In The Garden Garden Supply Company

Shannon joined Garden Supply Company during COVID and takes care of houseplants and tropical plants.The houseplant industry exploded during COVID; interest in rare plants has tapered off, but basics and standards remain popular.Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law's tongue, are Shannon's favorite due to their hardiness and variety.Ideal time to repot houseplants is at the beginning or end of the growing season, not during dormancy in winter.Using a nursery pot inside a decorative pot has multiple benefits, including reduced weight and easier monitoring of the plant's health.Customers need to learn about their plants' specific needs, as factors like humidity, sunlight, and proximity to air vents affect their growth.When repotting, increase pot size by no more than two inches to ensure the roots can colonize the space and prevent stagnant water.Overwatering is a common reason for houseplant failure; establish a consistent watering schedule and check moisture levels.Use warm water and consider adding soap to help with water absorption and break surface tension.For exterior plants, soapy water can help with dry spots in the lawn or soil under hedges.Maintain consistent watering and monitor plant needs for healthier houseplants.The podcast hosts recommend feeling plants and checking for moisture, not just watering on a schedule.Repotting during the growing season is ideal to avoid disrupting growth.Experiment with different soil types to accommodate various watering habits and preferences.

Keith and Shannon discuss starting seeds for various plants including flowers, trees, and vegetables.Seed starting can be challenging; success comes from good direction and proper technique.Start with an open flat, plant seeds in rows, and mark each variety.Use vermiculite as a top layer for seeds to retain moisture and encourage growth.Use LED or fluorescent lights to provide ample light for seedlings and prevent weak stems.Transition seedlings to larger containers or the garden once they are a month old and have strong roots.Harden off plants by introducing them to outdoor conditions gradually, including wind and temperature changes.Some seeds, like beans, corn, peas, and leafy greens, can be directly sown in the garden.Use humidity domes or bags to maintain moisture levels for seedlings.Starting seeds is a fun and educational activity for kids, encouraging them to eat homegrown produce.Potatoes are an easy and rewarding plant to grow, with many varieties available.Use a seed starting mix and pre-moisten it before planting seeds to improve success.Cool season veggies can be planted twice a year, while warm season veggies go in after April 15th.Starting seeds early in containers can lead to earlier harvests for certain plants.Encourage everyone to try growing their own veggies and involve kids in the process. 

Keith and Shannon discuss Garden Supply Company's emphasis on customer service and a variety of services outside the garden center.They tier their services according to customers' specific needs, from landscape consultation to DIY advice.Garden Supply offers expert plant advice for DIY customers to help them select the best plants for their gardens.Professional landscape consultations are available to help customers make informed decisions about their property investments.The company offers a one, two tree program for customers who prefer on-site advice for specific areas of their property.Garden Supply's delivery fees are reasonable and include a flat fee for truckload deliveries or one or two trees.The company employs knowledgeable and experienced gardeners who care for the plants, ensuring customers receive healthy plants.Additional services include repotting, insect problem evaluation, bee and pollinator classes, and bonsai consultations.Customers can bring in pictures and measurements to get advice from experienced gardeners, especially during slower times to avoid waiting.Garden Supply's gardeners have diverse backgrounds, including small business owners and avid gardeners with extensive knowledge and experience.

Keith, from Garden Supply Company, shares his background and passion for gardening, inspired by his parents.Despite his parents considering gardening a hobby, he pursued a career in horticulture.As a teenager, Keith did odd jobs in the neighborhood, including cleaning out a chicken coop where he found a flamethrower.He utilized the flamethrower to offer unique services like cleaning out areas under trees for his customers.Keith had always been a horticulturalist at heart, even growing plants and rooting boxwood cuttings as a young child.Garden Supply Company is now in its 27th year and started as a five-person landscape company, offering delivery, installation, and landscaping services.The company's focus has always been on service, from small jobs to larger landscaping projects.The opportunity to open a garden center arose when a previous one closed after six months, allowing Keith to step in and grow the business.The company has grown steadily over the years, now employing around 75 people and offering various services.The COVID-19 pandemic led to an explosion in business growth for Garden Supply Company, contrasting with other businesses that struggled during that time.The company attracted many new customers and even employees who changed their careers during the pandemic.Garden Supply Company values its customers and is grateful for their support throughout the years.Keith's hands-on approach in the early days helped shape the company's success, with him personally assisting customers in every step of their experience.The company fills a market void between DIY gardeners and large landscape companies, catering to different customer needs.Today, Garden Supply Company is a well-oiled machine, consistently growing and adapting to the market's needs.

What's next for the Garden Supply Company? We are bringing back a retro look and expanding into some new exciting types of plants focusing on home, office, and patio.

We are joined again by Shannon for part two on Unicorn plants that: grow throughout the year, are evergreen, and will handle wet or dry. But in this episode, we talk about plants that do well in shade.