Field and Garden with Lisa Mason Ziegler

You know which Cool Flowers seeds to sow directly into the garden and when, but what steps should you take to ensure a thick, healthy stand of direct-seeded plants come springtime? Join Lisa Mason Ziegler and Layne Angelo as they share practical tips and tricks for successful outdoor sowing. They discuss proper bed preparation, watering, weed prevention, thinning, sowing poppies and bells of Irela...

I was forced to learn about seasonal growing. After growing outdoors in a garden with no hoop or greenhouses I learned that embracing the seasons is the best, most cost-effectively, and highest quality way to grow. Mentions We are so happy about our partnership with the Growing For Market Magazine ! A tremendous resource. Use the coupon code: WORKSHOP to get 25% off any print or digital subscripti...

In this episode we visit with owner Lisa Mason Ziegler and two of her longest-standing employees, who also happen to be her dear family members. From the very beginning when Lisa started an urban cut-flower farm with her husband Steve's support, to the thriving business it is today, Lisa and her family continue to support each other while offering the supplies and educational resources that are fu...

Interested in growing larkspur, bachelor buttons, or bells of Ireland? Did you know that some of spring’s most coveted flowers – including these beauties – actually prefer to be sown directly outdoors rather than started indoors as transplants? Join Lisa Mason Ziegler and Layne Angelo as they cover some of the most frequently asked questions about sowing seeds directly in the garden. They discuss...

Do you only know half of the Cool Flowers concept? Lisa shares that while fall planting is a great option, it's not for everyone. Learn about the often missed cool season hardy annual planting opportunity for those with deep cold and heavy snow winters: very early spring plantings. Mentions: We are so happy about our partnership with the Growing For Market Magazine ! A tremendous resource. Use the...

For this edition of "Bug Talk" Lisa and Rhonda are joined by special guest Dr. Barb Abraham, an ecology professor, bee researcher and Chair of the Bee City USA - Hampton steering committee. Today they're talking about native bees. Did you know that you can have an average of 100 different bee species in your yard? And that native bees typically are not aggressive and do not sting? You may have see...

Your Cool Flowers seeds have sprouted – now what? Join Lisa Mason Ziegler and Layne Angelo as they discuss some of the most frequently asked questions about caring for your Cool Flowers seedlings. They discuss grow lights, ideal air temperatures, transplant size, and more. Listen to the podcast and learn how to give your Cool Flowers seedlings the conditions they need to thrive! The video version...

Warning: lots of flowers, plants, seeds, and dollar bills were lost, injured, and killed in the process of getting here. In fact, success doesn't happen overnight for any business really.  There. True story. Hope this helps, Lisa Mentions: We are so happy about our partnership with the Growing For Market Magazine ! A tremendous resource. Use the coupon code: WORKSHOP to get 25% off any subscr...

Today Steve & Gretel Adams (of Sunny Meadows Flower Farm) talk with Lisa about this farming lifestyle they have chosen. They share what they enjoy most about it, what it currently looks like for them, as well as a look back at how far they've come.  Download the FREE PDF featuring the Sunny Meadows list of favorite summer field-grown annuals, the bread and butter of bouquet season! L...

Ready to start your Cool Flowers seeds but still have some lingering questions? Join Lisa and Layne as they discuss some of the most frequently asked questions about starting cool-season hardy annuals indoors from seed. They discuss heat mats, light requirements, germination troubleshooting, and more. Listen to the podcast and help set yourself up for Cool Flowers seed starting success! The video...

Fall is not only for fresh starts in the garden or on the farm, it can also be a great time to rethink your business. Take some time to throw out mistakes and consider the future of your business. Our businesses are constantly evolving; embrace the opportunity for a new beginning that fall brings!  Mentions: We are so happy about our partnership with the Growing For Market Magazine ! A tremen...

In this recent Clubhouse chat Lisa talks about what to do when you have to leave your flower garden or farm during the growing season. Whether you have a scheduled or an unexpected trip coming up, there are a few things you can do before you go that will make your return so much easier. Listen in for some great tips! Mentions: *NEW* On-Demand Online Courses: Preparing to Sell to Florists , Collect...

