants – I enjoy growing plants so much. I think with your advise and backyard growers membership I could make gardening a full time occupation.

    I know there are probably hundreds of people wanting this membership – but I hope you choose me!

    Thank again for all your advise,

  703. Hi Mike. I have been following you for years and have decided I would like to do a back yard nursery when I retire from my job as a factory maintenance technician in a few years. I already have a start on some great plants in my own yard and garden such as rhododendrons, roses, berries, grapes, and trees. It would be great to be part of a community like this.

  704. Thanks for the chance to win a free membership Mike… Keep leading the way for us all!

  705. Mike – I have been following you since about 2002 when I worked at a nursery in Mason, Ohio. I have always enjoyed your emails and I have purchased some of you books. I now live in Texas and being a northern girl it is hard to figure out this climate. We are east of Houston and the humidity and heat can be unbearable (but it is still better than snow and cold.) I would love to get info from your Texas members and try and get a greenhouse going. Just a little one though. We are retired and have a small lot. Thank you for all your great help.

  707. The idea of putting plants and bushes that have been “pushed to the curb” back in our landscapes really hooked me into doing just that. Thanks Mike, I’ve been having a blast.

  708. This is right down my alley! Since my husbands health has taken us both home from our jobs, this might be just the thing to let me make a little money and still look after him!

  709. I don’t remember how long I’ve been reading your emails but it’s been a while. I’ve learned quite a bit and would love to learn more. I am retired and handicapped from RA among other Ailments so gardening is my exercise and my passion. You course would be just what the Dr. Ordered. Thank you for considering me. Rick

  710. Hi Mike,

    I would like to win it because I am just getting started, after reading your post, ordering your Plant Propagation System, reading your books, and watching a lot of your videos. I built a Plant Propagation Bed last year and stuck about 60 or so plants. I dug them up a few weeks ago and potted them, now I just have too wait for them to grow. I did this without a misting system, and it worked. I lost a few but not many. I just hope and pray that I will win it. Thanks for all you do for us newbies.

  711. Been following your site for 2-3 years now. Who WOULDN’T want to win a free membership?!?! (And I agree with previous poster’s comment on withdrawing the donkeys from the presidential race. FAR too overqualified.) 🙂

  712. As a retired senior citizen, who was a member of Master Gardeners here in my area, I am interested in using my yard for not only beautification and yard appeal, but to grow new plantings to my area in Northeast U.S. (Zone 5) for sharing and purchase. Having been quite ill this past year, I look forward to getting outside and sprucing up my corner lot for neighbors et al. I have used your ideas in the past, but my fixed income does not give me the opportunity to join your organization. I hope to hear from you and your great information. Thank you!

  713. Mike, Thank you for your valuable and practical articles. I appreciate how you operate your business without unnecessary expense and come up with time-efficient gardening methods. I’ve been gradually growing a perennial food garden in my small city lot in the Northeast. My city has been working proposals for different levels of agriculture, from large company to residential. Your course would be very helpful in setting up a backyard business of ornamentals and fruit shrubs. Thanks again for all your good work.

  714. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. Love reading and learning. A free membership would be fantastic! I need all of the help I can get.

  715. Mike,

    This is just my second week receiving your emails and I just want to let you know that I appreciate and LOVE all of the information you’ve offered so far. I quit my full time job two weeks ago to become a full time backyard gardener! My intention is to sell my plants and have a nice income and eventually a great supplement to my husband’s retirement (that will be a while yet).

    It’s wonderful to be receiving advice and guidance from someone who lives in northern Ohio. I live in northwest Ohio, between the small towns of Ada and Lafayette. We have a small farm here and I’m so excited to get this nice ground we have producing some beautiful plants.

    Thank you so very, very much for your efforts. The information you’ve provided about cuttings, especially, has changed my outlook on my venture and given me such fantastic ideas that I may not have otherwise realized.

    I’m looking forward to becoming a backyard grower’s member. If you don’t pick me for a free membership, I will be signing up anyway because I don’t want to miss out on anything.

    Thanks again, and keep up the good work!

    Melissa Crumrine

  716. Mike,
    We love your story and its truly inspiring to learn how you started out and became sucessful You give people the confidence and know how to get people started often the most difficult part. We need more entrepreneurs in this country and your humble establishment is truly appreciated. Thanks

  717. My hunny is disabled but gets great pleasure starting the seedlings and taking care of the garden plants. He would be thrilled if we could win. I love my garden and would love the opportunity to learn how to run a backyard nursery.!

  718. Miike, pick me! I’ve enjoyed all the info you had to offer and look forward to getting started as I get more time now that I’m out of college. I tried the trial version of the Backyard Growers while in college, but it became unaffordable for me once the trial was over. Trying to get back into it now!

  719. My mother could grow anything. She had the true green thumb. I, did not seem to get her ability and after many years of frustration, find I am getting a little better, but still not there yet. I enjoy the newsletters and am trying to learn more. I have a son that I am trying to teach gardening to and a daughter or two. It would be fun to help them learn and together we can use gardening as a way to stay close as they head out or are already out. All have the desire to do things that are their own small business, so this would be great to start together and they could take it with them, through me, and remember the good times together,

  720. Mike I have read 2 of your books and watched all of your videos on U Tube. I am a retired senior who is very poor. I plan on taking the $7 test drive on April 3rd. when I get my check, but I cannot afford to buy the membership. I think that plant propagation will allow me to make a living, or at least supplement my SS so I can get by each month, so I am applying for the free membership. I am looking forward to April 1st…Don

  722. Mike, you have become my “Go To Garden Guru” ever since I found you on the internet when I first wanted to learn how prune forsythias. I now have started sticking sticks and I’m also training a small Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick, Wisteria, and Rose of Sharon into small trees after watching your videos. Thanks for sharing your experience and garden wisdom and especially for giving me permission to prune ANYTIME! (Hubby calls me Edward Scissorhands.)

    A Faithful Mike Fan,
    ~JD McCue

  723. Mike,
    I am a woman that has loved plants her entire life. I have always had plants of one kind or another. I have always dreamed of having my own nursery but have never been able to afford it. If you choose me then I can get started. I am 72 years old and would love to be able to realize my dream before it is too late. Thank you.

  724. Thank you for offering a free Backyard Growers Membership. I am a avid plant growing and would love to become a member.

  726. I have hundreds of rooted plants and have no one to sell them to! Twenty different cultivars of hydrangeas, crape myrtles, roses, forsythia, azalea, weigela, mocking orange, boxwood, etc. I have Japanese maples of course, rhododendrons, and I started growing when I ran across your website while researching propagation techniques. Now, I have everything growing on my acres because I don’t have access to a network of buyers.

  727. Sir,
    I’m definitely in need of help in and around my yard
    I’m a 100% permanent and total unemployable Purple Heart Marine corps combat action Veteran
    Few years ago I loved and enjoyed my yard work (with help from you. But after years of labor in the yard I now have major drainage problems, overgrown trees
    Etc. so to maybe getting help add me to the contest

  728. Oh my, this is probably the only way I could get in. To win would be phenomenal I think I have been poking things in the ground since I learned to walk. It was very disappointing when my dolls head didn’t grow arms and legs, or at least a doll head tree. I have about an acre of planting space and also a greenhouse that is 12 x 24 ft. No heat in it, but great for starting plants. I am always pinching plants and picking up seeds to see what I can sprout. My anniversary is April 1st. and these two fools have been married for 39 yrs. Thank you for tossing my name in the hat.

  729. I have watched your company grow for years! I made your propagation box and the first year sprouted over 100 dogwoods doing what you suggested. My next big venture is to learn how to repel critters and dogs. they destroyed all my little trees. But I am moving to the sunny flat halfway up the mountain and will work for the next year and a half to pay for everything. I will be retired and can start to use everything you have talked and I have wanted to do. Thanks for being there so consistently!

