GROWERS GONNA GROW

Busy Doesn’t Mean Profitable (Dan Platta)

In this episode of Growers Gonna Grow, Rayne Gibson sits down with Dan Palatta, owner of Best Damn Bookkeeping, to break down a common problem in the green industry: businesses that stay busy but still struggle to understand their profit. Dan shares insight into why financial visibility is often lacking in nursery and landscape businesses, and how plant inventory, seasonal cash flow, and inconsistent pricing can make it difficult to know where money is actually being made or lost. The conversation dives into the unique financial challenges of plant-based businesses, including how inventory behaves differently than traditional products, where margins tend to slip, and what owners should be tracking more closely. If you’ve ever wondered why your business feels active but your numbers don’t reflect it, this episode offers a clearer look at what’s really going on. Want to learn more about Rayne? Click this link [https://linktr.ee/rayne.taproots] Want to learn more about Dan? Click this link [https://bestdamnbookkeeping.com/]

LA Design vs Landscaper Reality with the Joneses

In this episode of Growers Gonna Grow, Rayne Gibson sits down with Eric Jones, also known as Turf Teacher, to break down one of the biggest disconnects in the green industry: the gap between plant design and plant availability. Designers create the vision. Growers manage production timelines. Contractors are left trying to make the two align. The problem is, they often don’t. Rayne and Eric dig into why plant lists frequently don’t match what’s actually available, how production timelines are misunderstood, and where communication breaks down between landscape architects, nurseries, and contractors. They also discuss what happens in the field when plans fall apart, when contractors should push back, and what better collaboration between designers and growers could look like. If you’ve ever tried to source plants for a job and realized the plan doesn’t match reality, this episode explains why. Want to learn more about Rayne? Click Here [https://linktr.ee/rayne.taproots] Want to learn more about the Joneses? Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/turfteacher/] Website [https://turfteacher.com/]

The Broker’s Role in Plant Sourcing

In this episode of Growers Gonna Grow, Rayne Gibson breaks down one of the most misunderstood roles in the green industry: the plant broker. Brokers sit in the middle of the supply chain, connecting growers, contractors, and suppliers. But are they simplifying the process or adding unnecessary complexity? Rayne explores why brokers exist in the first place, where they add real value, and where communication, pricing, and transparency can break down. The conversation also looks at the bigger issue behind it all: a fragmented system where inventory, timing, and information don’t always align. If you’ve ever relied on a broker, questioned their role, or struggled with sourcing plant material across multiple suppliers, this episode offers a clear look at how the system actually works. Want to learn more about Rayne? Click Here [https://linktr.ee/rayne.taproots]

The Long Game of Planning Crops with Hilliary Metzger

In this episode of Growers Gonna Grow, Rayne Gibson sits down with Hillary Metzger, Sales Manager at Home Nursery Inc., to talk about one of the biggest challenges in the green industry: aligning plant demand with long-term production. Hillary shares insight into how growers plan crops months and even years in advance, and why nurseries can’t simply pivot when demand shifts. The conversation explores the importance of communication between growers, designers, and contractors, and how better visibility into future demand could help reduce supply gaps and sourcing challenges. With experience serving both retail and landscape markets, Hillary also offers a unique perspective on how trends move through the industry and where disconnects often occur between what is being specified and what is actually in production. If you’ve ever struggled to find plant material or wondered why certain plants aren’t available when you need them, this episode explains why. Want to learn more about Rayne? Click Here [https://linktr.ee/rayne.taproots] Want to learn more about Home Nursery? Click Here [https://www.homenursery.com/]

Stop Chasing Plants with John DeHaven

In this episode of Growers Gonna Grow, Rayne Gibson sits down with John DeHaven, Sales Manager at Acorn Farms in Ohio, to talk about two topics that are shaping how plant material moves through the industry today: order consolidation and the growing demand for native plants. John shares practical insight into how landscapers and garden centers can improve margins by consolidating plant orders and sourcing more strategically. From freight efficiencies to better planning, the conversation highlights how the way plant material is purchased can have a major impact on project costs and profitability. The episode also explores the increasing demand for native plant material, particularly on commercial projects, and the disconnect that can sometimes occur between landscape architects, liner growers, and finish growers when those plants are specified. If you’ve ever wondered why certain plants are difficult to source, or how better planning and purchasing strategies can improve your bottom line, this episode offers a valuable look at the supply chain behind the plants we install. Want to learn more about Rayne? Click Here [https://linktr.ee/rayne.taproots] Want to learn more about Acorn Farms? Click Here [https://www.acornfarms.com/]