Well done Jason! The culprits know who they are and what harm they are doing to line their pockets and empty ours. But many of the innocents do not. It takes people with your level ethics and integrity to lead. You’re pulling it off superbly! No harm done here. Thank you❤
You’re right on about the friendly competition thing. Having a number of good competitors at a market or channels on UA-cam, it makes those places into somewhere you go for that topic. This is also why there are multiple gas stations at the same intersection and why you go shopping at the mall. It’s a good reminder to make you think about how you use these platforms or how you look up something new to figure it out. Good explanation, thanks 👍
I don't think it's small potatoes at all. The times you get decent traction on a topic video help to guide your content decisions - and of course, it means you're nailing the fundamentals. It took me ages to get a video with a shot at breaking 1000 views.
@@FraserValleyRoseFarm Thanks, and yes, I’ve got a few take aways from this video that I’ll keep in mind as I continue with future videos. I’m finding it really interesting to be on the creator’s side of UA-cam, it makes you consider how and why other channels do their thing
One HUGE difference between Walmart/big box stores and nurseries/garden centers/farmers market is the potting soil. Almost every plant in the walmart/big box is peet, because it is super easy for workers watering (or not watering). The point is to keep the plant alive long enough to sell it, even if no one waters it! But when you get it home, most of the plants are hating the straight peet and die, even in the ground. If I take most of the peet away, the plant has a chance. I was even advised by a plant vendor's employee, to take the plants out of their pots asap and repot or plant because they all die if kept in the same pot. BUT if you get the plant from a nursery/garden center/farmers market, they will live for a while in the original pot (with some fertilizer) and take off when planted in the ground. Just for fun this year, it would be great if people bought a big box store poinsetta and a small nursery poinsetta and see which actually last longer. My experiment was dramatic 2-3 weeks from big box store, 3 months from small nursery.
Good point of view, Jason. Antique shops, music shops, book shops and cafes are also often in clusters. Customers want to enjoy better choice, points of sale and quality advice when they can, buying from people who have taken the trouble to become expert in their subject. If the vendor is pleasant and talks from the love of his craft then that's a bonus and I've had a great day.
Thanks. You bet - I had a chance to visit the Granville Island market a while back, and the number of artists & food vendors was astounding, and no shortage of customers to go around!
@@FraserValleyRoseFarm I think the concept of allies and clusters is more useful that 'competitors', esp on UA-cam. To think of scarcity of anything on UA-cam is a nonsense, though I'm sure UA-cam CEOs etc are trying to up the scarcity thinking and making it seem like you have to fight to get viewers' attention.
I think customers and viewers recognize quality products and advice whether they see it at farm markets or big box stores. Your sincerity and knowledge is what sets you, Mike and others apart from your competition. Also the niche you've carved out for yourself can't be replicated by a big store.
You take the intimidation out of rose growing for beginners; I think you are unique in that regard. Many parts of Western canada have clay soils that roses just thrive in, and many varieties are the toughest perennials out there! If anything, my wish would be to make it easier for Canadian online buyers to support your business , I have difficulty with the website and finding what to buy when. Even a Short to remind us, hey you zone “X” gardeners, it’s time to buy your bare root roses, here’s the website, and suitable varieties for you! Here’s the companion seeds! Last year I purchased two of the new Vineland’s 49th Parallel Collection from Lowe’s. They were both fakes! A small white flower rose. Obviously some grower-scammer fooled the big box store, and then me. I’ll never buy roses from big box store again. I let Vineland know by email but they never got back to me.
Thanks for the encouragement and support. I'll continue to work on the website for sure, but given the size of our farm the tricky bit is that we may never be "all things to all people". Like for instance the idea that we'll be selling bare root roses for shipping across Canada... we don't produce bare root roses, so it's not a likely avenue for us. The seeds are available all the time by mail order, but the only plants we offer are sold in February (to keep it manageable with the rest of our business). I know some US (and especially Puerto Rico) customers have asked me to prioritize shipping down there - again, because of border requirements, not a likely avenue. I hate to disappoint, I really do... but Lisa and I are primarily focused on a sustainable local farm business. A little mail order at the front end of the year is also something we're willing to work on, but I doubt we'll ever be a full-service coast-to-coast mail order nursery.
Great video, Jason. You are very diplomatic! Another point about big box store plants that I haven't seen mentioned--their suppliers (Bonnie Plants, etc.) don't take into consideration which plants are suited for any particular area. They mostly just ship everything everywhere. One example is onions. There are short day, intermediate day and long day onions that don't produce well or at all if grown in the wrong zone, but you often don't even know what you're buying when you just buy plants or sets. That's a setup for failure right there unless you just get lucky and get the right one. Also, good luck finding anything a bit out of the ordinary. There are so many varieties that never see the light of day unless a person orders seeds and plants them. Most varieties of plants, even seeds in big box stores are the same ol', same ol' tried and true. And I understand that, as a seller's point of view. Most people won't buy unfamiliar things. That's why I like to grow my own from seed or clone a plant I love. And the prices! If someone is willing to pay upwards of $5 for ONE cabbage plant (which, by nature, produces only ONE cabbage), then here's to ya! Thanks, I'll pass!
That's great point about the onions! An experienced local grower would be selling the right plants for the area (and probably planting those same varieties in her own garden!). Lol. $5 for a cabbage start.
Jason- if you haven't read it, you absolutely need to read Tony Avents 'So You Want to Start a Nursery.' Tony is a legendary plant genius but also is a savvy business person. It's fantastic! He get very granular but it remains interesting for people knee-deep in the industry and has tons of unexpected ideas and insights.
Competitors, as noted, are both good and bad. Some just do what they need to do to get by, others work to provide what customers need. More times than not the people who show and up do the work reasonably well day in and day out are the ones that survive, those who cannot fade away. That's my experience in business anyway. Personal burn out is far more dangerous to most small businesses than most competitors.
Thanks so much - and good observation! Burnout is the enemy, and if you spend your mental energy focused (in a negative way) on competitors, that doesn't help one bit.
Jason, it's blindingly obvious to anyone with half a brain cell that the clickbait tik-tok/YT/IG channels are a total waste of time. You aren't losing any valuable customers to them - those that watch that nonsense are idiots - life is too short to deal with them. The frustrating thing is wading thru a sea of nonsense to find the gems and I appreciated your video of other channels to watch.