  730. It would be great for me to associate with other growers, and to be able to purchase clippings from them that I don’t see locally, other than as a $40 shrub. I can’t justify buying a membership, since I’ll give away most of my plants rather than selling them. I’m retired, two or three times, and spend much os my time in the back yard rooting and potting cuttings (It keeps me out of my wife’s hair, just like the fifty or so years when whe put me out the door for a twelve hour day.)That, friends, keeps the bloom on our marriage as well as the shrubs in the back yard.

  731. I have been meaning to get started growing for years on my 12 acre area I have been prepairing in southern michigan All the while living in Texas, and next month plan to move there and get going on my dream job. Gardening and growing plants

  732. I have enjoyed learning from you. I currently grow pears, blueberries, and pecans. Would love to have a few donkeys of my own. I hope to start a nursery as well in the future an would enjoy getting into an agritourism type activity where folks can pick their own berries and enjoy some pear cider (or wine) while buying plants.

  734. I am a disable widow in a wheel chair but I can lay on a blanket and set flowers and plants !. Am on a low fixed income so cant but many flowers or plants and I would love a few for my yard.I was in hospital and rehab for a bit over 4 months so all my flowers and things died.DONT WANT PITY just a few plant,s THANKS for all the great work you do .I have followed you for awhile and you are great!

  735. Hey Mike

    I would like to win this free membership.I know it would be great.I been following your web for a long time and saving all your e-mails on my computer so i can always go back and review it.
    Thanks for all the great information about plants

  736. Mike,

    The only way I will get a membership in your Backyard Growers Business Center is if I win it. I am not smart enough to do it on my own. However I am not an idiot, so I will be voting for Finnegan and Fergus.

    Mike

  737. You are the best, I am a disable widow in wheel chair but I can still lay on blanket and sit flowers when I can afford them. Been following you several years. Keep up the great work!!

  738. I love your email postings! Keep them coming. Very interested in this Backyard growers forum. I would love to have a free membership to this!

  739. Hi Mike
    really enjoy your newsletter, The information is very helpful. Would luv a membership to help with gardening ideas

  740. Hi Mike. I just moved to the Redlands of Homestead, from a lifetime on an Island called Key Largo in the Florida Keys…Everything grows here and the soil is rich and loamy. I would love to learn and grow more…please help me to do so by picking me!

  741. Wow, what a great opportunity! Thanks for having such a great prize for a spring contest. Of course I hope I win, but whomever it ends up being will have won something truly useful, thanks to your generosity.

  744. I would love a membership but money is in too short in supply currently to
    purchase a membership. I enjoy gardening and would love to have a place to start a backyard nursery. The last couple of years I have been rooting cuttings for fundraising for our local Taoist Tai Chi club to become proficient in rooting cuttings until I can start a backyard nursery to help fund my retirement.

  745. Hello, Mike.
    I succesfully rooted cuttings, both softwood & hardwood, thanks to your email to me. I’m so excited to start selling them next week. I’ ll be able to help my widowed son with his three girls get back on track after he lost everything due to his wife’s cancer.
    The only way I can join the club is to win a membership. I pray that I get picked.
    Thank you for getting me started in my little endeavor.
    Jossycat

  746. HI Mike,
    I’d love to receive this gift for my mother and myself. Last summer I moved home to Washington State to assist my mother with the care of my father who has dementia. He worked hard all his life and provided fairly well. Long term memory care is quite expensive so we need to do some fancy footwork to make sure mom is cared for as well when the time comes. A home based business propagating and selling plants is perfect as my mother has been doing this for her own pleasure for years…..she’s a natural. We just need some guidance on what to buy, propagate and sell legally. Oh, and a support group would be awesome. I hear the train runs east to west – so hear we come! If we are selected.
    Warm regards,
    Lori

  747. Enjoy your website and blog. We are transitioning into retirement and looking for something to keep us busy. We enjoy farming and gardening.

  748. I need to win the membership because I’m 65 years old, got me a acre of land and ready to take the leap to start a new career growing plants at this late date. . But i don’t know exactly where to start, what i’m going to need or how to lay it all out. At my age, i only have so much time every day before I run out of gas, so i don’t want to reinvent the wheel with trial and error, especially since i know you’ve already done that for me! I’ve been reading your news letter for a long time and finally, this is the season, I’m going to actually jump in and do it! And you know, I’m going to get me a pair of comfortable overalls just like Mike’s. (We used to call them “over-halls” haha)

  749. Mike
    I have enjoyed your emails for a few years now. I have been selling vegetable plants for years and now in retirement would love to increase sells to include houseplants.
    Thank you
    John

  750. I would love to win this membership. We have a few acres and would love to get started. Thanks for the chance to win!

  751. I would love to win this opportunity to connect with other avid gardeners and be able to obtain special plants and more learning knowledge….there is nothing I would rather do than play in my garden. Please…..choose me for this wonderful experience

  752. I LOVE your site, and have gained massive information over the years! Please continue with the fabulous work.

  753. Hi Mike,
    I am from Clarion County, Pa. 90 miles north of Pittsburgh.
    I have been gardening actively for only about 3 years although it has always been a favorite activity if mine.
    I am planning to open a backyard nursery and greenhouse soon and could really use your support.
    I am so incredibly excited and scared to death of failing all at the same time.
    I purchased your book and have been doing tons of research for the past 8 months.
    This sounds like such a wonderful community of support that I would be honored to be a part of it.
    Thank you very much!
    Brenda

  754. After watching you for years and reading everything you have offered I would love to have a membership to your Backyard Growing System! Sounds too good to be true! I hope I have a lucky number!

  755. Great gardening info. I’d be more appreciative if the political remarks weren’t included, though. Inappropriate, to say the least.

  756. I’ve gardening for a few years now ,but watching your youtube videos is what got me interested in the cloning and propagating ..I gotta say I really like your landscape around your house ..with all the different Japanese maples wow…

  757. We have started a Community Garden in the heart of the city to help those who are homeless and those who are low income and struggling to make ends meet. I read you articles faithfully. The information has been invaluable. We use your tips and the information we learn all the time. We want to learn more and expand. We want to start growing and selling to help support our program. So having a membership would be totally awesome.

  759. Hello there,
    I could truly use the membership since I lost everything in the tornado. I’m having a difficult time getting someone that is willing to build a greenhouse for me. The one thing that I have grieved over the most was the loss of my greenhouse. I’m 67 and don’t think I could do it myself. I love your emails. I’ll have to send you some pictures of my 5 donkeys. Like yours, they’re spoiled rotten. Thank you for all the good information you give all of us. Cynthia

  760. I have always loved gardening. It comes natural from my grandfather that came over
    from Ireland. He always had roses and a vegetable garden.

  761. Would love to win a free membership because I’m a pastor of a church on a limited income and need to find a way to begin putting money away for my retirement years. I figure growing and selling plants is something I know a little bit about and could turn into a meaningful supplemental income, but I have a lot more to learn. Thanks for your generosity, Mike, in sharing your knowledge with all of us!

  762. Mike–since you and your donkeys are Irish, like me you probably appreciate a good story loaded with blarney, so—-. Once upon a time there was a king who wanted to go fishing. He called the royal weather forecaster and inquired as to the weather forecast for the next few hours. The weatherman assured him that there was no chance of rain in the coming days. So the king went fishing with his wife the queen. On the way he met a farmer on his donkey. Upon seeing the king the farmer said “Your Majesty, you should return to the palace at once because in just a short time I expect a huge amount of rain to fall in this area”. The king was polite and considerate. replying “I hold the palace meteorologist in high regard. He is extensively educated and an experienced professional. Beside that I pay him very high wages. He gave me a very different forecast. I trust him and I will continue on my way.” So on he went, and in a short time a torrential rain fell from the sky.. the king and queen were completely soaked and their entourage snickered at them in such a shameful condition. Furious, the king returned to the palace and gave the order to fire the weatherman at once! Then he summoned the farmer and offered him the prestigious and high paying job of royal forecaster. The farmer said “Your Majesty, I do not know anything about forecasting. I get my information from my donkey. If the donkey’s ears are drooping, it means absolutely that it will rain.’
    So the king hired the donkey!
    Thus began the practice of hiring asses to work in the government and to occupy its highest and most influential positions… and which later became the symbol for the Democrat Party.
    Thus ends your history lesson for today.
    Belated Happy St. Paddy’s day–may the wind be always at your back.

