In this episode of the Blooming Garden podcast, host Jane Westoby talks all things Dahlia breeding with Pam Lyons from the Untamed Garden. 

Exploring  Pam's journey from Alaska to the UK, her passion for growing and breeding dahlias, and the various challenges and joys that come with it. How  The Untamed garden breeding programme started  and essential topics such as isolation techniques, seed collection, and the unpredictability of growing dahlias from seed. 

Takeaways

• Dahlias can be grown successfully even in challenging climates like Alaska.
• Isolation techniques are crucial for successful dahlia breeding.
• The unpredictability of genetics in dahlias can be both a challenge and a joy and can lead to unexpected and beautiful results.
• Cutting blooms early encourages more branching and blooms.
• Let the bees do the work if you are starting out and don’t have any specific goals

Resources mentioned in this Episode:
Dahlia Breeding Blogpost
Growing Dahlias Blogpost

Follow The Hampshire Seed Company and the untamed Garden :
The Blooming Garden Podcast
instagram.com/thehampshireseedcompany
thehampshireseedco.com

Rate, Review & Follow

• If you love gardening and you have found this podcast useful then please consider to rate and review the show. It helps us to keep going and produce even more resources for you to grow and sow better. 
• If you haven't done so already then do follow the podcast now and let us know what you loved most about this episode. 

Heritage Seeds with The Heritage Seed Library 

In this episode of the Blooming Garden podcast, host Jane Westoby speaks with Catrina Fenton from Garden Organic about the significance of heritage seeds and The Heritage Seed Library in their 50th Anniversary year. Discussing the origins of the library, the importance of seed saving, and the role of volunteers in conservation efforts. Katrina shares insights on how to become a seed guardian, the process of saving seeds, and the viability of different seed types. The conversation also touches on the commercialization of heritage varieties and the future of sustainable gardening.

Takeaways

• Heritage seeds are crucial for biodiversity and sustainable gardening.
• The Heritage Seed Library was founded to protect endangered seed varieties.
• Volunteers play a vital role in seed conservation efforts and anyone can become a seed guardian and help grow heritage seeds.
• Seed viability varies by type; some seeds last longer than others.
• Saving your own seeds is easy from open pollinated varieties. 

Resources mentioned in this Episode:
How long do seeds Last Blog Post
How to save your own seeds Bog Post
www.gardenorganic.org.uk

Follow The Hampshire Seed Company:
The Blooming Garden Podcast
instagram.com/thehampshireseedcompany
thehampshireseedco.com

Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts 

• If you love gardening and you have found this podcast useful then please consider to rate and review the show. It helps us to keep going and produce even more resources for you to grow and sow better. 
• Scroll to the bottom of the page, tap to rate the stars, and select write a review. 
• If you haven't done so already then do follow the podcast now and let us know what you loved most about this episode. 

Are you ready to kick start your garden and improve your sowing & growing skills? Or are you a flower farmer wanting to be more profitable? 

 In the first episode we talk about:  

Succession planting  to ensure continuous blooms throughout the growing season.

Know your frost dates for effective timing.

Utilize planning tools like our Sowing Calendars and Planting SChedules

Selecting a diverse mix of flowers for maximum space.

Understanding your local growing conditions.

The hungry gap!

Timing is everything in flower farming and gardening .

Listen in to discover how you can get organised and master your dream gardening goals for the year!
_
Resources mentioned in this Episode: 

The Hampshire Seed Company Annual Seed Sowing Calendar

The Hampshire Seed Company Excel Automated Calendar 

Growing Lisianthus Blog Post
_
Follow The Hampshire Seed Company: 

The Blooming Garden Podcast

instagram.com/thehampshireseedcompany

thehampshireseedco.com

Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts 

If you love gardening and you have found this podcast useful then please consider to rate and review the show. It helps us to keep going and produce even more resources for you to grow and sow better. 

Click here, scroll to the bottom of the page, tap to rate the stars, and select write a review. 

If you haven't done so already then do follow the podcast now and let us know what you loved most about this episode. 

