Learn Cut Flower Growing | Lessons from a seasoned farmer – Details, episodes & analysis

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

• Freebie: Learn the secret to Cut and Come Again Flowers - https://www.learncutflowergrowing.com/cut-and-come-again-flowers

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 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 efficient market distribution. 

In this episode, we also explore the fascinating world of "you pick" farming and flower harvesting. I share the journey of implementing a "you pick" peony patch, the logistics, customer experiences, and the balancing act of harvesting for cold storage while maintaining an appealing field for visitors. Additionally, I'll discuss the complexities of managing a "you pick" flower and berry farm, the importance of educating customers on proper picking techniques, and the challenges of scaling down operations while remaining profitable. 

Reflecting on niche marketing strategies and the importance of dedicated staff, this episode is packed with insights to help you manage and grow a successful cut flower business.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Adaptation strategies for thriving in the cut flower industry amid unpredictable weather and market changes.

• Insights on scaling flower production and developing efficient market distribution processes.

• Launching and managing a "you pick" peony patch, including customer engagement and logistical challenges.

• Balancing flower harvesting for cold storage versus maintaining field appeal for visitors.

• Educational aspects of "you pick" farming, such as teaching proper flower picking techniques.

Resources from this Episode

• Freebie: Learn the secret to Cut and Come Again Flowers - https://www.learncutflowergrowing.com/cut-and-come-again-flowers

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

• Freebie: Learn the secret to Cut and Come Again Flowers - https://www.learncutflowergrowing.com/cut-and-come-again-flowers

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.

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 my go-to tricks with vermiculite and heat mats and share stories from the field that will help you tailor your own blooming sanctuary.

You'll get the lowdown on how to harness the power of the sun with a piece of old hoop house plastic and whether it's time to raise the beds or keep things on the level. I'll also sprinkle in some wisdom on soil types, mulching marvels, and the art of meticulous germination documentation. And for those who feel seed starting is a costly affair, I'm here to remind you that beauty often begins with the most humble beginnings — yes, even those seeds from your last grocery run can transform into a mesmerizing cut flower display. 

Join us for a venture into the world of flower farming, where every seed has a story, and every gardener can create their own narrative.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Navigating germination needs of various flowers.

• Soil temperature's role in plant growth.

• Seed dormancy requirements for different flower types.

• Practical advice for selecting cell sizes for seed starting and the impact on plant growth rate and transplant readiness.

• The value of documenting soil and seed conditions to refine gardening techniques and ensure continuous blooms throughout the season.

• Cost-effective seed sourcing.

Resources from this Episode

• Freebie: Learn the secret to Cut and Come Again Flowers - https://www.learncutflowergrowing.com/cut-and-come-again-flowers

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

• Freebie: Learn the secret to Cut and Come Again Flowers - https://www.learncutflowergrowing.com/cut-and-come-again-flowers

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 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 arrangement. Discover how to charm the early birds with ready bouquets and the art of making every flower count, even without the luxury of a cooler.

You'll learn the ins and outs of managing a stand, finding your niche amidst the competition, and the unexpected lessons that come from customer feedback. Whether you're a stay-at-home mompreneur or balancing a day job, this episode is packed with tips to keep your flowers fresh and your passion for gardening flourishing. Grab your gardening gloves or a cup of coffee, and let's cultivate your cut flower business together.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Strategies for bouquet preparation and selling without a cooler.

• Importance of adaptability and customer interaction for on-the-spot bouquet creation and market sales.

• Overcoming competition and criticism to find one's niche and diversify offerings in the cut flower market.

• Learning from market dynamics and customer preferences to inform future flower farming and sales strategies.

• Tips for managing without a cooler and maintaining flower freshness for market days.

• The role of the farmer's market in personal and business development for aspiring flower entrepreneurs.

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.

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 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 thriving business. Discover the importance of choosing formidable flowers that boast long vase lives and stems that stand the test of time, and learn how to tailor your blooms to delight customers from farm stands to wholesale markets.

Without revealing too much, let's just say that I'll be unwrapping the complexities of flower farming. Whether you're aiming to sell your flowers, grow tubers for resale, or simply adorn your personal space with nature's finest, arm yourself with strategies that promise to make your floral endeavors a resounding success. 

In this episode, you will hear:

• Selecting the right flower varieties for cutting, considering vase life, stem length, and sturdiness.
• Understanding the market differences for flower selling, like wholesale vs. farm stands, and how stem length varies accordingly.
• The importance of cleanliness in flower farming, including using pristine buckets and vases to extend the life of cut flowers.
• The significance of proper hydration and irrigation for robust and healthy plant growth.
• Insights on selling cut flowers like the cafe au lait and navigating customer expectations for vase life.
• The value of local uniqueness in flower varieties and the benefits of offering flowers that don't ship well.
• Planning and setting up an efficient irrigation system based on the water output of your source.

Resources:

Freebie- Learn the secret to Cut and Come Again Flowers - https://www.learncutflowergrowing.com/cut-and-come-again-flowers

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:

Freebie- Learn the secret to Cut and Come Again Flowers - https://www.learncutflowergrowing.com/cut-and-come-again-flowers965080 of get the course & Classroom for a very reasonable price.!!  Learn with BeeHaven Farm Skool Community!!

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.

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 me in the form of personal challenges. I'll share how resilience can truly help us overcome even the toughest of times.

I also reveal how I found solace in the simplicity of a farm stand. This newfound passion helped me find renewed energy and purpose. Let's traverse the world of flower farming together and embrace the beauty it brings.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Personal adversities and the impact on flower farming business.
• The transition from farmers' markets to grocery stores and labor challenges.
• The emotional significance of growing and gifting flowers.
• The resilience needed in business to handle unexpected life events.

Resources:

Freebie- Learn the secret to Cut and Come Again Flowers - https://www.learncutflowergrowing.com/cut-and-come-again-flowers or join my Skool Community and learn with me in my fields. https://www.skool.com/beehaven-flower-farm/about

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.