Awesome video Jason! Mike Kincaid is a friend of mine so you really made me happy right now. I really learned a lot fro him and you and learning all the time since many times I forget than I remember a video or something and go back to refer to it. So true the big box stores don't have knowledgeable people anymore. I had a very knowledgeable garden guy at the home depot by my house over 25 years ago and it was a pleasure to talk to him and pick his brain. Thanks for the remainder🤗🤗💞🤗🤗
@@lisabeaulieu2621 that's right! I discovered Jason not too long ago but I know Mike for many years now! I also like the fact that they answer your question not everyone does.
I agree with everything. Excellent observations. I do not garden, but I enjoy your and Gary Ps channels. Also, the "temporary" plant sellers do not have the variety and quality of full time sellers.
I have to take two rose 1 gallon buckets into something sheltered soon (MN). It's a fun hobby to me. I did collect rose buds (wild) at neighbors. It's an interest of mine! I'll never get into the scientific names. A challenge if you will.! Lots of people wouldn't buy my teenage rose plants, they don't have the patience. Just laugh. But they love it when they see those pink or red roses with Army green potato leaves! Have good day!
I enjoy watching this channel. In my case I have been researching and practicing my greenthumb for a long time. On many channels I find myself watching redundant Information but I love it. However. When my plate is full and have limited time I'll skip on some of the more I tro level material.
Great presentation, Jason. You have given me an new perspective on the "Big Box" plant experience who don't give you that "added value" to your purchase.
Hey Jason, Took a tour of camellia farm in Chapel Hill NC last week. It was started in the 70s. They really have an awesome place.( you can look them up on line) Learned about camellias,an some on marketing as well. They do not discount or sell too box stores. They do ship. I've never seen so many beautiful plants. You grow a bussiness over time,providing healthy ,pretty plants,keeps customers coming back and referring you. David has so much knowledge about camellias,like you do with roses. Encourage you to look.them up. If camellia grow in your zone,its a must have. Ours are really putting on a show right now.... Right about the time our roses come to an end. As always,thumbs up.
Well said Jason. I run into the same problem selling Bonsai. I built my business on sincerity and integrity. I educate my customers and I’m not just there for the sale. I want to have them come back again and again. I offer free help and guidance with any problem they encounter.
Great way to do business Bob. That relationship building is priceless. You know, still some of my best customers on the farm are from my early days at the farmers market! Customers remember those extra efforts.
Excellent info, Jason 🙂 Some garden centers are good but in the stores, it's heartbreaking the way the plants are cared for. I worked at a greenhouse so I know what they looked like when they got them 😒 I have four channels I bounce between and the plant knowledge I've gained is immense ☺ Thanks for your hard work with these detailed videos ✌
Yeah there is a reason why you see fast food chains next to each other. Small players can counter chains by replicating chain techniques by cooperation.
Agree 100%. And it's supposed to be the way farmers markets gain an advantage, but in my experience it's a real mixed bag. Many markets will artificially suppress competition (we can only have one cut flower boot, etc.) to try to protect an established vendor. Never made much sense to me.
I admire you so much! Always good content, always educational, and you aren’t afraid to tell the hard truths. Thank you for that small glimpse into the business you do-Not just selling plants but continuing to make better gardeners of us and instilling that curiosity, sharing your passion. Stephanie, Zone 6B/7, Louisville
I really liked this video. I sell veggies and herb plants, and flowers at our local farmer's market. The scarcity mindset isn't a good mindset to have in general. I prefer the mindset of abundance. You're not going to get every customer. There are certain customers who would prefer me over you. It's like when you pick friends. There are just people you connect with better. There's room for EVERYONE. I also like what you said about bad competition like resellers I see at my farmer's market, just disregard them because they are irrelevant. Sooner or later customers will figure it out ✌
Thanks Miruna! 100% I'm glad you don't waste mental energy on the resellers. I always left that to the market manager so I could focus on my own thing. The funny thing about the scarcity mindset is that it's almost self-fulfilling at a farmers market. If everyone is focused on defending their "turf" and bad-mouthing competitors, the customers notice the toxic vibe and then you really are faced with limited sales.
@@FraserValleyRoseFarm I definitely think there's some underground drama going on. But I ignore it. I'm hopeful that we can continue to grow our business and build customers. Thanks again!
I've realized that many, if not all, of my roses only do well for the cool months! I just think these roses have been shipped from the Northern regions! So, I'm looking for a rose guy that knows his stuff from zone 8b USA.
Was interesting, Jason - quite applicable to any retail, probably. Really need to know your competition - even the Big Guys - who are a major threat to Ma & Pop shops all over the market place, because customers get suckered into their One-Stop-Shop promise & I often think customers wrongly assume the independent's are always going to be more expensive. But so often (as with Life!!) it's not just about money, hopefully it's about service, expertise, quality and service I would hope is exceptional in the independent marketplace. Keep up the good work & sharing your knowledge!
The people who are really teaching and want to be teaching - they are allies. It's not about a "cake model" - where, if you have a bigger piece of cake it must mean I have a smaller piece of cake. It's more like with bees. If you have lots of happy bees and I have lots of happy bees, we, and everyone around is better off.
Thanks Firefly - I like the way you put it! The funny thing about "scarcity" mentality is that it's almost self-fulfilling. When people start hoarding or defending their "turf" there's less opportunity for everyone, and then there really isn't enough to go around.