In this episode of the Blooming Garden podcast, host Jane Westoby from The Hampshire Seed Company talks to fellow Flower Farmer Jen from Jen on the Lot about her journey into flower farming. They discuss the importance of planning, market research, and the challenges of starting a flower farm. Jen shares her experiences transitioning from an allotment to a larger farm, the strategies she employs to decide what to grow, and the significance of pest management. The conversation also touches on the emotional aspects of entrepreneurship, including overcoming imposter syndrome and the importance of community support. Jen offers valuable advice for aspiring flower farmers, emphasizing the need to balance growing with business acumen.

Takeaways

• Utilize local resources to inform decision-making.
• Planning and forecasting are crucial for success.
• Don't be afraid to pivot your business strategy.
• Engage with your audience for market feedback.
• Start with a solid infrastructure for your farm.
• Pest management is a key consideration in farming.
• Enjoy the process and celebrate your achievements.
• Calculate your growing space for maximum yield.
• Be prepared for startup costs to be higher than expected.
• Community support is vital in the flower farming industry.

Resources mentioned in this Episode: 
Business Resources 

Follow The Hampshire Seed Company and the untamed Garden : 
The Blooming Garden Podcast
instagram.com/thehampshireseedcompany
thehampshireseedco.com

Rate, Review & Follow 

• If you love gardening and you have found this podcast useful then please consider to rate and review the show. It helps us to keep going and produce even more resources for you to grow and sow better. 

• If you haven't done so already then do follow the podcast now and let us know what you loved most about this episode. 

In this episode of the Blooming Garden podcast, I discuss the essential aspects of seed sowing, focusing on the often-overlooked process of seed stratification. Explaining  how to recreate natural conditions for seeds to germinate, emphasizing the importance of temperature, light, and moisture and providing  practical tips for gardeners to improve their seed germination success. 

Takeaways

• Seed stratification is crucial for certain seeds.
• Understanding your seeds' needs to improve germination rates.
• Temperature and light play a  significant role in seed germination.
• Water and oxygen are also  essential for seed growth.
• Using heated mats to speed up germination.
• Moisture levels must be monitored closely during germination with lids to help maintain moisture

Resources mentioned in this Episode: 
Seed Stratification Blog
Growing Orlaya Grandiflora Blog
Growing Bells of Ireland Blog
Growing Lisianthus Blog

Follow The Hampshire Seed Company :

• The Blooming Garden Podcast 
• instagram.com/thehampshireseedcompany
• thehampshireseedco.com

Rate, Review & Follow 
If you love gardening and you have found this podcast useful then please consider to rate and review the show. It helps us to keep going and produce even more resources for you to grow and sow better.  If you haven't done so already then do follow the podcast now and let us know what you loved most about this episode. 

This week, I'll be diving into one of my all-time favorite flowers—Matthiola Incana, or scented stocks. If you’ve ever struggled to grow them, you’re not alone. I spent years getting it wrong before finally cracking the code. Now, they’re a staple in my cutting garden, perfect for weddings, arrangements, and filling the air with that incredible, spicy-sweet scent. In this episode, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned—what works, what doesn’t, and how you can grow the most beautiful scented stocks from seed.

Takeaways

• Stocks thrive in cool conditions, so sowing early is key to getting tall, strong stems.Only about half of your plants will produce double blooms, but there’s a way to identify them early.
• Spacing and staking make all the difference—too far apart or left unsupported, and they’ll flop.
• Heat stress ruins stocks. Anything over 21°C can affect flower development, so keeping them cool is essential.
• Stocks are a one-hit wonder. Once you’ve cut them, they’re done, which makes them great for succession planting.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

How to Grow Matthiola Incana (Scented Stocks) – Blog

Follow The Hampshire Seed Company

The Blooming Garden Podcast
Instagram.com/thehampshireseedcompany
thehampshireseedco.com

Rate, Review & Follow
If you love gardening and found this episode helpful, please take a moment to rate and review the show. It helps me keep going and create even more resources to help you grow and sow with confidence. And if you haven’t already, make sure to follow the podcast and let me know what you loved most about this episode.

In this special last-minute episode, I address the flood of questions I've received about sweet peas—from customers, journalists, and bloggers. I share my personal tips on when and how to sow sweet peas, the benefits of autumn versus spring sowing, and how to keep your plants strong and blooming from May through September. Whether you’re dealing with leggy seedlings or wondering if you should soak your seeds, I break down everything you need to know to enjoy a vibrant display of sweet peas all season long.

