Page 59 - MNLGA Free State Winter 2023_WEB

current knowledge to make the best decisions about
planting strategy, and our previous information helps Strategic planting plans require
relieve some of the guessing that can feel burdensome.
Maintaining a Diverse Inventory to Offset Inventory research, staying connected with
Shortages market trends, building a diverse

I have always believed that a very diverse plant list will catalog, and diligently tracking
always win the day. The huge limiting factor for diversity is
the number of acres to grow on. Diversity means smaller sales over the years.
numbers of each plant.

During The Great Recession, many growers, nationwide,
reduced planting schedules either out of fear the plants
would never sell or out of the need to preserve cash simply stocked or to complete a landscape project. Growers
to stay in business. Liner growers also cut back. It took found themselves selling future inventory. Trying to recover
years to untangle when it takes 5 to 10 years to finish a plant is not easy.
that mess. Strategic planting plans require research, staying
connected with market trends, building a diverse catalog,
During the
and diligently tracking sales over the years. A
pandemic years
growers saw sales
increase 50-60%
from 2020 through Jerry Faulring
2022 due to a surge Waverly Farm
1931 Greenfield Road
in pandemic related Adamstown, MD 21710
buying. Buyers 310-874-8300
were forced to buy
anything green just
to keep the shelves
Membership Matters • WINTER 2023 59