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 incorporating herbs and local greenery into your creations. Whether you're a budding gardener or a seasoned floral enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you craft stunning, foliage-rich bouquets with confidence and creativity! In this episode, you will hear: Importance of foliage in cut flower farming, including categories like annuals, perennials, shrubs, and sticks. Practical management techniques for woody foliage like raspberries and viburnums. Integration of perennial foliages like sage, rosemary, mint, Baptisia, peonies, hostas, irises, and meadowsweet into floral arrangements. Benefits of using local and naturally sourced foliage to enhance floral designs. Tips for using foliage in different floral settings, including farm stands, events, and DIY arrangements. Resources from this Episode Free Cut and Come Again Guide Grab the FREE focal flower lineup MINI-COURSE: Learn Cut Flower Growing Beginning Cut Flower Growing Course and Community: Advanced Cut Flower Growing Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

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 flowers, whether you're considering selling them or simply growing them as a hobby. In this episode, we also highlight strategies for simplifying and expanding your flower business. Learn the benefits of focusing on one primary service to avoid spreading yourself too thin, and consider subscription models as a source of recurring revenue. We'll talk about the advantages of farm stands, farmers' markets, and pop-ups for selling seasonal flowers, as well as the broader reach offered by wholesale selling. Tune in for a comprehensive guide to growing, selling, and arranging cut flowers, and get inspired to brainstorm new market opportunities this spring. In this episode, you will hear: The best sales channels for locally-grown flower-selling Strategies for avoiding overextension and focusing on primary services Insights on hosting pop-up events and wholesale selling Benefits of subscription models for recurring revenue Resources from this Episode Free Cut and Come Again Guide Grab the FREE focal flower lineup MINI-COURSE: Learn Cut Flower Growing Beginning Cut Flower Growing Course and Community: Advanced Cut Flower Growing Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

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 multitasking mompreneur, or someone in search of a fulfilling hobby, these insights will empower you to plan effectively and understand the business cycle. Learn how to optimize your tulip selections, leverage staffing support to keep your farm on track, and employ tools like Rime covers for a bountiful harvest. We also dive into the challenges of marketing Lily of the Valley, offering creative strategies to boost sales and the idea of building a collaborative community for shared marketing efforts. Tune in for stories and actionable tips that will help you navigate the busiest times of your growing season with confidence and success. In this episode, you will hear: Managing financial pressures in spring as a flower farmer. Staffing support during peak seasons to handle tasks like planting and weed control. Marketing challenges for Lily of the Valley, exploring effective strategies and the idea of a collaborative marketing community for flower farmers. Utilizing Rime covers and choosing early-blooming tulips to secure a bountiful harvest and boost early-season income. The need for succession planting and getting assistance to prevent tasks from overlapping and causing stress during the busy season. Resources from this Episode Free Cut and Come Again Guide Grab the FREE focal flower lineup MINI-COURSE: Learn Cut Flower Growing Beginning Cut Flower Growing Course and Community: Advanced Cut Flower Growing Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

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 is in stories. In our latest episode, I peel back the leaves to reveal the organic growth of my business, how it's been shaped by the needs and desires of those it serves and the sweet balance I've found between my floral passion and the bountiful raspberry harvest. For anyone with a green thumb or dreams of their own agricultural ventures, this episode is ripe with insights to help you harvest success. In this episode, you will hear: The transition from growing raspberry foliage for bouquets to full raspberry production due to community demand. Balancing a dual-purpose garden and managing both the aesthetic and edible aspects. Tips for effective raspberry farming, including plant management and harvesting techniques. Implementing a pick-your-own system for the community and managing customer expectations. Creative solutions for farm labor and maintenance, such as engaging local youth and regular pickers. The importance of local food production and creating a family-friendly farm experience. Resources from this Episode Free Cut and Come Again Guide Grab the FREE focal flower lineup MINI-COURSE: Learn Cut Flower Growing Beginning Cut Flower Growing Course and Community: Advanced Cut Flower Growing Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

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 intricacies of local market economies and how healthy competition can drive innovation and maintain high standards. Reflecting on the concept of a flower co-op, I discuss how such collaborations can attract niche customers, like florists and DIY brides, who are essential to our community. Through these stories, gain insights into how promoting American and local flowers can coexist with a shrewd business approach. Whether you're out in the garden or cozy at home, let's grow together and celebrate every effort that leads to the flourishing of our gardens. Happy growing! In this episode, you will hear: Challenges of competing in city markets and misconceptions about the "rising tide lifts all boats" idiom. The unexpected confrontation leading to mutual growth and the concept of a flower co-op to attract niche customers. Exclusion from a market due to new regulations and advocating for a fair playing field for all vendors. Personal reflections on competition, maintaining standards, and embracing healthy rivalry to foster innovation. Importance of supporting local economies and young growers in the urban agriculture landscape. Resources from this Episode Free Cut and Come Again Guide Grab the FREE focal flower lineup MINI-COURSE: Learn Cut Flower Growing Beginning Cut Flower Growing Course and Community: Advanced Cut Flower Growing Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