Takeaways

• Sweet peas are hardy annuals that bloom best when sown in autumn for early flowering the following year.
• Sowing in a greenhouse or cold frame helps prevent leggy growth, while ensuring proper airflow minimizes the risk of damping off.
• Pinching out tall, floppy tips not only keeps the plants bushy but also lets you root the cuttings for extra plants..
• Regular cutting every two to three days prevents seed set and encourages continuous blooming.
• After years of practice, I’ve discovered that soaking sweet pea seeds isn’t necessary
• Protect your seeds and seedlings from pests like mice, squirrels, and slugs with simple covers or barriers.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode
Growing Sweet Peas Blog
Sweet Peas from Cuttings Blog

Follow The Hampshire Seed Company and The Untamed Garden
The Blooming Garden Podcast
Instagram.com/thehampshireseedcompany
thehampshireseedco.com

Rate, Review & Follow

If you found this episode helpful, please consider rating and reviewing the show. Your feedback motivates me to continue sharing practical gardening advice and tips. And don’t forget to follow the podcast to stay updated with the latest episodes. Happy growing, and see you next time.

In this episode, I sit down with Rainy from Cherry Tree Flower Farm to talk all things willow. From growing it successfully in wet conditions to harvesting, weaving, and using it in floristry, Rainy shares her incredible knowledge built over years of working with this sustainable and versatile plant. Whether you're looking to grow willow for weaving, floristry, or even as a windbreak, this episode is packed with expert advice.

Takeaways

• Willow thrives in damp soil but still needs full sun to grow well.
• The best way to plant willow is from a cutting—just push it into the ground and let nature do its thing.
• Harvesting is best done in winter when the leaves have dropped and the sap has gone down.
• Willow must be coppiced (cut back) every year to produce long, straight rods for weaving.
• Different varieties are suited to different purposes—choose the right type based on what you want to use it for.
• Dried willow can last indefinitely if stored correctly and can be rehydrated when needed.
• Willow is fantastic for wildlife, providing early-season pollen for pollinators.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Cherry Tree Flower Farm
Flowers from the Farm
ArbTalk – Free Woodchip for Gardens
The Living Jigsaw – Book on Garden Ecosystems
Ben Raskin’s Book on Woodchip
Tolhurst Organic – Sustainable Farming

Follow The Hampshire Seed Company and The Untamed Garden

The Blooming Garden Podcast
Instagram.com/thehampshireseedcompany
thehampshireseedco.com

Rate, Review & Follow

If you’ve enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you could take a moment to rate and review the show. It helps me create more episodes packed with useful, practical advice to help you grow with confidence. And if you haven’t already, make sure you’re following the podcast so you never miss an episode.

Do you want to double your flower harvest without adding a single extra row? Whether you’re a flower farmer, a backyard grower, or just someone who wants more blooms from less space, today’s episode is for you!

I’m sharing the three essential techniques every grower needs to maximize production—without extra land, fancy tools, or complicated setups. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your flowers stronger, taller, and blooming for longer, this episode is packed with practical, actionable advice to help you do just that.

In this episode, you’ll learn about the 3 pillars of more blooms:
The power of cut-and-come-again flowers—why some plants thrive when you keep cutting and which varieties are the best for it.
Pinching for bushier, more productive plants—which flowers love a strategic snip (and which ones don’t!).
Succession sowing made simple—how to keep your cutting patch producing all season long without that dreaded mid-summer gap.

Must-Have Resources & Links:
FREE Download: My cheat sheet of which flowers to pinch (and which ones to leave alone!) – [Grab it here]
Read the Full Blog: A step-by-step breakdown of how to put these techniques into action – [Click here]
Related Episode: Love this topic? Check out my Blogpost on Cut-and-Come-Again Flowers –  [Click here]

Let’s Connect!

📸 Share your success: Tried any of these techniques? I’d love to see! Tag me on Instagram @thehampshireseedco and let’s chat.
⭐ Support the podcast: If you found this episode helpful, please leave a quick review! It helps more growers find this content and keeps me motivated to share even more tips.
🎧 Subscribe & Listen: Never miss an episode! Follow The Blooming Garden Podcast on your favorite platform.

