Online community for ornamental horticulture
Pot size?
How do you know what size pot to use for something you've never grown, nor even seen before? For example, orders have arrived from Terra Nova and also Swifts (through broker). I am so uneducated, I don't mind admitting it here but don't want to have grower or broker groaning at my lack of experience or the inappropriateness of the call.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Michael Pawelek on -
Bonnie, You are asking a question who's answer is , "it all depends". As an independent I only grow my plants and sizes to stay away from the competition of the big box stores. For example I do not grow and sell 6 pak annuals because whole flats of annuals sell in my part of the country for less than $10. Some of these are the 24 and 32 count flats and I refuse to work for nothing so I only sell very large, full and in bud/bloom annuals in 4" containers where my customers can plant and be finished immediately without having to wait for half the Summer to get real size and color. Another example are herbs. Rather than grow and sell the dinky pots of herbs that take 2-3 more months of growth for a consumer to actually get enough foliage to cook with I grow huge oversized gallon herbs where the plants are the size of small dinner plates when they leave the nursery. (See Herb Pictures Below) My customers can take the herbs home and start dehydrating or cooking with them that same day. Over my 37 years in the nursery business I ask my customers constantly what plants they need and in what size they want the plants and containers. This makes me more of a speciality grower though many of the plants I grow would be considered very common. This is one of the ways that sets me apart from the large chain stores.
Michael Pawelek
Pecan Hill Nursery
www.pecanhillnursery.com
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Permalink Reply by Jen Polanz on -
Hi Michael,
Now I'm curious - how much do you get at retail for the gallon herbs? Those are impressive!
Michael Pawelek said:Bonnie, You are asking a question who's answer is , "it all depends". As an independent I only grow my plants and sizes to stay away from the competition of the big box stores. For example I do not grow and sell 6 pak annuals because whole flats of annuals sell in my part of the country for less than $10. Some of these are the 24 and 32 count flats and I refuse to work for nothing so I only sell very large, full and in bud/bloom annuals in 4" containers where my customers can plant and be finished immediately without having to wait for half the Summer to get real size and color. Another example are herbs. Rather than grow and sell the dinky pots of herbs that take 2-3 more months of growth for a consumer to actually get enough foliage to cook with I grow huge oversized gallon herbs where the plants are the size of small dinner plates when they leave the nursery. (See Herb Pictures Below) My customers can take the herbs home and start dehydrating or cooking with them that same day. Over my 37 years in the nursery business I ask my customers constantly what plants they need and in what size they want the plants and containers. This makes me more of a speciality grower though many of the plants I grow would be considered very common. This is one of the ways that sets me apart from the large chain stores.
Michael Pawelek Pecan Hill Nursery
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Permalink Reply by Michael Pawelek on
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Jen, I usually start out in the $9.95 range for the huge 1 gallon herbs and adjust as necessary as the season progresses. This price may be high or low depending on what part of the country you are located. I am seasonal and only stay open in Spring from the first week in March to about the second week in April, 6 weeks total, when I close down for the Summer. When I do close for Summer I don't want anything left over or thrown out and only keep stock plants for future use so I slowly adjust the price downward as the variety and amount of plants dwindle down. At some point in my sales season I have to drop prices when customers see more empty bench wood than plants. Since I start and grow everything here when I am out, I am out so my regular customers know better than to wait until the end of my sales because what they want either in plant type or color scheme most probably will be long gone. One of my regular customers told me once that my Spring sales were like 6 weeks of a Filene's Basement sale in N.Y.
Another key thing I do is to try and have a huge 4-5 gallon "Mother" plant on display right in the center of each selection of plants to demonstrate what they should look like if a healthy gallon is transplanted up and taken care of very well. For example, among a group of very full 1 gallon old fashion type spearmint plants a huge 5 gallon container that is 3 feet across looks very impressive and lets customers know what to expect if they nurture their spearmint plant carefully. Folks need a vision of the future in their yards whether in the beds or in containers. Many customers have little imagination and need to be coaxed along!
Michael Pawelek
Pecan Hill Nursery
www.pecanhillnursery.com
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Permalink Reply by Nicole Jackson on -
Hi Bonnie,
As EuroAmerican Propagators Western Sales Manager, I take these questions on Proven Winners products in my territory. If a customer emails or calls me, I make recommendations based on the specific genetics, the market you are servicing and the region/state. This helps the grower really maximize the product success even when its brand new. My tip: Call the supplier and ask them!
nicole@pweuro.com
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Permalink Reply by Mark Bolin on -
Hey Bonnie,
As a broker I appreciate the honesty. I cannot help my clients if they do not ask.
Remember, We want you to succeed and gain our trust. We have all been there. We want repeat business.
Another thing everyone should think about when working with a reputable broker, we know what is selling,what size will work best for your market and what is going on . We can be your best consultants for your business. Ask and you will recieve.
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