There’s another view too, for me, as a gardener from another country, looking for that little special unusual plant, just selling seeds or plants mostly for fun, I use UA-cam as my treasure box. That makes you a good competitive to Swedish vendors that I turn to after getting inspiration from you or for example Mike Kincaid. One tip have I though, I wrote it to Mike, when he makes his propagation videos, the end result is often presented in fall, and when I look at them I get so frustrated and inspired that I want to start NOW, which is a terrible idea of course. I think you UA-camrs would benefit having a delay and showing end result in spring when propagation, seed starting and planting is accurate. Just a personal note. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I buy plants based on availability, price and how interesting they are. Two of our hardware stores have been the best source of interesting, new and or different plants at reasonable prices. I have no idea if the cashier ringing up the plants is full of plant knowledge because I've never asked. I have plant knowledge. In terms of you tube videos, watching for me is based on several factors. Does the person actually know enough to be worth my time? So often the answer is no. Personality plays into it. It isn't so much I'm watching to gain information, it is more they have become a familiar presence. It is from books and plant catalogs that I have gained the most information. They are often full of not just the facts but also garden observations as seen over many years. We learn what worked, what became a problem and how they dealt with it. You tube is much more immediate. So much of what we see is being done by someone who has never grown this plant before. They have not lived in their garden enough years to have a depth of knowledge on performance. Size seems to be the hardest challenge. Plants grow. You tube is also full of channels where products were given to these people for free which can be useful in terms of allowing us to hear about new varieties and see what they actually look like. New is the category that books aren't good at. The quantities of plants they show being shoved into the ground just does not translate into reality for the average person however. Watching a video is very passive and easy. Reading requires more effort. I think in the long term, the general populace may end up less educated because books have to be accepted as being worthy TO publish but anyone can post a video of utter nonsense. Your channel is one where actual useful plant information is being given. I appreciate that.
Thanks for your input J.C. And of course I can't dismiss the hardware stores (or even Walmart!) out of hand, because they're often supplied by the same growers as the garden centers. Every now and again I'll find something cool at Canadian Tire - but I have to find it fast because they don't get the care they need. On the information end, I do wonder how it will shake out: it seems that even compared to "traditional" UA-cam videos, the trend is moving towards short-form (Tik-Tok, Instagram, Facebook Reels, UA-cam Shorts). That format excels at grabbing quick interest with compelling fast shots and clever audio. It's like moving from long-form novels to short stories and then eventually to limericks! Not that there's anything wrong with any format in particular, but there's only so much space for learning in 20 seconds!
I am actually writing an article about my upset at seeing so many dying plants at local shops. I bring to their attention that the orchids are infest....they say they don't see the fluffy white things in the leaf crevises....they leave them there for sale. Another store, selling ordinary ferns for $11.99 sale price & each pot is so dry that you could kill someone with the solid rootball. My usual store often has overwatered plants that then got too cold...you know, that transparent look. Someone worked hard to grow those plants & such greed disrespects gardeners; nature & our responsibility to it.
People who are afraid of competition do not understand how business works. Healthy competition means variety and options in the market. If there is no competition you only get what that one supplier provides. I believe the best way to approach any market is to know who is in it and what they provide. You mentioned Mark as your competitor at the farmers market, but in actuality you were co-providers because your focus of plants was different. Like the honey and soap vendors, the Kona coffee market here has a similar way of thinking that only their product is the best. In truth, the only differences in Kona coffee are fertilizer, pruning, area and soil of growing, elevation, processing, and of course roasting. Like you, knowing the critical information helps us realize that it is up to us to find our place. Some people are going to be better than we are and others not so much. I prefer to share knowledge rather than keep it to myself because the more information people have, the better off everyone is and better products are the ultimate result. Good growers like yourself understand that you are not just selling plants, you are growing a community of other growers. Yes, some of them may become competitors, but if they are knowledgeable and good at what they do, that benefits everyone. Those better than us motivate us to improve ourselves, those struggling motivate us to help them succeed. In a healthy competition the customer is the true beneficiary and we are all part of that success.😉 Jason, you certainly have a knack for new interesting topics.🤙
Thanks Gw Builder. It's fun to hear about a climate where growing coffee beans is just a normal thing! Lol. You're right about the differentiation. If you're aware and respectful of good competition, the gaps in the market just become more obvious!
tHANKS jASON FOR ANOTHER INFORMATIVE VIDEO. sADLY, i AND MANY OF MY FRIENDS HAVE GONE TO lOWE'S AND hOME dEPOT FOR PLANTS, AND THEY WERE ACTUALLY SELLING DEAD OR HALF DEAD plants for half price. We can't understand why these plants were allowed to deteriorate into this condition. Why not just water them, after all, they are living things and watering them really doesn't take much effort. What a shame.
Thanks Christie. It's total lack of training and organization by these chain stores. The logistics are bizarre: they gear up from zero plants to a full garden center in a matter of 2-3 weeks, shuffle or hire staff to take care of it, but also plan to be out of the plant business before the business slows in summer. From the other end of things, I was a wholesale grower who would supply some of these guys (I'm looking at you, Costco) - and I'd grow a crop to perfection over the course of 4 or 5 months, only to have racks returned three weeks later with the plants destroyed. Ugh.
I stopped shopping for plants at these large box stores. When plants arrive at their stores, they are unhealthy, their under plastics, plus the employees can take days to place them out of the direct sun and into their proper areas. Anyway, it's not just plant competitors that can be bad to deal with, its in any arena, dog shows is one that i know personally, i stopped showing because of jealouse competitor's, very sad, but people are what there going to be, & i for one refuse any more to deal with it. its a lesson they didn't learn early on in their lives & spoil it for many. Just my opinion. Best wishes 🌻
Thanks Mamagoose. I haven't experienced the dog show circuit, but I can only imagine the politics! I did love the farmers markets, but this was something I always had to navigate carefully. I had no problem being open and cooperative with other plant vendors, but I can't say the sentiment was always reciprocated.
This makes complete sense to me. The thing I hate is seeing photo shopped pictures of roses and other flowers that do not exist but they are selling seeds for these fake plants. You see it a lot on Amazon and Etsy. I spot them right off but I'm sure there are a lot of people that fall for it. I wish the host site would boot them for it but they let it happen.
Good video and many good points made in this video. I know the ones you mention being bad and I agree, I will add my way of letting youtube know I don't like that sort of thing is I click the three dots that appear when hovering mouse over recommended videos and I click the option "Don't recommend channel" because I really do detest what I see as manipulation by that channel. I watch loads of different topics, gardening is only one, I watch farming, homesteading, camping, travel and many more topics and there are channels like that in all categories. I also detest the idiotic commercials that make outrageous claims or the commenters who pretend to be the channel owner and ask that you contact them. I report all of them.
Good approach - at least it will guide the way UA-cam recommends videos to you in the future. One quibble I have with UA-cam is around "Shorts" - no argument that some viewer appreciate this kind of content, but I personally don't get anything from them. There's no way to stop the recommendations! There is a whole row of shorts that shows up on my homepage now and again, and I click the "remove section" button. The site responds that they'll only disable it for 30 days. Then it's back again! It makes no sense to me. If the viewer has flat-out told UA-cam that they don't want to see this format, why wouldn't they just accept it? Why is it necessary to force the issue with every single viewer?