Happy growing, and I’ll see you next time! 

Ever sown seeds early in the season, only to watch them sit there doing nothing for weeks? Meanwhile, someone sows the same variety a few weeks later, and suddenly their plants are thriving while yours are still sulking. So what’s going on?

The answer lies in daylight length and the Equinox. In this episode, we’re diving into how plants measure light, why some flowers simply refuse to grow before the Equinox, and how you can time your sowings perfectly for better results.

I’ve learned these lessons the hard way—sowing too early and watching seedlings struggle, then waiting just a little longer and seeing them take off like rockets. Timing really is everything, and today, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned so you don’t have to make the same mistakes!

 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
✔️ What the Equinox is and why it affects plant growth
✔️ How photoperiodism works and why some plants respond to light differently
✔️ Why Cosmos, Zinnias, and Sunflowers sulk if sown too early
✔️ The best timing for sowing short-day, long-day, and day-neutral plants
 ✔️ Real-life examples from my own seed sowing this year

Resources & Links Mentioned:
Read the Full Blog Post on the Equinox & Plant Growth →HERE
Explore My Favourite Flower Seeds & Growing Guides →HERE

Share & Subscribe!
If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a fellow grower who might be sowing too early! And don’t forget to subscribe to The Blooming Garden Podcast so you never miss an episode.

I’d love to hear from you! Have you ever had seeds sulk because they were sown too early? Let me know in the comments or tag me on @thehampshireseedcompany with your thoughts!

Thanks for listening, and happy growing! 

Ever felt overwhelmed by gardening advice that tells you to buy more, do more, and battle nature at every turn? What if there was a simpler, more sustainable way? In this episode, I chat with Jim and Sonia from The Edible Gardeners about their revolutionary approach to gardening, as featured in their new book The Circular Garden.

We’re talking:

•  How to grow more with less – less waste, less cost, less stress
•  Natural pest control that actually works
•  Why “weeds” might just be your garden’s best friend
•  The secret to composting without the fuss
•  Simple ways to drought-proof your garden

If you’re looking for a practical, low-maintenance way to garden in harmony with nature (instead of fighting against it), this episode is packed with tips you can start using today!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why gardening isn’t about perfection – and how letting go of control can make your garden thrive.
✅ How Jim & Sonia’s garden became a case study in resilience – plus the biggest lessons from writing The Circular Garden.
✅ The power of planting strategy & timing – and why changing when and how you plant can protect your crops.
✅ Composting made simple – the biggest mistakes people make and how to fix them.
✅ Water conservation tips – how to garden without constant watering.
✅ Natural pest control without chemicals – how to work with nature to keep pests in check.
✅ Why your entire garden is a habitat – and how even small urban gardens can support biodiversity.

Links & Resources:

Get Your Copy of The Circular Garden direct from Jim & Sonia  : www.ediblegardeners.co.uk
Follow Jim & Sonia on Instagram: @reasonablygoodlife
Follow our blogs & Growing Guides : www.thehampshireseedco.com

When it comes to sowing flower seeds, should you go high-tech, low-fi, or somewhere in between? In this episode I dive into one of the most spirited debates in the flower farming world: modules vs. soil blocks vs. direct sowing. I Cut through the noise, sharing real-life tips and lessons from my greenhouse and garden trenches. Whether you're surrounded by seed trays or armed with just a rake and a dream, this episode will help you find the sowing method that suits your flowers — and your life.

🌼 What You’ll Learn:

• The pros and cons of direct sowing, modular trays, and soil blocks
• Why “one size fits all” is a myth in seed sowing
• My no-fuss compost method for soil blocks
• Which seeds thrive with each method (hint: poppies love the wild life)
• The golden rule: Match your method to your lifestyle, space, and sanity
• Common mistakes to avoid (and why your cardboard pots might be the problem)

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Soil Blocking 101 Blog 
• The Great Seed Sowing Debate Blog

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and share it with a flower-loving friend. And don’t forget to follow so you never miss a bloom-filled conversation.

