Mike McGroarty / Backyard Nursery System / FreePlants.com Claims $297 for System with no further fees ... LIE! Perry Ohio

In guarantee of full disclosure, I am a Mike McGroarty's backyard nursery owner.

I ran across Mike's backyard nursery system after realizing the flower bulbs I was giving away by the bag full might be a source of income since my husband had been out of work for almost a year.   After finding Mike's site and trying to avoid paying for information, I spent MANY HOURS trying to get the information on-line, but it was all so randomly scattered across the web that I knew that due to repetition I would never learn everything I needed to know from google searches and Youtube videos.  Finally in April of 2012, I broke down and decided, my time and, his information was worth $37 (NOT $297 as you claim). Mike's system inspired and educated me to have the knowledge and confidence to go out and start my own nursery, which I did (Pam's Perennial Plants).  This information told me I all I needed to be a small backyard nursery owner.

I could have stopped there, but I wanted to jump start my success so I  took the plunge to see what the Grower's Board was all about.  It no longer costs only $297, but it is still worth EVERY PENNY.  Here is why: you have contact with highly successful nursery owners who will give you a shortcut, an easier way, a way NOT to try, in order to make your efforts a success.  You can ask questions and have them answered within hours.  You can read the old posts (which I did, taking the time to read the ENTIRE message board).  There is college education worth of information on any plant related topic you can imagine.  Also, the board members are a family, helping each other after Hurricane Sandy and floods in other parts of the country and during times of personal tragedy.

To put it bluntly (a thing we Southerners will not often do to strangers), you complaint is completely wrong and filled with inaccurate information.  You should honestly be ashamed for claiming the system is a rip off when you do not even have accurate price listed!

TracyAnn,

I'm unimpressed to find your comment disparaging this man's commitment to first furnish his own family with a living; then putting together mounds of information and navigating those waters to bring something tangible to the table for others who may be struggling or just going bat crap crazy due to boredom.

Maybe you've been ripped off one to many times and had a knee jerk reaction to something you THOUGHT you understood.   I've been there, so have plenty of us.   I ask you to look at this again and give it some critical thought before reaching a hyperbolic conclusion that could potentially turn away fed up people looking for an out from their dire circumstances.  

There are tons of trades & professions out there that provide members only privileges for ongoing or one-time fees.   Why would this, or should this, be any different?  

Mike is offering his life's work as a lifeline for others, and nothing is for free TracyAnn, not even for Mike.

Best,  RR2

PS - Check out Monsanto's model as a comparison to Mike's business for clues as to whom should be in the site line ...

I realize this post is old, but I just found this site today. I wanted to address the complaint that has been submitted. When a customer purchases our Backyard Growing System, we sell it as a stand alone product. It contains all the information someone could need to be successful in the business of propagating and selling plants. After this system is purchased, customers then receive offers to join our message board. Never before. It is completely separate, and not necessary for success. It is helpful in that you can get advice from others, socialize with people who have the same interests and buy plants at low prices.

In addition, we offer a money back guarantee for anyone who is unsatisfied with our products for up to a year after purchase.

If there is anyone who has had an experience with our business that did not leave them completely satisfied, or if anyone has questions or comments, I encourage you to contact me at mike@backyardgrowers.com or at 440-223-5309.

Thanks,

Taylor Mike McGroarty's assistant

I have been utilizing Mike's 'free' information since around 2000 or 2001.  Simple, solid advise and instruction on how to create, operate, and maintain a small Nursery in your backyard; pure and simple.

I recently became a paid member and recieved both the basic and extended systems he offers.  I am extremely pleased with what I have recieved and I'm very impressed at the wisdom Mr. McGroarty has in both the nursery and business ends of this. 

His experience in the subject matter is self-evident but in addition to that he has created a system that not only instructs but also reinforces the idea that "if I can do this you can too".   The video's are not slick and polished, just simple and straight forward.  It leaves one with the impression that doing this might require consistant effort and hard work but that it is attainable and really not a big deal.

He offers levels of his system becuase it is true that you could get into business at a minimum level of knowledge and activity and still make money as opposed to investing thousands up front; bravo to Mr. McGroarty!

He offers the second part of his system as a "try it out" option and I must say that the power of a network is alive and well on the subscription message board.  The message board is very, very active with many different levels of experience. 

I am very happy with what I've got.  Hat's off to Mr. McGroarty for developing his system and he deserves all the money he makes through this endeveor.

Chris C

As far as I can tell Mike hasn't hidden any of the fees you quote. It's all on his web site, upfront and in your face.

What you're buying here is Mike's experience in the business. There are a lot of businesses you can research online and come up with some great stuff. However, it's never as easy as some people (you?) make it sound. It takes a lot of time.. a LOT of time to uncover the secrets to any business.

Don't believe me? Try it, then go out and launch your business.

i first saw mike mcgroarty's backyard gardening plant propagation ad somewhere while surfing the internet - i don't know where. anyhow, i clicked to go there. i found a lot of information about propagating plants at home in your own back yard. his "system" uses stuff that you may have or can easily get, like the plants you already have, like plants in your own yard, a fishtank from a resale store, and masking tape. he gives full information on how to make baby plants, just like he says. he offers you a link to a newsletter where, from time to time, he sends out garding tips, just like he said. he also offers you the opportunity to "buy into" a network of people who do this backyard plant propagation thing seriously, which includes a bunch of dvd's whith additional information and a board where the members discuss what they are doing. this is for the hard core user. it is not necessary in order to use the propagation techniques he offers, which are free, just like he says. the information is complete, and works just like he says. the $297 deal is something else - a business plan, basically, with additional information on doing the work. it works well - i am making good money doing it, and it is more than worth the price. but if all you do is make baby plants, use his info for free.

I have been a member of Mike McGroartys' Backyard Growers Message Board for over a year, and I have to tell you the truth; I couldnt learn all the information that I have learned there in 1 year, in 50 years! The money paid to become a permanent member of the 'board' has been returned to me 10-fold! And I have just begun! And the money paid for The "System" (CDs,software downloads, etc.), is priceless!

The people, (members, of the board are like 'family', and will go out of thier way to help anybody, no matter what the situation may be. I am a witness, although Im not going to get into any details at this time. Sure, you can 'search' the web for hours and hours to learn how to propagate plants in your own backyard and make as much money as you want; but its so much nicer and easier to have one site you can go to and ask questions from people that you feel that you actually know personally! I have had members of the 'board' give me free 'stuff', and I didnt have to ask! (no details). I wouldnt know why anyone would say anything bad about Mike McGroarty and what he has done, and IS doing for people he doesnt even know!

It just makes me so angry to read that report from NEW JERSEY! (THE ONLY REPORT!) You really should read more of what Mike has to offer before you speak so freely TracyAnn. He really has changed my life for the better, especially after I was injured as a carpenter and couldn't do the work I love so much! Im still able to do something I enjoy, and make as much money as I want to at it, and Im outdoors in the sunshine!
Enjoying 'Playin In The Dirt"!
Doug>>>>> Chemung,NY