  763. read everthing you send and have continued to learn from you for a long time and looking forword to future knowledge you send our way….you are very much appriaciated,Thankyou and good luck to us all

  764. Love your site! Thank you for all the wonderful information and instructions you give!

  765. Hi Mike, I’ve followed you for over 10 years ever since I ran across your website while searching the Web for info on composting! I bought your Small Plants, Big Profits program several years ago. recently bought a small acreage and am setting up my backyard nursery. My hope is that one or more of my kids will catch the bug and continue the business one day. Thanks so much for everything!

  766. Hi Mike, love love the information you have available for free. I would like to join but, I am a single Grandmother raising 2 girls and would never be able to afford to join. I know the girls really want to get into the gardening groove with me but, there is still so much to learn. I hope to be the one that gets picked. Thank you for all the free information you have shared with all of us on the www.

  767. Hi Mike

    My beautiful wife of 45 years and I will be retiring in 2017 from our regular jobs and we planning to start rooting plants to sell to help assist our income. Been reading several of your books about the business of rooting plants and selling them. I would love to win the free backyard growers membership that would be a great addition to have for our plant business. I also really enjoy the video you send lot of great information and knowledge to learn and it really helps.

    Thanks
    Phil

  768. There is no one more worthy then me. I need more material so I can spend more quality time with my grand kids outside

  769. Awesome videos, newsletters and books….. I appreciate the great advice and information that is practical and based on your experiences over the years as you explain what will work and what will not.

  770. Mike,

    My family is one of those with a sad story that was saved by the nursery business, but I wont try to win by writing a long teary story, Just know that we’ve followed you for a long time, bought products from you over the past few years (in fact we just received 500 nursery pots!), and we we would put this great opportunity that we can’t afford on our own to help take our business to the next level. Nevertheless, thanks for all you do! We watch all your videos and read all your information. Please keep it up!

  772. Mike, I have almost filled my first 2×8 sandbox! Have really enjoyed learning about your system. Your information is clear, concise, and thorough. Tons of tidbits. Truly fascinating and inspiring!! Thanks for sharing! You are helping millions of people worldwide!!!! Looking forward to becoming a member soon.

  773. Just found your site and information a few days ago while looking for a way to earn money using our land. We’ve been looking for the perfect business for a few years now and think we may have found it with your ideas! My husband wants to know if we get to have mini-donkeys if we become propagators? 🙂

  774. Mike,

    Your videos and materials are easy to follow. I’ve been able to propagate nitrogen fixing Redbuds from my yard with what I’ve learned. From what I’ve learned Figs, blackberry, and goji berry grew well from cuttings too.

    Currently I start 700+ vegetable plants for my garden here and am looking to niche in vegetable/flowering plants. Trees is the logical next step. Rather than inventing my own methods I found what you offer works perfectly for a variety of plants.

    I’m looking forward to purchasing wholesale plants for a 4′ by 24′ grow out area. There is an orchard area I’m developing that will need a few hundred nitrogen fixing trees, fruiting/flowering plants, shrubs, and trees.

    For example, plums, pomegranates, mulberry, and quince propagate with your methods easily. While I’ll buy a lot of plants as a member, I’d also like to propagate hundreds of trees to offer local farms in my region. “Backyard Cash Machine” has already sparked some ideas.

    Maybe this hobby will transform into a business — even if it doesn’t it is a great release after sitting in front of a computer all day at work. I’m really delighted by what I’ve read so far. Even if I don’t win, put me on a buyers list because “wholesale” opportunities to buy rooted cuttings is great!

    Best,

    Justin

  775. Shopaholic, hi my name is Tina…I’ve been addicted to smelling, feeling,tasting,touching,stealing plants for about 40 years now and I don’t want to quit! Rehab is for quitters and I never want to be parted from my plants.

  776. I love reading your blogs and trying the things you talk about . I am 76 and on SS so can’t afford the membership perhaps I can win it. WOW ! that would be nice. I am going to try to sell this year help with SS.

  777. Mike,

    I have purchased and read your many publications, enjoy reading your blog and seeing what is new at your plant farm. Love the Donkeys!

  778. Hi Mike,
    I build butterfly gardens, and that is mostly why I am here, for more info on getting the most butterflies possible to my garden, where they can breed, live and hibernate.

    Thanks for your info!

    Nicole

  779. I’d love to be a member but alas i can’t afford it at the moment. Maybe in the near future. Thank you for sharing your YouTube videos and blogs about backyard gardening. They are very much appreciated. And your donkeys are so precious!

  781. I am a beginner and have been researching and admiring your teaching skills. I would be greatly appreciative if I was randomly selected!!!!!!!!!! Thanks

  783. I have learned so much from just watching your videos and emails. I’d love to have a membership

  784. I came by this love of plants from my grandma and her daughter, my aunt. They were always growing something and I cannot remember a time in my life that I didn’t have some plant rooting on my windowsill. It just gives me an unbelievable pleasure….one that only comes from having my hands in the dirt! Thank you for sharing your love of plants with all of us everyday!

  785. Mike, I have watched you grow over the years on the internet. I’ve loved your whole approach to gardening and your interest in helping others by sharing
    your knowledge. I’ve moved twice since I started following you, once after Katrina,
    to Memphis, TN. and more recently, to Knoxville. T. N. , where I’ve put down ROOTS!
    I’d love to win this membership, as money is tight right now, and I want to grow in the business doing what I love: GARDENING!!!

  786. I read your emails every day. I have learned so much. Thank you for all the information
    on plants, how to propagate, and grow from shoots and so much more. Thank you for your
    great ideas and for helping me and so many others.

  787. Been following Mike for well over ten years. All of his material is good. Wish I could just afford what I’m hoping to win.

  788. I am a novice gardener. After I retired I tried many hobbies but finally settled on gardening and I love it. I stumbled on your site a while back and have found it so educational and I would like to learn even more. Thank you for the advice and the tutorials you do. It would be great to win. Thanks .

  789. Mike,

    I’ve been following you for several years now. I want to be in the backyard Brower but I want to specialize in Japanese Maples. All the nurseries around here I’ve only just seen a couple of different varieties usually the blood is what I find. I am a member that is I bought the kit. But have not been able to afford the exclusive member area. I had been working way too many hours to have the time to start being a backyard Brower. But now I may have the time to do this so would really love to win this prize. Thank you for all youR help Mike!

    Nan

  790. Mike,

    I’m grateful for all I’ve learned from you in the last couple of years. We moved to a place where I have space to employ what I’ve learned and I’m really excited to see what happens. I would love be a member and learn as much as possible so I can help support my family.

    P.S. I also really, really want to meet the donkeys!