@@FraserValleyRoseFarm YES I feel the same about the shorts. UA-cam is trying to get Creators to make shorts and they are pushing it on the viewers. I don't like them and don't watch them. They remind of when phone camera is turned wrong way and it is portrait which is hard to watch for me. The only purpose I can see would be to announce or promote a longer video on the creators channel.
You, rose geeks, Jim Putnam, and the Impatient gardener are the most humble and honest youtubers out there. I really appreciate your knowledge. I wish that you live closer, I sure will make a purchase at your business. Thanks to you I bought my very first climbing rose (New Dawn). Awesome recommendation. Continue to be you. I wish you all the best. Love from Virginia
Yes, the click bate gardening hurts us all. I think of the many, many, many people who stated they just can't root or propagate roses, because they tried it with honey and a potato. If they stick around, they learn how to propagate roses and encourage others to try. But most people just try the potato and give up, never looking for a group or real advice to help them.
It's a good video. Thanks. I am not limited to following one, ten or fifty UA-camrs. I have about ten garden channels that I follow and they offer very different things, with different perspectives. I'm hunting for knowledge, not looking for people with perfect teeth or people who will make me laugh. You can never have too much great knowledge; it's a cup that never fills up. It's a different thing for you, Jason, as all your videos are monetised (I guess) and so you make more money if people watch you more. It must be pretty fierce, in that regard. I like you; I trust you; I find you have integrity. You are not trying to shove at me "ten magic spells for the garden". You are not manic or pushy or shrieking. Your ediitng is good. Your language is clear and without hyperbole. Knowledge sharing and kindness are your USPs; Much like Bruce at RED Gardens. If someone starts shouting and waving their arms and telling me what I HAVE to do in the garden and brings on startdust and unicorns - I'm gone.. I know it must be so frustrating to see crap channels logging millions of views, but, please, Jason, -- you're doing a great job in a conscientious spirit. Don't under value that. ua-cam.com/video/H4m4E428BgU/v-deo.html
I think I might benefit (short term) if I were to have a more excitable or flamboyant persona. Don't worry... I don't think I could pull it off, and I won't even try. I think that over the long-term, viewers will figure out who you really are - so you may as well be upfront about it! Thanks for the encouragement
Hey , love your channel .. Could you help me out , I have a few cuttings and I'm trying to grow, the growth is growing on the top BUT not any roots. Is this normal.? Thanks
It's not uncommon, but it's also not a good thing. For the cutting to succeed, it's better to delay topgrowth and favor root development. Sometimes this just means picking cuttings at a different stage of growth (a little more "ripe" or firm, from lower down the stem) or offering bottom heat while still keeping ambient temperature in the low-to-moderate range.
I have seen outrageous gardening videos tips with hundred thousands to millions views but never realised they are a bad competition to honest channels such as yours. I guess everybody just attracted to "simple" solution without processing if they make sense or not. Would you believe there is a video on how to plant lemon tree from leaf? UA-cam suggest the video to me several times, never click on it though.
Yeah - and I see plenty of thumbnails with completely impossible plantings/propagation. I really wish UA-cam would tackle clickbait in a serious way, as it's so harmful to the platform. The removal of dislikes (to whatever degree it was helpful) took away the last shred of visible audience feedback, as the comments can all be curated by the channel.
I realize that the farmers need to make money on their products (we do), but if you charge $3 lb for apples in a less affluent area, the sales will not come. That's what I witnessed last Saturday.
I hear you - and I think with recent inflation, customers are pretty price conscious right now. For my part, I try to keep pricing pretty sharp (even at the farmers market). Then again, I guess the argument of local produce vendors (esp. those with organic/sustainable practices) is that customers should be willing to pay a bit more to support local farms, regional food security, and for better quality food. I see both sides for sure.
We had Bonnie plants move in big time to the big box stores in our mostly ag county. The result is people paid $5 for a tomato plant they could have had for $3 at our farmers market. People prefer the one stop shop. Our farmers are getting older, becase new ones can't afford to be farmers. It's all related.
Well done Jason! The culprits know who they are and what harm they are doing to line their pockets and empty ours. But many of the innocents do not. It takes people with your level ethics and integrity to lead. You’re pulling it off superbly! No harm done here. Thank you❤
Thanks so much Cindy!
Well said!
@@FraserValleyRoseFarm Hi Jason long time no speak, how do you start seeds mate?
You’re right on about the friendly competition thing. Having a number of good competitors at a market or channels on UA-cam, it makes those places into somewhere you go for that topic. This is also why there are multiple gas stations at the same intersection and why you go shopping at the mall. It’s a good reminder to make you think about how you use these platforms or how you look up something new to figure it out.
Good explanation, thanks 👍
Thanks so much. And it looks like your channel is making progress on views!
@@FraserValleyRoseFarm Thanks! Ya, I just made a leaf mould video that’s doing well, I know it’s small potatoes for most, but it’s exciting for me 🙂
I don't think it's small potatoes at all. The times you get decent traction on a topic video help to guide your content decisions - and of course, it means you're nailing the fundamentals. It took me ages to get a video with a shot at breaking 1000 views.
@@FraserValleyRoseFarm Thanks, and yes, I’ve got a few take aways from this video that I’ll keep in mind as I continue with future videos. I’m finding it really interesting to be on the creator’s side of UA-cam, it makes you consider how and why other channels do their thing
One HUGE difference between Walmart/big box stores and nurseries/garden centers/farmers market is the potting soil. Almost every plant in the walmart/big box is peet, because it is super easy for workers watering (or not watering). The point is to keep the plant alive long enough to sell it, even if no one waters it! But when you get it home, most of the plants are hating the straight peet and die, even in the ground. If I take most of the peet away, the plant has a chance. I was even advised by a plant vendor's employee, to take the plants out of their pots asap and repot or plant because they all die if kept in the same pot. BUT if you get the plant from a nursery/garden center/farmers market, they will live for a while in the original pot (with some fertilizer) and take off when planted in the ground. Just for fun this year, it would be great if people bought a big box store poinsetta and a small nursery poinsetta and see which actually last longer. My experiment was dramatic 2-3 weeks from big box store, 3 months from small nursery.