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 for keeping track of your floral contenders. We'll dissect seeding schedules for both hoop house and field plantings, with hands-on guidance for calculating the perfect seed-starting dates. Sunflowers serve as our prime example, but we'll also explore the day-length sensitivities of other species and their quirky blooming behaviors. I'll share information on nurturing perennials like lilies, which promise not just seasonal charm but also long-term bounty, and give a nod to the early-season Dahlia growers while weighing their cut flower potential. Adaptability is the name of the game in this episode, as we embrace multiple seeding schedules to combat the whims of Mother Nature and keep your flower farm flourishing. In this episode, you will hear: Understanding agricultural week numbers for effective seed starting and planting schedules. Utilizing tools like Excel for tracking and organizing floral varieties and bloom times. Planning around key dates such as the last frost for heat-loving plants and an earlier date for cool-weather flowers. Techniques for succession planting to ensure continuous bloom in hoop houses and fields. Day-length sensitivities affecting blooming patterns of different flower species. Strategies for growing perennials like lilies for both immediate and long-term harvests. Adapting to outdoor growing conditions and embracing multiple seeding schedules for a profitable flower farm. Resources from this Episode Grab Indoor Seeding Success HERE Free Cut and Come Again Guide Grab the FREE focal flower lineup MINI-COURSE: Learn Cut Flower Growing Beginning Cut Flower Growing Course and Community: Advanced Cut Flower Growing Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

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 might be the gardening glow-up you never knew you needed. Wander along with me down the garden rows as I recount tales from the trenches, where a taped cardboard box and toothpick marked the start of my planting journey. We'll navigate the nuances of various seeding tools, from the wand seeder to the potential-packed paper pot transplantor, sharing everything I've learned to help you pinpoint the perfect match for your cut flower conquest. Whether you're just planting your first seed or are a seasoned grower, let's cultivate a blooming conversation and grow your garden dreams into reality. In this episode, you will hear: Seed starting methods and equipment for cut flower gardening. The evolution of seeding tools. The pros and cons of different tray sizes for seed starting. Soil blocking as a cost-effective and space-efficient method for starting flower gardens. The learning curve and potential benefits of the paper pot transplantor system. Personal experiences with various farming techniques. Resources from this Episode Grab Indoor Seeding Success HERE Free Cut and Come Again Guide Grab the FREE focal flower lineup MINI-COURSE: Learn Cut Flower Growing Beginning Cut Flower Growing Course and Community: Advanced Cut Flower Growing Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

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 seedling to full blossom. I'll guide you through the process of prioritizing owner's compensation, profit, and taxes right off the bat, ensuring your hard-earned cash is not only safe but also nurturing the continued growth of your enterprise. Forget about being a wallflower in the cutthroat world of cut flowers — let's get hands-on with managing expenses and integrating your unique beliefs into your business! Learn how to harness the power of tools like ClickUp or Trello to keep your petals perfectly aligned and your tasks as organized as a well-tended garden. Whether you're a green-thumbed grower or just someone who appreciates a good blossom, join me in cultivating a path to success that's as rewarding as the sweetest-smelling rose. In this episode, you will hear: The 'profit first' method for financial management in cut flower farming. Strategies for maximizing profitability by allocating income into separate accounts for owner's compensation, profit, and taxes. The importance of managing COGS (cost of goods sold) and overhead expenses to maintain business financial health. Utilizing project management tools like ClickUp and Trello for organizational efficiency. Integration of personal values and beliefs into business practices and decision-making. Encouragement of community engagement through local farm stands and entrepreneurial growth. Resources from this episode: Grab Indoor Seeding Success HERE Free Cut and Come Again Guide Grab the FREE focal flower lineup MINI-COURSE: Learn Cut Flower Growing Beginning Cut Flower Growing Course and Community: Advanced Cut Flower Growing Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

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 Scabiosa, the effervescent Zinnias, and other high-yield varieties that are perfect for squeezing into any nook of your green space, be it a flower bed or amidst your veggies. This episode isn't just a walkthrough of floral splendor; it's a treasure map to sidestepping common blunders that have led many to mistakenly write off these prolific growers. Learn the true reasons some people struggle with these plants and how you can leapfrog over these hurdles to keep your vases perpetually brimming. Whether you're a green-thumbed entrepreneur or someone who yearns for a personal backyard Eden, let me guide you through the art of managing these generous plants for a blooming cut flower enterprise or your slice of floral paradise. In this episode, you will hear: Highlighting specific flower varieties like Scabiosa, Zinnias, and others that regenerate after cutting. Common mistakes and misconceptions about growing these types of flowers and how to avoid them. The importance of regular harvesting to maintain plant health and continuous bloom production. Insights from 16 years of experience in flower farming, scaling up and down the business. Tips on proper harvesting techniques to encourage regrowth and maximize flower yield. Resources: Grab Indoor Seeding Success HERE Free Cut and Come Again Guide Grab the FREE focal flower lineup MINI-COURSE: Learn Cut Flower Growing Beginning Cut Flower Growing Course and Community: Advanced Cut Flower Growing Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review," then write a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

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 let go of the grocery store route to focus back on what truly matters – my farm. This episode is a tapestry of heartfelt narratives, insightful pointers, and practical advice for all you aspiring flower farmers out there. In this episode, you will hear: Transitioning from a vegetable gardener to a successful cut flower farmer and my advice for aspiring flower farmers. The importance of taking action, learning from others, and utilizing opportunities for success in the cut flower business. The challenges and benefits of transitioning from a farmer's market to a commercial partnership with a grocery store. How I managed to increase my earnings by trading up my business model, moving from florist routes to grocery stores. Resources: Grab Indoor Seeding Success HERE Free Cut and Come Again Guide Grab the FREE focal flower lineup MINI-COURSE: Learn Cut Flower Growing Beginning Cut Flower Growing Course and Community: Advanced Cut Flower Growing Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.