Plant shortages and opportunities for growth
At the start of this season, there was so much confusion that many of us wondered where we would find ourselves at the end of the year. One outcome of Covid that I don’t think anyone would have predicted when it all started is the plant shortage we now face. We have been seeing and experiencing plant shortages in all parts of the industry. This seems to be the result of a variety of factors that were intensified by the uncertainty caused by Covid early this year.
Some of the plant shortages we are seeing today still have their roots in the recession of 2008- 2009, mainly with long-term crops and large-caliper trees that may require 5-10 years to reach the market. Since then, more nurseries have left the market and the industry as a whole has experienced labor shortages, so many growers were already struggling to catch up with demand. These existing shortages were exacerbated by the uncertainty caused by Covid early this season; growers may have cut or delayed production because none of us knew how much demand there would be for plants this year, and some growers were not able to add these liners back in to their production plan.
Perennial production allows for much more flexibility due to the quick turnaround of fast- growing plants that are often saleable in ten weeks or less, but there are still longer-term varieties, like Hostas, that are difficult to catch up on. Small, slower-growing Hostas like ‘Patriot’, ‘June’, and ‘Halcyon’ often don’t reach a good size until their second year. And this year, demand for plant material was so high that many customers were taking plants at sizes that would typically not be considered acceptable. So if you were short on inventory going into 2020, or not prepared for the increases in demand we saw this year, you may have sold through much of your planned inventory for spring of 2021. There has also been a significant increase in demand when it comes to liner availability. Many liner producers are selling through their 2021 inventory at record levels, and we have already had to secure certain liners for 2022.
One consequence of these shortages could be difficulty in supplying plant material for last- minute landscape projects for next year. It will be even more important for contractors and growers to have good communication since it may be difficult to supply large quantities of unplanned plant material on short notice. As we all try to grow and build our inventory levels, we may need to get creative with space and do what we can to accommodate more plants.
Overall, we appreciate the position we find ourselves in – we feel fortunate that we were able to stay busy this season in an industry that we love, and we think that a plant shortage caused by unprecedented demand for plant material is a good problem to have. We went into 2020 with the long-term goal of expanding our production, but the circumstances of this year have compelled us to fast-track that goal and to start acting on ways that we can immediately start building up our inventory levels and growing our nurseries. Whatever 2021 and beyond may have in store for us, we are excited for the future and look forward to growing with all of you.