Wow - that's a huge difference. Thanks for your thoughts on the topic!
'Just spilling some tea' lol. Yes, I detest the scarcity fear mongering in all areas.
I appreciate the thoughtful way you have analyzed and presented this.
Thank you Rhonda!
Always appreciate your point of view.
Good point of view, Jason. Antique shops, music shops, book shops and cafes are also often in clusters. Customers want to enjoy better choice, points of sale and quality advice when they can, buying from people who have taken the trouble to become expert in their subject. If the vendor is pleasant and talks from the love of his craft then that's a bonus and I've had a great day.
Thanks. You bet - I had a chance to visit the Granville Island market a while back, and the number of artists & food vendors was astounding, and no shortage of customers to go around!
@@FraserValleyRoseFarm I think the concept of allies and clusters is more useful that 'competitors', esp on UA-cam. To think of scarcity of anything on UA-cam is a nonsense, though I'm sure UA-cam CEOs etc are trying to up the scarcity thinking and making it seem like you have to fight to get viewers' attention.
I think customers and viewers recognize quality products and advice whether they see it at farm markets or big box stores. Your sincerity and knowledge is what sets you, Mike and others apart from your competition. Also the niche you've carved out for yourself can't be replicated by a big store.
Thanks so much Neil.
You take the intimidation out of rose growing for beginners; I think you are unique in that regard. Many parts of Western canada have clay soils that roses just thrive in, and many varieties are the toughest perennials out there! If anything, my wish would be to make it easier for Canadian online buyers to support your business , I have difficulty with the website and finding what to buy when. Even a Short to remind us, hey you zone “X” gardeners, it’s time to buy your bare root roses, here’s the website, and suitable varieties for you! Here’s the companion seeds! Last year I purchased two of the new Vineland’s 49th Parallel Collection from Lowe’s. They were both fakes! A small white flower rose. Obviously some grower-scammer fooled the big box store, and then me. I’ll never buy roses from big box store again. I let Vineland know by email but they never got back to me.
Thanks for the encouragement and support. I'll continue to work on the website for sure, but given the size of our farm the tricky bit is that we may never be "all things to all people". Like for instance the idea that we'll be selling bare root roses for shipping across Canada... we don't produce bare root roses, so it's not a likely avenue for us. The seeds are available all the time by mail order, but the only plants we offer are sold in February (to keep it manageable with the rest of our business). I know some US (and especially Puerto Rico) customers have asked me to prioritize shipping down there - again, because of border requirements, not a likely avenue. I hate to disappoint, I really do... but Lisa and I are primarily focused on a sustainable local farm business. A little mail order at the front end of the year is also something we're willing to work on, but I doubt we'll ever be a full-service coast-to-coast mail order nursery.
Great video, Jason. You are very diplomatic!
Another point about big box store plants that I haven't seen mentioned--their suppliers (Bonnie Plants, etc.) don't take into consideration which plants are suited for any particular area. They mostly just ship everything everywhere. One example is onions. There are short day, intermediate day and long day onions that don't produce well or at all if grown in the wrong zone, but you often don't even know what you're buying when you just buy plants or sets. That's a setup for failure right there unless you just get lucky and get the right one.
Also, good luck finding anything a bit out of the ordinary. There are so many varieties that never see the light of day unless a person orders seeds and plants them. Most varieties of plants, even seeds in big box stores are the same ol', same ol' tried and true. And I understand that, as a seller's point of view. Most people won't buy unfamiliar things. That's why I like to grow my own from seed or clone a plant I love.
And the prices! If someone is willing to pay upwards of $5 for ONE cabbage plant (which, by nature, produces only ONE cabbage), then here's to ya! Thanks, I'll pass!
That's great point about the onions! An experienced local grower would be selling the right plants for the area (and probably planting those same varieties in her own garden!). Lol. $5 for a cabbage start.
Excellent content, well presented. Thank you!
Great info Jason, and very well explained thanks. So keep growing your channel and your nursery.
Great video! What you are saying is right on the money. Bottom line here is that people will pay for knowledge, quality and service.
Look forward to next spring from FV.RF 2023 !!!
Thanks Bri! We still have a few things to unveil for next season.
Great job Jason, keep growing your channel and your nursery. I've learned so much from your channel.
Thanks so much Nancy!
As always inteligente and honest. Very good video!
Jason- if you haven't read it, you absolutely need to read Tony Avents 'So You Want to Start a Nursery.' Tony is a legendary plant genius but also is a savvy business person.
It's fantastic! He get very granular but it remains interesting for people knee-deep in the industry and has tons of unexpected ideas and insights.
Thanks so much Jordan. I've found his writing on other issues to be very useful, so I'll have a look for it.
Competitors, as noted, are both good and bad. Some just do what they need to do to get by, others work to provide what customers need. More times than not the people who show and up do the work reasonably well day in and day out are the ones that survive, those who cannot fade away. That's my experience in business anyway. Personal burn out is far more dangerous to most small businesses than most competitors.
Thanks so much - and good observation! Burnout is the enemy, and if you spend your mental energy focused (in a negative way) on competitors, that doesn't help one bit.
Jason, it's blindingly obvious to anyone with half a brain cell that the clickbait tik-tok/YT/IG channels are a total waste of time. You aren't losing any valuable customers to them - those that watch that nonsense are idiots - life is too short to deal with them.
The frustrating thing is wading thru a sea of nonsense to find the gems and I appreciated your video of other channels to watch.
Thanks so much. I hope you're right, but I suspect there are newbies who just don't know any better.
Awesome video Jason! Mike Kincaid is a friend of mine so you really made me happy right now. I really learned a lot fro him and you and learning all the time since many times I forget than I remember a video or something and go back to refer to it. So true the big box stores don't have knowledgeable people anymore. I had a very knowledgeable garden guy at the home depot by my house over 25 years ago and it was a pleasure to talk to him and pick his brain. Thanks for the remainder🤗🤗💞🤗🤗
Love Mike Kinkaid! Both he and Jason are natural teachers. So glad both guys are making videos.
@@lisabeaulieu2621 that's right! I discovered Jason not too long ago but I know Mike for many years now! I also like the fact that they answer your question not everyone does.
Thank you. You presented your thoughts succinctly and fairly. Good video!
Thanks Sally!