Welcome to the Blooming Garden Podcast — the go-to space for aspiring and established flower farmers who want to grow beautiful blooms and build a thriving business.

In this episode, I’m tackling one of the biggest questions I get asked time and time again:

“How do I start a flower farm?”

Whether you’ve got a tiny patch of lawn, a couple of raised beds, or a whole field to play with, this episode gives you a clear, step-by-step plan to help you get growing — without the overwhelm.

Here’s what we cover:

Defining your goals — and why you need to know your "why" before you sow a single seed

•  What to grow: my top 5 beginner-friendly, high-value flowers
•  How to plan your first season like a pro (even if you hate spreadsheets!)
•  Why marketing before your flowers bloom is your secret weapon
•  How to find customers and make sales, even in your very first season

Plus, I share why starting small is the best thing you can do to succeed long-term — and why fancy tools or acres of land are absolutely not required.

Want to go deeper?

If you're ready to go from idea to income with your flower farm, Then register your interest  for our course which launcher later this year:

Flower Farming 101: Start Your Business in 30 Days A practical 4-week roadmap to help you plan, grow, and sell with confidence.

 Register Now  for our waiting list 

Free Resources Mentioned:

• Succession Planning Guide
• Planting Planners

Loved this episode?

Share it on Instagram and tag me @hampshireseedcompany — I’d love to see what you’re planning for your patch this season.

And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. See you next time!

In this episode, I’m joined by Ben Raskin, Head of Agroforestry at the Soil Association and author of The Woodchip Handbook, to talk about one of the most underrated (and free!) resources in the garden: woodchip.

We cover:

• What woodchip actually is (and the different types)
• How it supports fungi and microbial life in your soil
• The truth about nitrogen lock-up
• Why it helps with both drought and waterlogging
• How to use it around trees, borders, veg beds and more
• Where to get your hands on woodchip—without spending a fortune

Key Quotes:
“Woodchip is like fast food for fungi—full of cut ends, easy to break down, and full of potential.” – Ben Raskin
 “Every bit of woody growth in your garden is captured sunlight. Don’t let it leave your system.” – Ben Raskin

🌱 Resources & Links:

• Buy The Woodchip Handbook – by Ben Raskin (Chelsea Green Publishing)
• Arbtalk – Register as a woodchip drop-off site
• 🎧 Listen to more episodes at [Your Website or Podcast Page Link]

🪴 Keep Exploring:

• How to Make Nettle Tea Fertiliser – another free garden boost you probably already have growing.
• Quick Compost: The Fast Way to Feed Your Soil
• Grow Again Next Year – The Essential Guide to Seed Saving

📩 Stay in the Loop:

Like what you heard? Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and sign up to the newsletter for weekly growing tips, podcast updates, and first dibs on new resources.

Are you drowning in blooms but wondering where the profit is? In this episode, I cuts through the flower farming fluff and walk you step-by-step through how to set realistic financial goals — and actually grow enough stems to meet them.

Perfect for growers who are ready to move beyond the “hope and hustle” model and start building a thriving, flower-based business. Whether you’re aiming for £10K or £100K, I show you how to turn your dream into an actionable growing plan using my real-world methods and trusty spreadsheets. 

Episode Takeaways
How to reverse engineer your season around your income target
Real crop examples for early, mid and late season growing
Why fewer, well-priced bouquets are often more profitable
A simple six-bed growing plan to produce 5,000+ stems
The difference between growing for joy and growing for business

Resources & Links
Planning for Profit Blog Post
Flower Farming Niche Blog
Flower Farming Excel Crop Planner

Are you charging enough for your flowers—or just crossing your fingers and hoping for the best? In this honest and number-packed episode, I peel back the layers of pricing guilt and walk you through how to confidently price your flowers, whether you’re a grower, a florist, or both.

From emotional undercharging to spreadsheets that make sense, I offer a  clear, real-world guidance on valuing your time, your skills, and your stems. If you’ve ever ended a busy weekend with sore feet and no profit, this one’s for you.