  791. Hi Mike,
    Not looking for empathy or Charity, however I have followed your hardships and struggles to achieve your happiness and now I am about to be on a parallel path to mine. At the end of March I will enter into the last phase of my life due to medical retirement(Disability Retirement) now don’t get me wrong I am grateful I have legitimately worked for 40 plus years and paid taxes and what the world says a righteous fellow should do but $1200.00 a month for Obama care is a far cry from me living out my golden years in a comfortable way.I have never been a greedy rich person nor do I want to be miserable in that way. My political affiliation is me fighting our local city hall to restore and preserve our city lake and park area. It is a modest 255 acre lake with 2200 acres of city owned parks land mostly woods. For the thirty years I have leased local land and tried to do what I could do without budget allowances. Meetings of late with city officials, well lets just say they told me all that I could do would be appreciated but no funding from tax payers would or could be allocated for replanting or landscaping. The story is 4 fold deeper and local residents are as furious as I am so I didn’t get mad instead I followed Mike’s philosophy, I planted ! As of today I have 30,000 seedlings of salable vegetables and flowers, small trees and shrubs (the kind you sell for $5.97 all day long), and some borrowed land surrounding the 4 small cheap greenhouses that I scraped long and hard for just to be able to throw a fund raiser for the lake April first. Now I don’t have to tell you how to stretch a dollar or how to take other peoples scrap and turn it into valuable assets for yourself. The best example is this week I cleaned up all the beds for my soon to be ex- employer, we will always be friends and they will always have any services I can afford, but they live in a $475,000 dollar home and 3 years ago they bought and I landscaped over $35,000 dollars in plants and stone, this years I thinned and cleaned and reaped all the starts and baby plants for my fund raiser. This was crape myrtle,Nandina Heavenly bamboo, wisteria, azaleas,name it I got it.Now this is how I am happy and love rich people’s wastefulness. Needless to say with finances being some what rocky until disability is approved jobless and pretty much tapped after putting about $10,000 out of pocket to start up this charity fund raiser, I just don’t have the $497.00 for the membership right now but with that membership I could buy reasonably the kind of plants necessary to re-vegetate the lake area. I had my finger on the send button several times to join but kids and life happened first and foremost. My vision isn’t modest by no means and goals or endless and probably not achievable in my life but never the less I have secured my nursery licences for the state, lined up hopefully public interest and support,made contact and initial commitments with Idem,Dnr, and other local officials and agencies. I have been blessed with the go ahead and to date paid for everything in full including running 2 heated greenhouses with a generator,lp heaters, and a salamander. I haul all water from a near by creek in 5 gallon buckets and get up at 4:00 am to be done at the greenhouses to be at work at 8:00 am. It may sound like I’m tooting my own horn so may I add that I this would not of been possible without first all the hours and commitment from my ever so lovable wife of 16 years, all the prior attempts of this and failures, and discovering your web sight as a result of ever trying to improve myself. You have my undo attention and respect, we live right,work hard ,and overcome every kick we get while we are down. Heck my favorite saying has become “yes Sir, May I have another”. Here’s the crazy part when I’m planting and giving the gift of life of a plant to a friend or a customer, or just planting a tree back into the woods, I am in the zone and happy as a lark in the wind ! If there is a Heaven, which I have to believe there is, some day if not sooner, I hope to get a face to face with you and shake one of the greatest man’s hands that I have had the pleasure to meet in my life. I’m not a stalker but I save your emails to read when I finally settle in and most I save to reread again in case I missed something important, I’m old I do that sometimes. Again that is what the membership means to me, everyday good people helping others, freely to get the job done and the satisfaction or reward is just that,HELPING OTHERS as you were helped once!!!! GOD BLESS,

  792. Been following you for years Mike, love reading all your articles. Thanks for putting such helpful information out for free!
    Jennifer

  793. Wish we were close enough to attend your meetings and enjoy knowing the members; however, at age 88 that would not be possible way down here in Mississippi. I have enjoyed following your helpful information since last fall. I’m just a hobby gardner and enjoy providing a garden that others enjoy visiting. We may decide to sell a few plants. We have sold some daylilies before.

  794. I have learned a lot from you website and you give some GREAT advise. I am trying to get my daughter started in this business as she is a single mother working from home answering phones (by computer) and barely making ends meet. I think this would be a great way for her to make money as she has a big back yard (1 acre). I have 50 acres and would love to start to make more money as I am retired and now have all the time to devote to starting a business.

  795. Would love to win this free gift. I lost my job last March and my husband lost his in December. Jobs are in short supply so I am thinking of turning our 11 acre farm into a nursery. This membership would be a blessing.

  796. I have been reading your emails and posts for quite a while and have thought about trying this, because I really enjoy plants. It certainly would be nice to have additional income, too.

  797. I would live to win a free membership! I would live to have other gardeners as friends and to be able to purchase plants at those prices would be a dream come true. Gardening is my obsession.

  798. hi Mike; I wanted to tell you that i think you are ausome i have always love plants ever since i was a little girl and your information has help me learn a lot and im still learning i just love you helping us all i think you are a good person it takes a special person to do what you do. ive been with your business for 3 years now and evry time you send me an email im like a kid in a candy store.ive learned so much from you and im still learning! keep up the good work Mike !!!!

  799. I’ve read u for yrs I’m retired lot of time to experiment with plants . I would be honored to have a membership. I live in a small town and social security doesn’t cut it I do cuttings on everything I can thank you for your taking time to read my comment

  800. I love your site & I love growing flowers & vegetables & bushes & trees. I’m on social security so I can’t afford like I want to. I would love to win this!!!

    Thanks
    Pam

  801. Mike, so happy to have found your site. Have spent many hours learning from you. Would love to set up a business so that my nephew can have a way to make a living. He became disabled from Meningeal Encephalitis.a couple of years ago and I believe this would be a business that he could do for life. Thanks so much for all you do.

  802. For years I,ve followed and recimmended yoir site. On ajan 23 I had a hart attack and it has come time to live of my hobby. But a hart attack is a costly event and a free membership can help a lot.

  803. .Finally starting our dream of a small family owned nursery. We would love to win the membership!

  804. I really want to be a full time member as I am back on the family farm. Everything is falling apart, no money to fix things. Also need money to get beneficial nematodes to get rid of the bugs the neighbors created with their pesticides in their hops over the years. I love growing, it is in my blood I have to do it. I want to be able to walk out the door and be at work..Also love chatting about and selling plant to others. Got a taste of it while having a plant sale before I moved 20 yrs collection to the farm. Have gotten some of your info already. I really need this to help support my gardening addition.

  806. signed on your site years ago when it was just starting , would like to be picked to be on board.

  807. I have played around with plant propagation, but would like to try the kinds of plants available on the growers board. An at home business would help me fill in the gap as retirement time approaches. Thanks Mike.

    Mary S

  808. I would love the opportunity to win a free membership to Mikes Backyard Nursery. That would be so special! Thank you for making this offer and for all the time you spend making videos and on the blog.. This could be life changing for the right person.

  809. This 89 year old and son are busy with our home nursery and have set it up using your advice and blogs. Thanks much Mike

  810. I’m about to retire after teaching for 41 years. Bought a place in Michigan and tilled up a small garden. I hope to go back to my “roots” propagating and growing landscaping plants. I’ve been searching for a way to buy wholesale in smaller quantities. Hope I get lucky with your random drawing.

  811. Thanks for this offer! With my husband battling a brain tumor and no longer working it’s time for me to use my landscape architect background to start something new—something I can do at home in Rhode Island. Just when I think I know a lot about plants you offer info that has educated me further.

  813. In Florida and just retiring and dreading not being busy all day; a free membership would fill the bill!

  815. Before I entered the service, a few decades ago, I worked at Pandy’s Nursery in Elyria. just out of high school and anxious to get into tree servicing, landscaping, or other nursery work. Then Uncle Sam had his say and I entered to Navy, learned the nuclear trade and the rest is history. I stumbled on your site by accident…YouTube…and started reading up on plant propagation.

    I see your nursery and remember how it was for me back in the day. I hope to get started soon and grow little by little.

    Thanks for the info and entertaining blogs/vlogs.

    PS: I used to pick up bare root stock for Pandy’s back in the 70’s…did you ever hear of them?

  817. fingers crossed!
    I sure appreciate how easy it is to read your posts, and follow your instructions. You take the mystery out of gardening for this former-NYC gal!

  818. Amazing comtent, as it and your techniques to gardening are proven. And the exact structure you see as profitable business is keen. Looked to exercise the coolness of your earlier however by April we’d be well off into the spring season to begin cuttings, perhaps?

  821. Well, I guess the fact that I am a flower nut, if it blooms, I want one and have gone up to peoples doors and asked if I can have one of “those” plants to start my own colony. I am a widow and on a limited budget so information, free or cheap plants are my desire.

