Nick Ferguson reached out to me to let me know that his tree sale season is in full swing.  Nick is now taking reservations for the anticipated annual spring shipment of his plant packages from www.rareplantstore.com. He normally sells out quickly so you probably want to check it out soon.

He has a new fodder tree pack, switching out the previous years Hybrid Poplar with a new tree that will even grow here at my place and it’s called Lacebark Elm. Makes a beautiful landscaping tree but also produces good fodder for ruminants.

There’s another pack specifically sold for fuelwood but to tell the truth, all three of those trees make good fodder as well. But one of the really cool things is all of the fodder and fuelwood trees make excellent biochar! You know I love biochar and really promote it’s use on the farm and homestead, so consider those if you’re interested in growing stuff specifically to make biochar. He has another pack of two trees called Deer Garden, for long time listeners you know what I call a garden that deer won’t stop eating, we call that a deer garden.

Well imagine planting 10 trees at a nice easy 50 yard shot from the back porch or hot tub, say American Persimmon and Shumard Oak? Or for those deer hunters who know, deer candy trees. Growing a deer garden on your property might be a good idea for those of us who like eating a little venison every year.

Nick Has five Great Options this Year. They are…

Fodder Trees (3 different size packs)

• White Mulberry
• Hybrid Willow
• Lacebark Elm
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Fuelwood Guild 3 each of the following…

• Hybrid Poplar
• American Hazelnut
• Red Maple
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Deer Garden 5 each of the following…

• American Persimmon
• Shumard Oak
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Years ago I told Nick he needed to start a nursery and sell plants. Even if he had to start out buying wholesale while he built up his nursery stock. So he did, and sold out faster than he thought he could. He’s been expanding his business ever since and this year his fodder forest is mature enough to really highlight the power of fodder production so stay tuned for some really cool stuff on fodder from Nick.

Guys, if you’re at all concerned with being able to feed your livestock in the future, learn about fodder trees and get them growing before you need them. The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, the second best time is now. Nick sells these trees cheaper than you can buy them at wholesale prices and most of them if you potted them and grew them for a year in your backyard would be worth 5x what you pay for them on his website. They start out small but grow quickly, the value on these packs of trees is off the charts.

More information and pricing can be found at www.rareplantstore.com

And if you’re interested in consulting. He will be doing a few consulting tours this winter through summer. You can reach him through email with “Consulting” in the subject line – nick@homegrownliberty.com