What You'll Learn:
Why you're not just selling flowers—you're selling time, labour, expertise, and peace of mind
How to calculate your overheads and fold them into your pricing (with real examples!)
A step-by-step walkthrough for florists and flower farmers to price for profit
The difference between COGs (cost of goods) and overheads—and why both matter
How to calculate your cost per stem (even if you're terrified of spreadsheets!)
Why it’s okay to be “too expensive”—you’re just not for the Tesco crowd

Resources & Links:
Pricing with Confidence Blog- with all of this weeks examples
Planning for Profit Blog: How Many Flowers Do You Really Need to Grow? 

Flower Farming Planning Tool

More From Me

Follow me on Instagram @thehampshireseedcompany

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps me reach more growers who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks so much for for tuning in  - See you next week!

Summer might look like the end of the flower farming season — but for those of us in the know, it’s actually when the real magic starts happening in the seed trays.

In this episode, I’m talking all things biennials and perennials: what to sow right now in June and July, how to keep them happy during the hot weather, and why this quiet little sowing season can lead to some of your most spectacular blooms (and sales) next spring.

Whether you’re running a flower farm or just want your garden to look smug in May while your neighbour’s tulips flop and their cosmos are still sulking — this one’s for you.

In this Episode I You will learn: 
Why summer sowing is your not-so-secret weapon for spring colour

My go-to biennials for plugging the May Gap (foxgloves forever)

The perennials I sow now to save time and space in spring

How I keep seedlings alive in the heat (shade hacks + watering tips)

Why I rarely direct sow (unless I want to be disappointed)

How to get a head start while everyone else is winding down

Read the blog: What I’m sowing this summer
Follow me on Instagram @hampshireseedcompany

Welcome to the Blooming Garden Podcast — the go-to space for aspiring and established flower farmers who want to grow beautiful blooms and build a thriving business.

In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s often overlooked — but absolutely essential:

FOLIAGE!!!

Not hedge clippings. We're talking intentional, scene-stealing, bouquet-building greens that add structure, drama, and serious sales power to your flowers. Whether you're sowing your very first cutting patch or you've already got blooms bursting at the seams, if your bouquets are missing that magic something — this is where you’ll find it.

Here’s what I cover:

• Why foliage is the backbone of every good arrangement
• My top 10 must-grow foliage plants (plus two bonus picks she couldn’t resist)
• Which varieties add structure, movement, contrast — or all three
• How to grow, prune, and cut them for maximum vase life
• Smart ways to mix perennial and annual foliage to build a profitable cutting garden
• The often-forgotten role foliage plays in making your flowers look expensive

Whether you’re building wedding bouquets, market bunches or mixed flower jars, this episode will change the way you grow — and value — your greens.

Want to go deeper?
 The full foliage list (with sowing tips and more details) is now live on the blog!
 Read the Foliage Blog Post

Loved this episode?
Make sure you follow the show wherever you get your podcasts — it’s the easiest way to stay up to date with new episodes and never miss a moment of seasonal growing advice, insider tips, and real talk from the flower patch 

Until next time — keep sowing, keep growing, and give your greens the main character energy they deserve. 🌿

In this week’s episode, I’m diving into a topic many florists and flower farmers put off for far too long: your website. Not just having one — but making sure it actually works for you. Whether you're running a full-scale cut flower farm or designing bouquets from your kitchen table, your website should be attracting customers, answering questions, and taking payments (even while you’re elbow-deep in sweet peas).

I’ll walk you through:

• The best platforms for flower growers and florists (Wix vs Shopify vs Squarespace)
• The non-negotiable elements every website needs to convert browsers into buyers
• How to set up your site to take payment upfront — no more ghosting customers
• Why SEO isn’t scary (and how to do it without jargon)
• A simple schedule for keeping your site fresh, seasonal, and sales-ready

If your site is out of date (or non-existent), this episode will give you the confidence and clarity to finally get it working for you — not against you.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• My wedding site: fuchsiabloomsflorist.com
• My seed business: thehampshireseedcompany.com
• Website builders: Wix, Squarespace, Shopify
• My Business Blogs for more helpful information about setting up and running your business : Business Blogs 

