Learn Cut Flower Growing | Lessons From a Seasoned Flower Farmer

In this episode, we discuss the power of foliage in floral arrangements. Join me as I share my everything from discovering the exceptional vase life of thornless raspberries to exploring a variety of annual and perennial foliages like Nicandra, basil, Bupleurum, and eucalyptus. I offer innovative approaches to managing and harvesting woody foliage and perennials, including practical tips on incorp...

Join me in this exciting episode as I share the dynamic world of cut flower growing, where every day brings new challenges and opportunities. I'll discuss how I navigate changing weather, market demands, and innovative ideas to keep my flower business thriving. Through personal stories from recent months, I highlight the importance of direct customer interaction, scaling flower production, and eff...

Join me as we explore the exciting world of selling cut flowers and the many market opportunities available for flower farmers. We'll discuss various sales channels, from farmers' markets to direct customer sales, and the importance of building a supportive community. I'll share my personal experiences and practical advice on harvesting and problem-solving, helping you to discover your passion for...

In this episode, I share how I grew from imagining sunflower fields for grocery stores to growing a range of flowers and creating a community through my farm stand. I'll give you practical advice on starting and running a successful farm stand, which includes having a walk-in refrigerator and 24/7 operation.  I'll also talk about the reality of being a parent in the digital age, getting kids invol...

This episode is packed with invaluable advice on managing the financial pressures of spring and preparing for a profitable summer. From my own journey of overcoming a $10,000 debt in my first year to practical strategies for navigating the intense periods of the growing season, you'll discover how to keep your flower farming dream alive and flourishing. Whether you're a novice gardener, a multitas...

There's something magical about the transformation of a seed into the bloom of a peony or the elegant curve of a lily stem. I've spent 16 years with my hands in the soil, coaxing these miracles into life, and in today's episode, I'm opening the garden gate to share this wonder with you. We'll traverse the seasons from the eager sprigs of pussy willow in spring to the fiery chrysanthemums of autumn...

When life handed me raspberries, I didn't just make jam — I started a U-pick raspberry farm alongside my thriving flower garden. It's a tale that began with the hardy resilience of raspberry foliage, something I initially cultivated for its lasting beauty in bouquets. As my garden grew, so did the requests from my community, leading me down a path to an enterprise that's as rich in berries as it i...

Join me as I walk you through the ins and outs of prepping your hoophouse for the new planting season. Sharing from my 16 years of hands-on experience, you'll get a sense of the various tools and techniques that can make your gardening both effective and manageable. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or a newcomer to the soil, this episode is packed with practical advice to suit gardens of ever...

Listen in as I discuss the unexpected twists of joining larger markets, the harsh reality of being ousted, and the lessons learned along the way. We'll tackle the age-old saying, 'a rising tide lifts all boats,' and I'll share why this might not always ring true. This conversation is a candid look at the business dynamics that often go unseen behind the beauty of our blooms. Discover the intricaci...

My journey in transforming my unyielding clay backyard into a flourishing oasis taught me that with a little love and a lot of compost, any soil can become a haven for your plants. This episode is brimming with wisdom on harnessing the natural power of the ground soil you're standing on. We'll discuss why a vibrant garden doesn't require fancy raised beds when you have nature's own rich canvas to...

In this episode, we are going through the critical steps of starting seeds and planning for a garden that dazzles from spring to fall. This is a goldmine for flower aficionados eager to refine their timing techniques and ensure a steady flow of blossoms to market. Discover how leveraging agricultural week numbers can sharpen your scheduling and why a spreadsheet might become your new best friend f...

Ever wonder why some gardeners seem to have a never-ending parade of blooms? It's all about getting the seed starting right, and that's what we're unpacking today. In our chat, I'll let you in on the secret world of flower seeds, from the ones craving a sunbath like the elegant snapdragons to the shade-seekers such as demure buplerum. We'll traverse the land of dormancy-breaking, where I'll reveal...

As your guide through the world of cut flower farming, I bring my 16 years of green-thumb wisdom straight to your ears, spilling the dirt on seed-starting and the tools that transform a garden. You'll hear about my own shift from vast fields to a more personal touch with petals, weighing the worth of soil blockers against the simple click of ordering plug plants, and how investing in hardy trays m...

Join me as I recount the blossoming journey of selling at the farmer's markets. Listen in as I reveal the secrets to a successful market day, from efficient harvesting systems to on-site bouquet arrangements. You'll hear about the trials and triumphs of navigating customer expectations and the magic of real-time adaptation — like the joy of saving a bride's day with a last-minute floral arrangemen...

Have you ever felt like your business was on the brink of blooming, only to find your profits withering away? Turn that frown upside-down because today I share with you the secret fertilizer that supercharged my cut flower farm's profitability. I'm not holding back on the juicy details of the 'profit first' approach, a game-changer in the world of commerce that can take your floral dreams from see...

Have you ever gazed at a vase of freshly cut flowers and wondered what it takes to create such beauty? Lucky for you, I'm here to sprinkle that magic into your life with my hard-earned wisdom from 16 years in the blossoming trenches. This episode is your seed packet of knowledge, offering expert advice for both budding enthusiasts and experienced growers seeking to nurture their passion into a thr...

Join me on a vibrant journey as I unveil the bountiful world of cut-and-come-again flowers, the garden gems that promise endless blooms, and a potential cash crop for the savvy grower. Tune in, and I'll share trade secrets from my 16 years in the trenches, teaching you how to cultivate a riot of color that's not just a feast for the eyes but also a possible boon for your wallet. Discover the hardy...

Are you ready to uncover the raw, unfiltered truths about the world of flower farming? In this episode, I'll walk you through my personal journey of transitioning to a farmer-florist business. From the hustle of trading markets and the bumpy road of labor challenges to the ultimate quest to simplify the business, I share it all. But my journey isn't all roses and sunshine. Life threw curveballs at...

From a humble vegetable garden to a bustling flower farm, follow my journey as I explore the world of cut flower farming. Discover how a simple passion for flowers blossomed into a thriving business and how, with an open mind, a spirit for learning, and a bold spirit, you too could cultivate your own floral success story. Join me as I bear my own trials and lessons from the farm and why I chose to...

Hey there, flower enthusiasts, and budding cut flower growers! Welcome to "Blossom Talk," the podcast that's about to take your passion for blooms to a whole new level. 🌸 Join us on this exhilarating journey into the vibrant world of flowers, where we'll unveil the secrets, the stories, and the sheer magic behind growing and selling cut flowers. Our host? Well, she's not just any flower lover; sh...