Our Most profitable plants - Money makers in the Nursery!

Summary

In this video, the creator discusses the profitability of different plants for nurseries, focusing on a variety of plant types including evergreen screening trees, shrubs, perennials, and ornamental trees. The creator shares personal experiences with growing and selling plants, emphasizing the benefits of propagating your own plants for reduced costs and higher profits. They also highlight the importance of considering time, input costs, and market demand. Ultimately, the message encourages aspiring nursery owners to start growing plants and adjust strategies based on their local market.

Takeaways

• 😀 Growing your own plants is the most profitable strategy in the nursery business, as it lowers input costs and offers flexibility.
• 🌱 The profitability of plants varies depending on location, plant type, and how long you grow them.
• 💸 Evergreen privacy screening trees, like Green Giant Arborvitae, are reliable sellers with a good profit margin of about $7.50 per plant.
• 🌞 Slow-growing plants, like certain holly shrubs, can still yield good profits after 2-3 years, with around $11-$12 earned per plant after costs.
• 🌸 Viburnum plants, while less common, can also be highly profitable, with potential for 10x profit on a $2 plug after 3 years of growth.
• 🪴 Perennials are a great option due to their fast growth and quick turnaround time, allowing for high profits in as little as 8 weeks.
• 🔄 Time vs. profit is crucial—small plants might have lower margins but sell more easily, while larger plants bring in more money but take longer to grow.
• 📈 Plants like hydrangea trees, which can be bought at a wholesale price of $35 and sold for $120, offer significant profit potential when grown for a short time.
• 🏷️ The price of plants can vary greatly depending on the local market and plant availability. Always adjust pricing based on your location.
• 💪 Success in the nursery business is about experience, adjusting to local demand, and continuously experimenting with different plant types.
• 👩‍🌾 Don't get paralyzed by numbers—start growing plants, learn through experience, and adjust your strategy as you go.

Q & A

What is the main question the narrator often gets asked about in their nursery business?

The narrator is frequently asked about which plants are the most profitable in the nursery business.

What is one key factor to consider when determining plant profitability in a nursery?

A key factor is understanding the costs involved in growing a plant, including inputs such as soil, fertilizer, and labor, and then comparing that to the potential selling price.

How does the nursery profit from the Green Giant Arborvitae?

The nursery propagates the Green Giant Arborvitae themselves, which means they don’t have any upfront cost for the plants. After the cost of potting materials and care, they make about $7.50 per plant.

How does the growth rate of plants impact profitability in the nursery business?

Plants with slower growth rates, like the holly shrub, take longer to mature and may provide lower annual profits. However, they can still be profitable when considering the long-term return over multiple years.

What role does location play in plant pricing and profitability?

Location affects both the cost of plants and the selling prices. Some plants may cost more to grow depending on regional factors, and market demand will determine how much plants can be sold for in different areas.

What is the advantage of growing perennials in a nursery business?

Perennials are advantageous because they offer a quick turnaround time. These plants can be bought as plugs, grown out in a few weeks, and sold at a profit, which allows for faster returns compared to slower-growing plants.

What’s the difference between selling small plants and large plants in terms of profitability?

Smaller plants generally have lower margins but are sold in greater volume, while larger plants have higher individual prices but may sell less frequently. Balancing both can help a nursery achieve overall profitability.

Why is it beneficial to grow your own plants rather than purchasing from wholesalers?

Growing your own plants reduces input costs significantly, and it’s less financially painful when plants die because there is no upfront purchase cost. Additionally, home-grown plants can be sold at lower prices, giving you a competitive edge.

How does the narrator feel about the pricing and competition in their local nursery market?

The narrator focuses on offering lower prices than larger box stores and nearby nurseries, not to undercut competitors, but because their home-grown plants cost less to produce, allowing them to sell at more affordable rates.

What advice does the narrator give for someone just starting in the nursery business?

The narrator advises beginners to simply start growing plants, even if it’s on a small scale. With experience, they’ll learn what works best for their area, and they’ll adapt their approach over time.