Sick of posting “Bookings now open!” and hearing nothing but crickets? This episode is your wake-up call. I’m breaking down how to actually attract better clients to your floral business — the kind who value your work, pay on time, and come back for more.
From defining your niche to fixing your website and building a proper marketing system (yes, more than just a pretty Instagram post), this one’s full of practical advice to help you grow sustainably — and profitably.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why dream clients don’t fall from the sky (and how to find them instead)
• How to speak directly to the people you want to attract
• The real job of your website (spoiler: it’s not just looking pretty)
• What to stop doing today if you want more bookings
• How to build a marketing system that works for you — not the other way around
• SEO basics for florists + how blog posts can bring more traffic than Instagram
• Why saying “DM to book” is losing you sales (and what to do instead)

Episode Mentions & Resources:

•  Listen to last week’s episode — Why Your Website Matters
• My niche blog post — Finding Your Floral Sweet Spot
• AI for Florists Blog Post — get started with ChatGPT 

If this episode hit home, hit Follow, leave a review, and share it with a fellow florist.
Your dream clients are out there — now let’s help them find you.

Snapdragons might look sweet and cottagey, but don’t be fooled — these are serious cut flower powerhouses.
In this episode, I’m diving into everything you need to know to grow tall, straight, florist-grade snapdragons from seed, whether you're a hobby grower or scaling up for serious sales.

From understanding snapdragon group classifications (yes, that’s a thing) to sowing tricks, pinching hacks, and how to stop them curling in a vase — this episode is packed with practical growing tips you can apply right now.

• Why not all snapdragon seeds are created equal — and which ones to avoid
• What the Group 1–4 system means (and why Madame Butterfly is the rebel of the bunch)
• When to sow snapdragons for the best stems — and what to do if your greenhouse gets shady in winter
• Whether to pinch (and how to turn pinched tips into new plants for free)
• The #1 post-harvest mistake growers make with snapdragons — and how to keep those stems straight
• Jane’s real-life sowing routine, plus what went wrong last year — and how she fixed it

🛍️ Resources & Mentions:

• Shop snapdragon seeds – tall florist-grade only
• Join our mailing list for the Snapdragon Grow-Along – it's free! ( If you are already registered with us you don't need to re register  - I'll automatically send you the link when its time) 
• Blog post - Growing Snapdragons 

If this episode got you fired up to grow better snapdragons this season:

1. Follow the podcast so you don’t miss what’s next
2. Leave a review — it helps more growers find us
3. Share this episode with a flower friend who’s had a snapdragon flop or two

💬 Got questions? Message me on Instagram @thehampshireseedco — or join the grow-along!

Ever wonder how some gardeners already have armfuls of colour while you’re still rummaging for your seed trays? It’s not magic — it’s timing. And in this episode, I’m pulling back the compost curtain on succession sowing — specifically why August is prime time to start.

You’ll learn:

• Why autumn-sown hardy annuals give you earlier, stronger blooms (and the Instagram bragging rights to match)
• The secret to succession sowing that fills your garden with colour every week, not just in May
• Exactly what to sow now (and what to save for later)
• The difference between cool flowers, biennials, and tender annuals
• How I stagger sweet peas and cornflowers across the seasons to hit every bloom window and wedding date

This one’s jam-packed with tips, timing tricks, and real talk on growing smarter — not just more.

LINKS & RESOURCES
Read my Succession Sowing Guide (PDFs, sowing charts, and month-by-month cheat sheets)
Read the Cold Stratification Blog
Join the Weekly Newsletter — you'll be first in line for autumn grow-alongs, seed launches, and new-season Dahlias
Follow along on Instagram: @thehampshireseedcompany

YOUR TASK THIS WEEK

Grab your phone, walk your plot, and dictate notes as you go. Spot the colour gaps and bald patches — then play matchmaker with hardy annuals to fill them. August you is planning. Future you is thriving.

FOLLOW:
If this episode got you itching to grab your seed trays and plan your best spring ever — make sure you hit ‘follow’ on The Blooming Garden Podcast so you don’t miss a single sowing tip, marketing strategy, or grow-along update.

New episodes drop every week — and if you’re feeling generous, I’d love it if you left a quick rating or review. It helps other growers find the show and lets me know what’s blooming in your world.