I was recently introduced to the book series via a business mentor friend: " fill in the blank for Dummies". My full-circle journey of why these books have been a long-haul success nailed me on applying to flower farming. Here I share my six basic foundation steps that can lead to success when we stay between the lines. I hope this inspires and encourages you! ~Lisa Z. Mentions:  We are so h...

We are so excited to introduce a new series to the podcast called “Seed Talk”. Meet Layne Angelo, Seed Manager here at The Gardener’s Workshop. Layne is an avid gardener, seed starter, and engineer who loves learning and applying her technical knowledge to all areas of life, including gardening and growing flowers.  As Seed Manager, Layne has a firsthand look at the questions and topics commo...

This podcast may be for you, you know who you are. You don't think you are a real farmer because of the growing conditions and resources you find yourself in currently: small growing space, or can't have or afford structures, or, or, or.... You can start and sustain a cut-flower growing operation without hoop or greenhouses and on small spaces. We just develop our skills as growers in a different...

Sharing my look back at if only I had known this when I started my flower-growing operation. I could have saved lots of time, money, opportunities, and tears if I had had this advice!  Mentions: Flower Farming School Online: The Basics, Annual Crops, Marketing, & More! with Lisa Mason Ziegler TGW On-Demand Online Workshops We are so happy about our partnership with the Growing For Market...

I learn so much talking to other gardeners and farmers. After my restaurant-owning cousins set up the TGW company picnic here on the farm, we discussed planting flowers. Joy's questions reminded me of the struggle that some folks have figuring out what to plant and when. Between trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals, it can be overwhelming because there is so much to learn. I hope my tips help! Me...

Many of us naturally think that cool season gardening is more challenging than warm season gardening. I have found this not to be true. Join me as I run through my thought process to help make my Cool Flowers garden successful! Mentions : We are so happy about our partnership with the Growing For Market Magazine ! A tremendous resource. Use the coupon code: WORKSHOP to get 25% off any subscriptio...

I hope this encourages those facing flat sales. We all walk that path from time to time— but during July and August it is especially discouraging. Take heart flower friends—you can overcome this issue when you recognize it and make changes. We are so happy about our partnership with the Growing For Market Magazine ! A tremendous resource. Use the coupon code: WORKSHOP to get 25% off any subscripti...

In my experience, most employee issues can be avoided. An employer's insufficient training, follow up, support, and lack of expectations can set employees up to fail. Going through some steps and thought processes before jumping into hiring can help avoid many of the problems associated with employing others in your business. Having a process for hiring and creating a culture leads to the best cre...

In this recent Clubhouse chat Lisa talks about the wonderful world of Cosmos! She covers common questions about how to grow them, details about the varieties she’s currently growing, and the very important topics of harvesting and post-harvest handling. Cosmos are a late-season tender annual and they come in lots of fun colors! We hope you enjoy this chat and consider giving cosmos a spot in your...

In this recent Clubhouse chat Lisa talks with special guest Ellen Frost about her brand new on-demand workshop called Preparing to Sell to Florists . Ellen’s workshop shares her best tips distilled from fifteen years of experience purchasing locally-grown flowers for her design studio work. Ellen also shares some current state-of-the-industry news and answers audience questions. Links & Mentio...

This is Lisa's most played and downloaded podcast episode so far, and with good reason. Lisa shares a sweet story of how she first got started growing flowers, and the joy it brought to her as well as her friends and family. In her own words: "It all started for me soon after I married this biker dude that came with a heart of gold and a big vegetable garden... Whether you are a home gardener, bud...

This is a very special edition of Bug Talk! For this episode, Lisa and Rhonda are joined by author and fellow “bug-hugger” Jessica Walliser. They talk about beneficial insects as well as the food chain and ecosystem that exists in your garden, both large and small scale. Did you know that less than 1% of all insects in the world are actually considered “pests” to humans and our crops? Lisa, Rhonda...

Are you growing basil to use in your cut flower bouquets? If not, you should be! In this recent Clubhouse chat Lisa talks about how she got started growing basil, why and how to grow it, her favorite variety, and the very important topics of harvesting and post-harvest handling. Links & Mentions Book: The Flower Farmer by Lynn Byczynski TGW Blog: Basil for the Big Win Lisa’s All-Time Favorite:...