  822. Thank you for your very useful and varied information. I enjoy reading your articles because they are practical and based on direct experience. I have a small city yard where I’ve been slowly establishing a forest garden, and would like to be more involved in propagating edible perennials. My city started a project a few years ago to involve citizens in urban agriculture, so being involved in the Backyard Growers could be very helpful. Thanks again for all your good work.

  823. Being a novice, I would really like to win this membership. I feel that the knowledge I would gain from you and the members would benefit me greatly and help me to encourage others to beautify their yards.

  825. you asked why i’d like to receive a free membership to your group… i don’t know that i’d be any better of a choice than the next guy or gal most people are short on funds these days. most people love getting ‘free’ things. most people have a story. most people want the satisfaction of doing something with their own two hands. most people want to do something they can take pride in. most people want something their whole family can get involved in.
    what can i say? i am one of ‘most people’.
    but i would like to say, if you become aware of someone who would benefit more than someone else, whether due to a hardship, or other genuine need, then just forget i entered and let them have it…k? :o)

  826. Mike,
    Just wanted to say that your website and answered so many of my planting questions. I would love to be part of the membership area. I love growing plants and sharing in the community that surrounds me. Thanks for all your hard work and helpful website.

  827. Texas here. I enjoy reading all of your information and material. I have wanted to start my own backyard nursery for quiet some time and with your information I am ready to put the plan into action this year. Thanks so much, keep sharing and God Bless.

  828. Why pick me?
    I have been following you for years, but now I am ripe for the picking! I get 50-75 emails a day but I open yours first because I am at the point where I can see myself actually doing this as a business. I have been a stay at home Mom for four children and now my “baby” is nineteen years old, so it’s time for me to get busy doing something, something I really love! I have been growing tomatoes, oranges and berries in my tiny backyard. My husband and I bought 40 acres of rural land 10 years ago and now it will be perfect timing to start my business, a business to call my own! I can go from nurturing the kids to nurturing the plants – no grandkids are on my horizon. Thank you so much for all your awesome info, and hope you offer!

  829. Mike, Am learning so much from your mailings. Trying a few of the procedures myself, but slowly. So excited about the opportunity to get access to the gold mine of information in Backyard Growers. Hopefully I’ll be buying properly labeled plants from other members soon! Thanks for the info and the opportunities.

  830. I have followed you for years and would love the opportunity to join the backyard growers group. It would be such a blessing if I actually won something. Thank you for all the information you give and the great program that I purchased a few years ago.

  831. Hi ! I have been gardening for a few years. Most of what I know has been TRIAL & SUCCESS I don:t work for Failure. Im 72 I buy what books & courses. I can afford.
    I do Mostly Vege, and some Herbs. Your Blpgs have been very helpful THANK YOU. Your Offer To Win is very grauspus. Hop it goes to some who will useit wll.
    Have a blessed Day. I hope yoh will pardon my spelling some times I miss spellmy name.

  832. I had to leave work in 2012 due to having to care for my elderly mother. It wasn’t fair to my employer and the few other employees that worked there that when I had to go I didn’t know how long I would be gone, how often, when ? ect. Being that she lives 180 miles away but wanted to stay in her home and she deserved to, so I was perpetually ‘on call’ in another state. During that time I was pretty bored since I couldn’t work.. But then found your site! I have rooted indoor and outdoor plants but there was so much more info in your blog, newsletters, and you tube videos. I had something to do! Now that she has passed I am looking for a way to reinvent myself and a small nursery business would ne just the thing!. Since my husband and I both love to garden I thought it would be a perfect way for us to do something we both enjoy together in retirement and I could get a jump start since he will be retiring in a few years. Being a permanent member would be even more beneficial to starting and gaining even more knowledge. I don’t have allot of faith in winning. But if you don’t enter you won’t win. I don’t think I am a lucky person since the only thing I ever won was a Butterball turkey at an antique auction and I raise turkeys !. I do however have a few other pet barn critters of my own.

  833. This membership would be gift to my son in law Christopher. …..he has a green thumb and would really use it….he would become an emailbuddy overnight. …God bless you…..Cynthia

  834. Mike, I have always had a voracious appetite for knowledge for whatever I got into. I didn’t get into gardening until late in life and finally got a diploma in horticulture from the University of Guelph. Then I retired from my rather mundane job (which paid the bills!). I have learned a lot from your site over the last several years, but mostly I got the dream of raising plants to sell. Since now that I am retired and don’t have a lot of extra cash, winning your membership contest would springboard me into developing this passion for gardening into something profitable in my retirement — and add to my passion for learning! Please consider me! And thanks for all the ideas you’ve sent my way over the years!

  835. I would love to win a membership. I live and breathe gardening as it is truly my passion and my therapy. To make it into a business would be fantastic! On a side note, I recently purchased your book: Easy Plant Propagation and it was very helpful. The section on when to root specific plants is wonderful!

  836. Thank you for all you share Mike. I was growing vegetables but tried growing flowers from seed. The next thing you know, that’s what has really interested me. I’ve been bitten by the growing bug and a membership would really bring relief to the symptoms! I’ve entered a new phase in life and like playing in the dirt and sand. But access to reliable information would just be keen.

  837. My wife and I are in our 50’s and just cleared 15 acres on our tree farm. We intend to plant various fruit trees and shrubs. We searched for a over a year someplace that we could trust for knowledge and encouragement. We always came back to your site, and visit it daily. Would love to be a member… Scott & Lisa

  838. I have recently discovered your website and love all the helpful tips and videos you share! I have learned so much from you and I think it’s great that you share your wisdom with others!

  839. Hi Mike
    I have been following you for years, and would love the membership.
    I wish I could afford to buy it but being on a fixed income…. well you know what I mean.

    Give the donkeys a big hug and some goodies from me!

  840. Mike,
    I have followed you for several years now. My wife has a terminal illness and I am disabled myself.
    You and your site has really helped me to make extra money so I can afford to get things my wife and I need. A lot is not covered by insurance.
    A membership would really help by allowing me to learn more and put what I learned to help not only grow my business but to be able to help my clients to have the very best service I can provide.
    I will also be able to enter the wholesale sales as well.
    I know there are a lot of people that would benefit from the membership. But I am asking you to consider my request as well.
    Thank you in advance.
    You do have the best information for people like myself.
    Horace

  842. I would really enjoy the membership. I would put it to good use.
    I love your site because you have such valuable information.
    Please keep up the good work.

  843. I would love this opportunity, just diagnosed wit asbestos related lung disease, and will have plenty of time on my hands to do my favorite thing ,gardening Thanks for the opportunity

  844. Hi Mike, Thanks for all the information you provide for us “botanically challenged” people out here. You make it look so easy….(big sigh)

  845. I already planned to be on the internet Friday, April 1st – first thing in the morning, to join. I, like Scott, want to start my nursery, and grow it quickly. Thought about ordering liners just to sell during peak season, in order to build cash for investment into the mist system, along with some cuttings and liners so I can start getting ready for next year.. Will definitely take your advise and start working on weeds right away, in a small area, then build from there.

  847. I found your blog by way of YouTube and I adore your down to earth manner of teaching. Thanks to your encouragement I’m propagating some of my beloved mother’s trees and anything else I can get my hands on that will survive the Florida heat.

    Thank you for such great videos.

  850. Mike, You are the best. The only thing I like to do is plant…..I love what God does with rest…….You have told millions? on how to do it. I have many acres (88) that I would love to plant…..Yes, I do have a old tractor that works….Hope to make it happen……..CHAZZ

  851. I HAVE ENJOYED YOUR SITE. I ESPECIALLY LIKE YOUE FAMLY WORKING TOGETHER WITH YOU. I HOPE IT CONTINUES. GOOD LUCK. WYNDHAM

  852. Mike
    I have been following your web for many years and trying to save all your e-mails
    on my com. so i can have them to go back to and read all your knowlege that you have shared with us.Please put me in the hat.
    Thanks again

  853. Hi Mike,

    I am so happy that I found your blog and information. Gardening and growing plants has become a real passion for me and I am so happy to learn new things from you. I get so excited every time I see a new email from you so keep them coming!