Very and clear points that most people wouldn't take in consideration! I guess you need a book to compete in the bookstore market too!
Thanks Sp4wnK3lla
I agree with everything. Excellent observations.
I do not garden, but I enjoy your and Gary Ps channels.
Also, the "temporary" plant sellers do not have the variety and quality of full time sellers.
Thanks Susan!
You're the best, in oh so many ways. Thank you for this mature, respectful video.
Thank you, refreshing view of your business
I have to take two rose 1 gallon buckets into something sheltered soon (MN). It's a fun hobby to me. I did collect rose buds (wild) at neighbors. It's an interest of mine! I'll never get into the scientific names. A challenge if you will.! Lots of people wouldn't buy my teenage rose plants, they don't have the patience. Just laugh. But they love it when they see those pink or red roses with Army green potato leaves! Have good day!
I enjoy watching this channel. In my case I have been researching and practicing my greenthumb for a long time. On many channels I find myself watching redundant Information but I love it. However. When my plate is full and have limited time I'll skip on some of the more I tro level material.
Great presentation, Jason. You have given me an new perspective on the "Big Box" plant experience who don't give you that "added value" to your purchase.
Thank you Gerald!
Excellent video as always Jason 🌹🌹🌹 Thank you 😊
This is a great video. I went to Rose Geek after you referenced her in your video. I still watch both of yours. Love the information you share.
As always, spot on, in my opinion. Thank you!
Hey Jason, Took a tour of camellia farm in Chapel Hill NC last week. It was started in the 70s. They really have an awesome place.( you can look them up on line) Learned about camellias,an some on marketing as well. They do not discount or sell too box stores. They do ship. I've never seen so many beautiful plants. You grow a bussiness over time,providing healthy ,pretty plants,keeps customers coming back and referring you. David has so much knowledge about camellias,like you do with roses. Encourage you to look.them up. If camellia grow in your zone,its a must have. Ours are really putting on a show right now.... Right about the time our roses come to an end. As always,thumbs up.
Thanks Dean. Is that Camellia Forest Nursery? Just looked it up online.
@@FraserValleyRoseFarm It is Jason. Hwy 54
Well said Jason. I run into the same problem selling Bonsai. I built my business on sincerity and integrity. I educate my customers and I’m not just there for the sale. I want to have them come back again and again. I offer free help and guidance with any problem they encounter.
Great way to do business Bob. That relationship building is priceless. You know, still some of my best customers on the farm are from my early days at the farmers market! Customers remember those extra efforts.
Excellent info, Jason 🙂 Some garden centers are good but in the stores, it's heartbreaking the way the plants are cared for. I worked at a greenhouse so I know what they looked like when they got them 😒 I have four channels I bounce between and the plant knowledge I've gained is immense ☺ Thanks for your hard work with these detailed videos ✌
Thanks so much Bonnie.
Yeah there is a reason why you see fast food chains next to each other. Small players can counter chains by replicating chain techniques by cooperation.
Agree 100%. And it's supposed to be the way farmers markets gain an advantage, but in my experience it's a real mixed bag. Many markets will artificially suppress competition (we can only have one cut flower boot, etc.) to try to protect an established vendor. Never made much sense to me.
Thank you Jason, very well said! 🍁🍂🍁🦃💚🙃
Good one! Very unique video. Appreciate it. Thank you
Thanks Lulu!
I admire you so much! Always good content, always educational, and you aren’t afraid to tell the hard truths. Thank you for that small glimpse into the business you do-Not just selling plants but continuing to make better gardeners of us and instilling that curiosity, sharing your passion. Stephanie, Zone 6B/7, Louisville
Thanks so much Stephanie!
I really liked this video. I sell veggies and herb plants, and flowers at our local farmer's market. The scarcity mindset isn't a good mindset to have in general. I prefer the mindset of abundance. You're not going to get every customer. There are certain customers who would prefer me over you. It's like when you pick friends. There are just people you connect with better. There's room for EVERYONE. I also like what you said about bad competition like resellers I see at my farmer's market, just disregard them because they are irrelevant. Sooner or later customers will figure it out ✌
Thanks Miruna! 100% I'm glad you don't waste mental energy on the resellers. I always left that to the market manager so I could focus on my own thing. The funny thing about the scarcity mindset is that it's almost self-fulfilling at a farmers market. If everyone is focused on defending their "turf" and bad-mouthing competitors, the customers notice the toxic vibe and then you really are faced with limited sales.
@@FraserValleyRoseFarm I definitely think there's some underground drama going on. But I ignore it. I'm hopeful that we can continue to grow our business and build customers. Thanks again!
I've realized that many, if not all, of my roses only do well for the cool months! I just think these roses have been shipped from the Northern regions! So, I'm looking for a rose guy that knows his stuff from zone 8b USA.
Was interesting, Jason - quite applicable to any retail, probably. Really need to know your competition - even the Big Guys - who are a major threat to Ma & Pop shops all over the market place, because customers get suckered into their One-Stop-Shop promise & I often think customers wrongly assume the independent's are always going to be more expensive. But so often (as with Life!!) it's not just about money, hopefully it's about service, expertise, quality and service I would hope is exceptional in the independent marketplace. Keep up the good work & sharing your knowledge!
Thanks so much!
The people who are really teaching and want to be teaching - they are allies. It's not about a "cake model" - where, if you have a bigger piece of cake it must mean I have a smaller piece of cake. It's more like with bees. If you have lots of happy bees and I have lots of happy bees, we, and everyone around is better off.
Thanks Firefly - I like the way you put it! The funny thing about "scarcity" mentality is that it's almost self-fulfilling. When people start hoarding or defending their "turf" there's less opportunity for everyone, and then there really isn't enough to go around.
I learn so much from you,love your roses !
Thanks Diann!
Great video! This applies to many areas of business.
You bet Tina. Thanks for watching!
Right on, Jason.
There’s another view too, for me, as a gardener from another country, looking for that little special unusual plant, just selling seeds or plants mostly for fun, I use UA-cam as my treasure box. That makes you a good competitive to Swedish vendors that I turn to after getting inspiration from you or for example Mike Kincaid. One tip have I though, I wrote it to Mike, when he makes his propagation videos, the end result is often presented in fall, and when I look at them I get so frustrated and inspired that I want to start NOW, which is a terrible idea of course. I think you UA-camrs would benefit having a delay and showing end result in spring when propagation, seed starting and planting is accurate. Just a personal note. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Thanks Åsa. Good point. I wonder if I'll have the self-discipline to wait on posting!
Completely agree with this comment. So many videos do not show results, and when I search for specific results they usually aren’t there.
I buy plants based on availability, price and how interesting they are. Two of our hardware stores have been the best source of interesting, new and or different plants at reasonable prices. I have no idea if the cashier ringing up the plants is full of plant knowledge because I've never asked. I have plant knowledge.
In terms of you tube videos, watching for me is based on several factors. Does the person actually know enough to be worth my time? So often the answer is no. Personality plays into it. It isn't so much I'm watching to gain information, it is more they have become a familiar presence.
It is from books and plant catalogs that I have gained the most information. They are often full of not just the facts but also garden observations as seen over many years. We learn what worked, what became a problem and how they dealt with it.
You tube is much more immediate. So much of what we see is being done by someone who has never grown this plant before. They have not lived in their garden enough years to have a depth of knowledge on performance. Size seems to be the hardest challenge. Plants grow.
You tube is also full of channels where products were given to these people for free which can be useful in terms of allowing us to hear about new varieties and see what they actually look like. New is the category that books aren't good at.
The quantities of plants they show being shoved into the ground just does not translate into reality for the average person however.
Watching a video is very passive and easy. Reading requires more effort. I think in the long term, the general populace may end up less educated because books have to be accepted as being worthy TO publish but anyone can post a video of utter nonsense.
Your channel is one where actual useful plant information is being given. I appreciate that.
Thanks for your input J.C. And of course I can't dismiss the hardware stores (or even Walmart!) out of hand, because they're often supplied by the same growers as the garden centers. Every now and again I'll find something cool at Canadian Tire - but I have to find it fast because they don't get the care they need.
On the information end, I do wonder how it will shake out: it seems that even compared to "traditional" UA-cam videos, the trend is moving towards short-form (Tik-Tok, Instagram, Facebook Reels, UA-cam Shorts). That format excels at grabbing quick interest with compelling fast shots and clever audio. It's like moving from long-form novels to short stories and then eventually to limericks! Not that there's anything wrong with any format in particular, but there's only so much space for learning in 20 seconds!
Thanks for the knowledge. Very interesting.
Thanks Nancy!
I am actually writing an article about my upset at seeing so many dying plants at local shops. I bring to their attention that the orchids are infest....they say they don't see the fluffy white things in the leaf crevises....they leave them there for sale. Another store, selling ordinary ferns for $11.99 sale price & each pot is so dry that you could kill someone with the solid rootball. My usual store often has overwatered plants that then got too cold...you know, that transparent look. Someone worked hard to grow those plants & such greed disrespects gardeners; nature & our responsibility to it.
For sure. No lack of inspiration anyway!
People who are afraid of competition do not understand how business works.
Healthy competition means variety and options in the market. If there is no competition you only get what that one supplier provides.
I believe the best way to approach any market is to know who is in it and what they provide.
You mentioned Mark as your competitor at the farmers market, but in actuality you were co-providers because your focus of plants was different.
Like the honey and soap vendors, the Kona coffee market here has a similar way of thinking that only their product is the best.
In truth, the only differences in Kona coffee are fertilizer, pruning, area and soil of growing, elevation, processing, and of course roasting.
Like you, knowing the critical information helps us realize that it is up to us to find our place.
Some people are going to be better than we are and others not so much.
I prefer to share knowledge rather than keep it to myself because the more information people have, the better off everyone is and better products are the ultimate result.
Good growers like yourself understand that you are not just selling plants, you are growing a community of other growers.
Yes, some of them may become competitors, but if they are knowledgeable and good at what they do, that benefits everyone.
Those better than us motivate us to improve ourselves, those struggling motivate us to help them succeed.
In a healthy competition the customer is the true beneficiary and we are all part of that success.😉
Jason, you certainly have a knack for new interesting topics.🤙
Thanks Gw Builder. It's fun to hear about a climate where growing coffee beans is just a normal thing! Lol. You're right about the differentiation. If you're aware and respectful of good competition, the gaps in the market just become more obvious!
@@FraserValleyRoseFarm
Exactly.
Growing and roasting coffee is just another day for me.😁
Have an awesome week! 🤙
tHANKS jASON FOR ANOTHER INFORMATIVE VIDEO. sADLY, i AND MANY OF MY FRIENDS HAVE GONE TO lOWE'S AND hOME dEPOT FOR PLANTS, AND THEY WERE ACTUALLY SELLING DEAD OR HALF DEAD plants for half price. We can't understand why these plants were allowed to deteriorate into this condition. Why not just water them, after all, they are living things and watering them really doesn't take much effort. What a shame.
Thanks Christie. It's total lack of training and organization by these chain stores. The logistics are bizarre: they gear up from zero plants to a full garden center in a matter of 2-3 weeks, shuffle or hire staff to take care of it, but also plan to be out of the plant business before the business slows in summer. From the other end of things, I was a wholesale grower who would supply some of these guys (I'm looking at you, Costco) - and I'd grow a crop to perfection over the course of 4 or 5 months, only to have racks returned three weeks later with the plants destroyed. Ugh.
Fantastic!
I stopped shopping for plants at these large box stores. When plants arrive at their stores, they are unhealthy, their under plastics, plus the employees can take days to place them out of the direct sun and into their proper areas.
Anyway, it's not just plant competitors that can be bad to deal with, its in any arena, dog shows is one that i know personally, i stopped showing because of jealouse competitor's, very sad, but people are what there going to be, & i for one refuse any more to deal with it.
its a lesson they didn't learn early on in their lives & spoil it for many.
Just my opinion.
Best wishes 🌻
Thanks Mamagoose. I haven't experienced the dog show circuit, but I can only imagine the politics! I did love the farmers markets, but this was something I always had to navigate carefully. I had no problem being open and cooperative with other plant vendors, but I can't say the sentiment was always reciprocated.
great points on competitions!
Wise words indeed. 👍
I love the abundance mindset.
Yes!
This makes complete sense to me. The thing I hate is seeing photo shopped pictures of roses and other flowers that do not exist but they are selling seeds for these fake plants. You see it a lot on Amazon and Etsy. I spot them right off but I'm sure there are a lot of people that fall for it. I wish the host site would boot them for it but they let it happen.