    Gail

  854. Thank you for all of the help that you have given to us gardeners, big & small. I have been following you for months, and starring your posts and pinning your posts to Pinterest. Wanting to take the small gardening business plunge, trying to save up enough $. Living on one income with a teen age son does make that somewhat difficult. His father passed on 10 years ago. We sure do miss him for many reasons. He always helped me with the digging in the gardens, his input on my landscaping ideas, and so much more. I’ve been going it alone since. Although now, I bribe my son to help. Lol. I really do appreciate all of your gardening tips and input. I don’t care that you learned all on your own, and by trial and error. You have helped me more than the shelves of gardening books I own. I’d love to win, of coarse, just like everyone else would. Thank you for doing this give-a-way! No matter who wins, it sure is kind of you to do this. I’d love to meet you and your donkeys 🙂 Maybe someday, as I’m not too terribly far away in Wisconsin.

    • Kristen,

      I’d love to have you and your son visit! Each August we do an event with our members. It’s always a great time.

  855. Hi Mike, I have just bought the $7 into ebook and I am pretty excited. I would love to be able to build a little business growing berries and other food plants to sell a low/affordable price (while still creating an income). I dearly want to be able to help other people grow their own healthy, organic food at home, so that is why my focus will be on berries etc.

    I would love to be a part of your growers membership group, but my lack of current income wouldn’t allow me to be a paid member … just yet. Hoping that you might accidentally select me for the membership give-away 🙂

    Great work that you do!!!

  856. Greetings Mike & Back Yard Growers!
    If anyone else has noticed so far, the stuff falling out of the sky seems to be hurting plants & other living things. Please advise as to best method of removing aluminum oxide, strontium, and barium from soil, plants, & people. Hopefully enough people are paying attention to have some practical solutions available.
    What a world…not just as simple as some greedy folk poisoning the Planet to make a few bucks. Let’s make a difference in the health of our human & living families…
    Blessings Always!

  857. Hello Mike,
    I look forward to your emails, whatever the subject. Being partially disabled I am unable to have a public job. I’m also on a fixed income. I have always been fascinated with and had a passion for plants and trees ever since my great grandmother would take me out to the plant growing area of her property as a young child where she amazed me by taking (what looked like a dead limbs to me) from a brown withered plant (the name of which I don’t remember) and grew 3 identical brand new beautiful plants within a few weeks. I never knew what the process was called, nor how to do it. Until I ran across one of your videos on YouTube. That’s when it hit me. I suddenly remember that what you were doing in the video was what she showed me decades ago. I have always dabbled with growing various things. Mostly for myself or friends, but always from seeds. I started watching more of your videos and trying the cutting method early 2015. I get so excited and anxious getting your emails and watching your videos to see what else I could attempt. I have bought your book and use it often. I have also tried the membership for the first thirty days. It was great. It is an awesome source for growers and buyers as well as, filled with helpful information. Unfortunately, I had to cancel due to being on a set income. I am struggling, but still trying to grow things to increase my income not only for myself, but so I can help others in need, in my area and abroad. I feel strongly that if you chose to reward me with this free membership it would not be a wasted gift and not only would it greatly help my income, but it will also help others in a ripple effect. I knew you were going to accept more members for a few days starting April 1st and I would’ve loved to be able to get a complete membership but my income won’t allow it. So, it goes without saying, with no words to express how much the membership would mean to me; I want to say thanks for this opportunity and in the meantime, keep the emails & videos coming. I appreciate the helpful information, tips and tricks…..Give the donkeys a big howdy and a nice potentilla for each…lol…
    Thank you for considering me and may God bless you with continued great success.

  858. Thank you for the opportunity for a free membership. I can’t afford one and although I would be grateful to be picked, I will rather pray you choose the person who needs it most. Thank You for sharing your knowledge so freely with others! You have greatly inspiried me and my youngest 2 children who are just beginning to share my passion for growing!

    God Bless you and your family! -Ellen 🙂

      • God Bless You, Margie… God is Great indeed! I know if we ask we will receive. What better can we ask for than what God sees is best? Took me decades to finally let go of the reins and trust God to lead.. to be grateful and joyful because, regardless of ever shifting circumstances, God is our Father and this life is where we SHOW Him where we wish to spend our forevers. I remember hearing; “I had the blues because I had no shoes until upon the street I met a man who had no feet” -and he was joyful! One thing I always loved about growing a garden is how close it brings us to the Creator of it all. Have fun gardening and sharing! See you when we get to Our Fathers House! Wishing YOU and ALL a Blessed Easter! -Ellen 🙂

  859. I have been following your posts for quite some time now and it is so refreshing that you go ahead and give real helpful tips. I am not just reading in circles while someone beats around the bush then finally after wasting my time offers the answer in a book or whatever. I have purchased DVDs and books from you. They are all very helpful . I look forward to becoming a member!

  860. I can vouch for what Mike says about the member area. I had a trial membership last fall and for personal financial reasons couldn’t manage the fee at the time. The situation is a bit better and I plan to join again on April 1.

    The level of knowledge and experience among members was amazing. Some were approaching Mike’s level of knowledge. But the thing that was truly amazing was the community that existed and the willingness of members to help each other out. It never stopped. The member are is truly fertile ground. LOL

    • Thanks Mike, I appreciate that. They truly are an awesome group of people who just flat out care about one another.

  861. There are not many people left who share as generously as you do. I, as I know all who get your email, appreciate your willingness to help us learn how to get started with our own backyard gardening business! Thanks!

    PS Show us more pics of the precious donkeys.

  862. Mike I have been in the nursery business and landscape industry for the past twenty five years. The information you present is clear and easy to understand. It is easy to see that your knowledge is earned by your own sweat and blood and through trial and error. If it were book knowledge that you were sharing, it would not be nearly as good.

  863. Mike,
    Thanks for posting all free videos and info over the internet that you do. I would like to become a lifetime member but can’t bc finances are tight. Iim looking firward to spring and hope to grt drawn at random for lofetime access!

  864. I have, for several years, received your videos and e-mails. They have taught me so much. I will be retiring soon, so I am interested in starting growing plants as you do. I live in Southern Indiana next to the Ohio River. I have purchased your propagation book, along with a couple of others. Just devouring the information and anxious to see what else I can obtain by being a member.

  866. Looking forward to trying my first year of backyard growing/selling this spring here in southcentral Alaska. Thanks for all the good info, Mike.

  867. Mike Love the information..As a Master Gardener I have been propagating plants for years , and finally believe it time to make a few bucks doing it.

  868. Mike have been following your pages for years, I am a Master Gardener and have been propagating plants for years, Have been thinking about finally going to market what I was giving away and maybe making a few bucks toboot.

  869. I am so excited about ever.ything I am learning. Have always loved all kinds of plants and so want to be a part of this. Really hope I have a chance to win a membership. Went from a full time job to part time and am looking for fun creative way to supplement my income from home doing something I will love.

    I worked in a green house when I was a teenager. Loved it. I have always had small gardens both vegetables and flowers and enjoy getting my hands in the dirt. Never thought I might actually be able to make a living working from home growing small shrubs and trees and landscaping plants.

    Thanks.

  870. You’re doing a great job! I posted last night for this but my post seems to have disappeared, so I’ll try again…

    • Please disregard this post. It looks like my other post is just awaiting moderation…

  871. Thank you for taking the time to share your story and your knowledge with the world. Watching your videos and reading your story have encouraged me to invest in my love of plants. I never thought of using what I love to assist me in making my dreams for my family a reality. Here is to hoping I am selected for your membership give away…knowledge is power, and I am sure I can benefit from the type of support your membership will provide. Thanks again!

  872. Ciao mike anche io ti seguo con molto interesse. Ogni volta che ricevo una mail dal tuo giardino , la leggo con molto piacere . Ma sono molto l0ntano per visitarlo personalmete. Vivo in Sicilia, nella costa meridionale che si affaccia in Africa ( Libia ). I tuoi consigli sono utilissimi per il mio giardinaggio e li metto in pratica con molta soddisfazione. Ma purtroppo alcune piante da queste part non sono adatte per il tipo di clima.