Total pet peeve for me too! Amazon already has policies around truthful advertising, but it looks like there's no enforcement on these fakers.
Uh, oh Fraser droppinga dissTrack on some enemies
Good video and many good points made in this video. I know the ones you mention being bad and I agree, I will add my way of letting youtube know I don't like that sort of thing is I click the three dots that appear when hovering mouse over recommended videos and I click the option "Don't recommend channel" because I really do detest what I see as manipulation by that channel. I watch loads of different topics, gardening is only one, I watch farming, homesteading, camping, travel and many more topics and there are channels like that in all categories. I also detest the idiotic commercials that make outrageous claims or the commenters who pretend to be the channel owner and ask that you contact them. I report all of them.
Good approach - at least it will guide the way UA-cam recommends videos to you in the future. One quibble I have with UA-cam is around "Shorts" - no argument that some viewer appreciate this kind of content, but I personally don't get anything from them. There's no way to stop the recommendations! There is a whole row of shorts that shows up on my homepage now and again, and I click the "remove section" button. The site responds that they'll only disable it for 30 days. Then it's back again! It makes no sense to me. If the viewer has flat-out told UA-cam that they don't want to see this format, why wouldn't they just accept it? Why is it necessary to force the issue with every single viewer?
@@FraserValleyRoseFarm YES I feel the same about the shorts. UA-cam is trying to get Creators to make shorts and they are pushing it on the viewers. I don't like them and don't watch them. They remind of when phone camera is turned wrong way and it is portrait which is hard to watch for me. The only purpose I can see would be to announce or promote a longer video on the creators channel.
Very healthy attitude.
Most people who are really into plants will regularly check out multiple vendors, not just one, so competition doesn't have to be a bad thing!
You bet! If the plants are interesting and good quality, they inspire gardeners to try even more new things!
Good vid. Year after year, I watch box stores sell their bagged bulbs & plants that are dead. There is no integrity in that.
No, and I'm sure it leaves plenty of discouraged newbie gardeners wondering what they did wrong.
@@FraserValleyRoseFarm You are right, Jason.
You, rose geeks, Jim Putnam, and the Impatient gardener are the most humble and honest youtubers out there. I really appreciate your knowledge. I wish that you live closer, I sure will make a purchase at your business. Thanks to you I bought my very first climbing rose (New Dawn). Awesome recommendation. Continue to be you. I wish you all the best. Love from Virginia
Thank you Huy! I appreciate the encouragement
Yes, the click bate gardening hurts us all. I think of the many, many, many people who stated they just can't root or propagate roses, because they tried it with honey and a potato. If they stick around, they learn how to propagate roses and encourage others to try. But most people just try the potato and give up, never looking for a group or real advice to help them.
It's a good video. Thanks. I am not limited to following one, ten or fifty UA-camrs. I have about ten garden channels that I follow and they offer very different things, with different perspectives. I'm hunting for knowledge, not looking for people with perfect teeth or people who will make me laugh. You can never have too much great knowledge; it's a cup that never fills up. It's a different thing for you, Jason, as all your videos are monetised (I guess) and so you make more money if people watch you more. It must be pretty fierce, in that regard. I like you; I trust you; I find you have integrity. You are not trying to shove at me "ten magic spells for the garden". You are not manic or pushy or shrieking. Your ediitng is good. Your language is clear and without hyperbole. Knowledge sharing and kindness are your USPs; Much like Bruce at RED Gardens. If someone starts shouting and waving their arms and telling me what I HAVE to do in the garden and brings on startdust and unicorns - I'm gone..
I know it must be so frustrating to see crap channels logging millions of views, but, please, Jason, -- you're doing a great job in a conscientious spirit. Don't under value that. ua-cam.com/video/H4m4E428BgU/v-deo.html
I think I might benefit (short term) if I were to have a more excitable or flamboyant persona. Don't worry... I don't think I could pull it off, and I won't even try. I think that over the long-term, viewers will figure out who you really are - so you may as well be upfront about it! Thanks for the encouragement
@@FraserValleyRoseFarm Please don't be flamboyant, Jason.
Agreed!
I watch you because you are not flamboyant
Hey , love your channel .. Could you help me out , I have a few cuttings and I'm trying to grow, the growth is growing on the top BUT not any roots. Is this normal.? Thanks
It's not uncommon, but it's also not a good thing. For the cutting to succeed, it's better to delay topgrowth and favor root development. Sometimes this just means picking cuttings at a different stage of growth (a little more "ripe" or firm, from lower down the stem) or offering bottom heat while still keeping ambient temperature in the low-to-moderate range.
I prefer to buy my plants from my local nursery.
I have seen outrageous gardening videos tips with hundred thousands to millions views but never realised they are a bad competition to honest channels such as yours. I guess everybody just attracted to "simple" solution without processing if they make sense or not. Would you believe there is a video on how to plant lemon tree from leaf? UA-cam suggest the video to me several times, never click on it though.
Yeah - and I see plenty of thumbnails with completely impossible plantings/propagation. I really wish UA-cam would tackle clickbait in a serious way, as it's so harmful to the platform. The removal of dislikes (to whatever degree it was helpful) took away the last shred of visible audience feedback, as the comments can all be curated by the channel.
I realize that the farmers need to make money on their products (we do), but if you charge $3 lb for apples in a less affluent area, the sales will not come. That's what I witnessed last Saturday.
I hear you - and I think with recent inflation, customers are pretty price conscious right now. For my part, I try to keep pricing pretty sharp (even at the farmers market). Then again, I guess the argument of local produce vendors (esp. those with organic/sustainable practices) is that customers should be willing to pay a bit more to support local farms, regional food security, and for better quality food. I see both sides for sure.
We had Bonnie plants move in big time to the big box stores in our mostly ag county. The result is people paid $5 for a tomato plant they could have had for $3 at our farmers market. People prefer the one stop shop. Our farmers are getting older, becase new ones can't afford to be farmers. It's all related.
5 minute crafts is amusing to watch for comedic entertainment but not informative tutorials. They are a joke. Lol.
Yup, there is a lot of wrong knowledge about plants on UA-cam. Natural hormones, fertilizer wrong informations.