  874. Thanks for offering this opportunity, Mike. You’ve been on my radar for a few years, and I’ve dabbled a little in propagating cuttings. I hope to dive in deeper this year and look forward to interacting with your members!

  875. Hi, my name is Wayne… and I am a plant addict. Is this the right place? It all started years ago at a family reunion when my grandmother gave me a geranium in the back yard while nobody was looking. I wanted to try something more, so I went to the garden center and bought an Iris, then a hosta. I needed more. Shrubs and trees followed. I couldn’t stop. To support the habit, I began trading plants with neighbors and friends. I had to find a way to pay for my addiction, so I started selling plants. I said I never would, but I had to, there was a new hybrid of something hitting the market I just had to have. I couldn’t afford to buy retail anymore. There had to be another way. Wholesale! That’s it. I dug high and low and had some luck. And, then, I came across ‘Mike’s backyard nursery’ with the vast knowledge and experience that you are so willing to share. Mike, this addiction is now transforming into a money-making passion. So, no more secret-credit card in hand- late- night- ordering- plants- online for me. Thanks.

  876. PICK ME!!! PICK ME !!! PICK ME !!! PICK ME !!! PICK ME !!! PICK ME !!! PICK ME !!! PLEASE, PICK ME !! PICK ME !!! PICK ME !!! PICK ME !!! WON’T YOU PLEASE, PICK ME !?! I AM RIGHT HERE WAITING, PLEASE PICK ME !!!

  877. I am a hoarder of seeds without the know how to get them up and growing. I am so excited to have found your webpage. I just purchased your Backyard Cash Machine and was up till 4 am reading, then on to the youtube videos you have. Thank you for taking the time to teach everyone all of these things. I will begin planting today. Looking forward to watching all my new babies grow, and learning more and more from you everyday. Thank you again.

  878. You’re a wealth of information Mr. McGroarty. I would love to become a member of your Backyard Growers club.

  879. Love your business model and all the advice I get!! Planning on retiring in Jan and will be head long into selling plants. I drive truck now and have been for 30 years. I have used your technic for plants around my house and am looking forward to filling my acre with plants I can sell. Thanks Steve

  880. Mike, I’ve been medically retired from the Air Force after 24 years on active duty. I just wanted to tell you that finding your page and trying out my first sticks gave me a good reason to get out of my bed that I didn’t have before. I’m hoping my hardwood cutting will actually root after some small successes with the softwood cuttings last summer. Anyway, thanks for inspiring me with a hobby I can actually do, and enjoy very much. I would love to win a membership to learn even more!!

  881. Hi Mike
    thank you for this opportunity. I took cutting over the winter and I am waiting to start my soft cuttings thanks for all the info.

  882. Good morning Mike I can appreciate all the time and effort that you’ve put into this I’ve watched your videos over and over and I’m super excited it’s something I’ve always wanted to do but never really knew how I am a landscaper but I have a passion for plants and I believe this is going to be my new career can’t wait to start this ASAP.

  883. 100% because of you Mike, my girlfriend and I started our own back yard nursery. We ended up going the flower route as opposed to plants as that is what our 176 year old Plantation home offered up to us! Our 2nd annual spring plant sale will begin April 16th and we expect double the customers this year! Keep up the great work and by all means, keep us inspired!

  884. I’ve been reading your blog and emails for quite some time. The information is priceless at times. Even if I don’t win a membership……..it’s time to become a member regardless.

  886. Mike: I;m a recent retiree and gardening has always been my solace from the stresses of work (as a divorce lawyer, mostly). I’ve got a few crocus blooming and the day lillies are just poking through the ground, along with the several clumps of daffodils I planted from “Easter” flowers purchased to decorate my church. Even though it’s very early to have blooms by mid-March in Lansing, MI, I’m really enjoying the early Spring and getting some seeds started for my small garden in my backyard.

    I would love to win this membership and supplement my social security income. Over the years, I’ve split my hostas many times and shared with my 5 sisters. We all garden together at each other’s homes around MI and even as far away as Knoxville, TN. (my “baby sister” has a horse farm down there and loves trail riding.and camping near Big South Fork .

    Any way, I love to garden and share my plants, but would really love to make money doing what I love to do. Hope I win!

    Jan

  887. Withdraw the Donkeys from the Presidential Race Please, They are too much over qualified as compared to the one in Office Now. Thanks for all Your teachings and Patience.

    • Dear Mr. McGroaty,
      I live in a part of Texas that has crazy weather. I don’t have much in the way of winter, though, which gives me a lot of bugs to eat my summer plants. I don’t want to use Round-up as me and the wildlife end up with it in our bodies. I
      saw and quickly lost a recipe for weed killer that included Epson salt, vinegar, salt and a little dishwashing liquid that boasted to be good. I wonder if you know of such a thing and where I can find the recipe.
      Thank you kindly.

    • I have 16 acres and need lots of plants but have little money to buy them. Your site is a great resource. I’ve had luck with many types of cuttings adapting your techniques.

    • Thanks for all of the awesome information. I will vote for the donkeys. Would love a membership. Blessings

    • I just received your books and hopefully can learn even more, except this time I would like to make some money.

    • Read the article on sharpening Pruning Shears. Great info. Saved me from buying another pair.

    • I am so very excited about learning how to grow cuttings and make some income I just never heard of this but I am eager to try thanks this is such a positive idea and tks for being so motivating I am so happy to be part of this.

    • I purchased your program a few years ago because I needed something I can make some extra money due to my disability. I am not able to do much physical work anymore but selling small plants I root from learning how with your great program works for me. It is within my abilities and limited budget. Thanks so much Mike.

    • Mike,
      I have so many questions that people in my area (cape cod) cannot answer. My mother got me interested in gardening with her love of dahlias.. When she passed she left me with over 300 bulbs.. First what is the best way to divide them? I would love to be a member!! There is always so much to learn!!

    • Mike, Social Security is a ad joke. I can’t commit to a full time job anymore. This might just be my ticket to a better life, both financially and physically.

    • Mike,
      I have followed you for about three years now and have read most of the information you give us or sell us. I have always been a gardener and your information has given me more good information than any other source I have found. I have plans to get started in a small way this spring.
      I want to thank you for your help and information.

      Alex

    • I am now able to work with people from my area and at home. Retired and ready to start a new endever. Have been following all advice and am somewhat overwelmed. The growers board could be the next step for me.

  889. Mike,

    Have been following your blog for nearly two years and love it. Bought some of your books, too. I was so excited the first time I saw a cutting actually grow roots. Ready to get more serious now. I’m from McKean County, Pennsylvania, three hours from you, and plan to come out for your big spring sale this year (May, right? What weekend?) to meet you and buy plants for cutting stock that I can be sure carry the correct name (a critical issue you stress if one intends to enter the market). I’ll be bringing another interested friend.

    Thanks for all the wisdom you share. By the way, I just tried hardwood cuttings for the first time in February: Golden Curls Willow, Niagara and Concord grapes, blueberries and more. I visit them every day–watched pot syndrome, I suppose, but I can’t wait to see them grow!

      • Mike, I’d love to win the free membership. I’m retired and need to start working my land and make money. As well as enjoy myself and make new friends.

    • Just recently was fired from my job. I’m 64 so guess it’s time to start my backyard nursery I’ve been putting off.

  890. Have been reading your information for some time now and have used you propagating method with great results for my self. I’ve used it on different native Myrtles ,native English Dogwoods and native Dogwoods.
    I’m going to try and propagate Puprle Sage Or Texas Sage.These can grow into some beautful plants. Just wanted to say Thanks. May your cuttings be Rootaful. God Bless.

  892. Great opportunity Mike. I’m just. coming to. spring and. opening my overwintered first attempt at. propogation. My lone gardenia. will. soon have. 3 additional “kids” to. nicely scent the yard. Thanks for. great. info.

  893. Always look forward to reading your emails and watching your videos. I have learned a lot from you and looking forward to eventually making backyard nursey ax a primary source of income.

    Thanks again,
    Jerry Stevenson
    Idaho

  894. Would love to be a member my grandfather was always getting cuttings and the way he did with any cutting he would cut a hole in a
    potatoes and then plant it he always said if the cutting didn’t live he would still have something to eat

  895. Awesome! my second attempt at joining and the gates open on my birthday! Spring just got that much more exciting. I can’t wait to get started in the garden.

  896. I have never been so interested in a subject like nursery. It really is interesting and Mike has been so inspiring. My husband and I are retired now and would really appreciate being able to interact and buy and sell plants from the membership. Thank you for this opportunity to have a chance at winning a membership!

  897. Great information! I ordered the Corona pruners you recommended and I love them. They are just the right size.

  898. I too will put my name in the hat. Being in Texas we have a much different climate. Would love to grow some of the amazing Japanese Maples you have shown but alas, they burn to a crisp. Even the products sold here that is suppose to be for our area will not tolerate the heat and the blistering sun. Even when placed on the east side with only 1/2 day of sun they scream NOOOOO! Anyway, would love to be a member.

  899. What a great site Mike ! Your information is as great as it gets and the diy stuff is even better. Anyone can understand everything you talk about and that is a great gift to have. A lot to learn but you break things down so well it doesn’t matter. Hope to be a member soon.

  900. Love your newsletter as it teaches me things I did not know or forgot. I am retired on disability and on dialysis so anything I can do outside is enjoyable for me. Being able to make a bit of cash is great. thanks for helping so many people.

  901. I am very impressed with what you have done. Oh, and I’d be willing to bet Finnegan & Fergus would be better than most of the lot we got running! Finnegan for President, Fergus for VP

  903. Wow!
    A free membership!
    I can’t wait to use it!

    If I win of course.

    Really like the information that you share Mike.

  904. I am trying to get going in the plant growing business. I live in Montana so the season is short. I hope to become a member in the backyard growers membership so I can continue to gain knowledge from the experts.

  905. Mike, you have one of the most doable, unique, and absolutely attainable, income opportunities on the net….In this world of scams and false hope and over hyped money making plans……you are a breath of fresh air!

  907. Thanks for all the great tips and for sharing your extensive knowledge. I’m collecting stock plants now and liners to begin my sales in the spring of 2017!

  908. MIke,

    My husband has been laid off twice in two years and then we were pretty hard hit with abnormal finacial blows. I love gardening and would like to try to earn a little on the side with your sales ideas. My kids say I have a “Green Body” and I can’t think of any better way to earn money and do something good for the earth and people. Plants make me happy, so they should make others happy, right? I also think that after all the tough times we have had, maybe we can make someone elses tough times easier. ANyway, thanks for your blog and emails and advice.

    Ellen

  909. I LOVE YOUR E-MAILS. THANKS SO MUCH. I NEED TO LEARN A LOT AND I HAVE LEARNED A FEW THINGS (EVERY TIME A READ ONE OF YOUR E-MAILS) SOOOOOOO THANKS AGAIN.

    BONNIE

  910. WOW, a great opportunity, seeing how my husband doesn’t think I should spend the money. Just wanted you to know how much I enjoy all your internet information, books and CD’s that I’ve purchased, but more than anything, just your being down to earth ordinary folk like the rest of us, says a lot about being a leader. Keep the information rolling, as I’ve read above, I’m not the only one to enjoy all that you give.

  911. Would love to win this! Gleaned so much from your articles and YouTube videos already!!

  913. THANKS!! Mike, I just read your e-mail about repelling Voles, Moles. and Mice. We have had some beautiful days ,in the 70’s and today it reached 80.f. The moles have been really working up the ground, around the garden ,and the fruit trees, so your e-mail was very timely……Thanks again for all you do. Scott in east central Mo.

  914. I have been trying to figure a way to get into this wonderful group. I just had my first child and all spare time and money have been otherwise tied up. I love being out in the yard, and have enjoyed putting into practice some of the principles I have learned from you Mike. To be able to earn a bit off of something that I love and can teach to my son is something that words cannot describe.

  915. Been through all of your videos online and on disc. My father-in-law, my husband and I have decided to join together to build our nursery together. We would love to have a membership to the backyard growers group since we are all on limited income due to the oil crash.

    Either way we look forward to growing and getting to know everyone in the group to learn together.

  916. I’d like to win this too. I found my back yard growing niche in water plants and have customers from all over my state- NM. Are there any water plant sellers in the membership area?

  917. I really enjoy reading your articles–they are helpful even if, some times, they don’t apply to the Sacramento Valley.

    Thanks.

  918. Love the information that you give out. You’re my new Jerry Baker. A friend just gave me, what she said is a pulmonaria (lungwort) root. Not sure it is. Has quite a large root, about 10″ long with three chicken like feet. Approx. one inch diameter. Not sure that’s a apt description but can’t think of another way to describe it. Looked online but can’t find a picture of a root. Thanks for any information.

  919. This is such a fabulous site, Mike. I appreciate how generous you are with your information. I just started my first round of seeds for spring and summer plant sales, and I’m jumping through all the legal hoops right now.

    I used to garden in the super-friendly climate of central California, and my move to Boise a few years back made growing things significantly more challenging! I’m learning a ton, but I can always use more support and expert advice.

    • Boise area, especially around Caldwell and Fruitland grows a lot of great edibles. Choose ‘zone 5’, or lower when selecting.

  920. I really like your newsletter, I have learned a lot from them. This would be a great win as I am on limited income. I love anything about plants and growing things.

  921. Spring has sprung in Central Georgia. Everything is busting out of the ground. Can’t wait to get started on another year of backyard gardening.

  924. I’ve hesitated join only because I’m on the other side of the country – AZ! But I love all of your stuff and have followed you for years. FYI – I LOVE the fact that you’re an HONEST dealer of info and your products are super valuable. I appreciate you an your integrity!!

    • Jen,

      We’ve got members all over the U.S. many in Canada, a few in the UK and Australia. And yes, we do have some members in New Mexico and Arizona.

  925. Your articles are so interesting, helpful and entertaining. I always look forward to reading them and trying new things in my garden!

  927. I am very glad to have become a member of this community and desperate to revamp my humble 5,acres of reclaimed cow pasture Garden On!!!

  928. We just started our backyard nursery and LOVE the helpful YouTube videos. We have learned so very much!!! This is super exciting and can’t wait for the opportunity to join the club!! Rooted And Grounded In Love 😉

  930. I am so glad to have come across this opportunity in the past few months. I work full time and havent placed much thought into a strong retirement plan. I am in the beginning stages of doing what I can to buy stock plants and follow the advice that I read through email, the website, and watched on youtube. I have stuck a few hundred hardwood cuttings of known varities of plants that I had properly labled around the property just to get this moving. I have a young family and my budget is tight but my determination to succeed is strong. My wife and I are very excited to embark on this journey. We love being outside and she really loves that she is getting plants that she has wanted for a long time. I believe my 5 acres in Terre Haute, Indiana will open up plenty of opportunity for success at this.

    • Scott,

      Even though you have 5 acres, start out using a very small space. Much easier to keep weeds at bay in a small area. Then expand as your operation grows.

  932. Sweet deal! Seems like you’ve got a lot of good deals and giveaways this winter and spring to keep everyone entertained while our plants are dormant.

  934. Mike ,
    We bought a 138 yr old house with nothing but saw briers and brush to the untrained eye but alas three years into this you’ve taught me so much about digging for more and this year is no exception I appreciate the advise I’m 12 miles from the Ga/Nc border so our climates are similar as I am at the foot of a Mtn and the top of a gorge thank you again for the blog and the videos !

  935. Just started reading your blogs and watching you on you tube. I am very interested in the back yard gardening,