Subscribe, share it with a flower friend, and I’ll see you in next week’s episode! 🌸

In this episode, I’m getting into the not-so-sexy but absolutely essential topic of flower conditioning — what it is, why it matters, and how to do it properly. Whether you’re a newbie with your first bucket of cosmos or a seasoned grower supplying weddings, this one’s for you.

I walk you through the best time to cut specific flowers (including tulips, dahlias, zinnias, snapdragons, sweet peas, and poppies), and explain how to actually condition them for long-lasting vase life. Expect practical tips on:
Exactly when to harvest each flower for maximum vase life
Why conditioning isn’t optional (and the most common mistakes to avoid)
My go-to routine and tools for healthy, hydrated, flop-free stems
The difference between soft, sappy, and woody stems — and how to treat them
Why your zinnias are turning the water brown (and how to stop it!)

PLUS:  You can download  "The Ultimate Flower Conditioning Guide" When to Harvest & How to Condition 

the Top 50 Cut Flowers

AND: read the blog -  Cut Flower Vase Life & Conditioning Guide - How to Make Your Blooms Last Longer

 
If this episode helped you upgrade your post-harvest routine, I’d love it if you could do just one thing to help thsi podcast to grow and reach more people:
Follow the show so you never miss an episode or Leave a review — it genuinely means the world and helps me shape future episodes.

If you are feeling more generous then you could do both but that may be one step to far for my ask, I know  !

Are you a flower farmer or florist staring at a blank screen trying to write your website, social posts, or emails? AI tools like ChatGPT can help — but only if you use them right. In this episode, I’m sharing the first prompt every floral business owner should try, especially if you’ve been burned by cringey AI results in the past.

I’ll walk you through how to train ChatGPT to sound like you, how to build a brand voice from scratch (even if you don’t think you have one), and how to make AI your marketing sidekick — not your worst nightmare.

Whether you’re growing flowers or growing your audience, this episode will give you a total mindset shift around AI in your creative business.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why most florists get disappointing results from AI (and how to fix that)
• My exact foundational prompt to help you define your brand voice
• How to train ChatGPT to sound like you — not like a copy-and-paste robot
• The importance of giving AI real brand context (like quoting Mary Portas or David Ogilvy!)
• How to use AI to brainstorm captions, content, and copy that actually sell
• Why ChatGPT is a liar (yep!) 

Resources & Links:
Blog with  Free AI Prompts Starter Pack for Flower Farmers & Florists: Grab it here
My Top 5 Begginers AI Prompts download

If you’ve ever thought “I just need to grow more flowers” or “I don’t know if I’m charging enough” — this episode is for you.

In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the five core figures every flower farmer needs to know. These aren’t fluffy numbers; they’re the ones that make or break your business. From calculating your true cost per stem to spotting which crops are quietly draining your profits, these are the figures that will help you move from guessing… to growing a profitable business with confidence.

You’ll learn:

• How to calculate your true cost of production per stem (yes, even your labour counts!)
•  Why knowing your target stem price is essential for profit — not just covering costs
•  How to measure your yield per bed so you can ditch low performers and scale what works
•  The power of setting weekly and monthly stem targets (and why this changes everything)
•  How to work out your revenue per bed so you know exactly which crops are paying the rent

By the end, you’ll see how these five numbers give you clarity, confidence, and control over your flower farm’s success.

Links & Resources

• Flower Farming Calculator — plug in your beds, crops, and get instant clarity on costs and yields
• Pricing Flowers with Confidence Blog
• Planning for Profit Blog

Let’s Connect - If this episode was helpful, share it with a fellow grower who’s still guessing their numbers. And don’t forget to hit follow so you never miss an episode.

What do you get when you cross patience, petals, and a little bit of chaos? Dahlia breeding.

In this episode, I’m sharing the real process behind breeding your own dahlia varieties — from hand-pollination tips to spotting the traits worth keeping. Whether you’re dreaming of your own exclusive varieties or just curious about how new dahlias are born, this is a peek behind the curtain of one of the most exciting (and unpredictable) parts of flower farming.

You’ll learn:

 Why dahlia breeding is part science, part gamble — and why that’s the fun of it

•  How to hand-pollinate dahlias for more control over your crosses
•  The dominant vs recessive traits that shape form, colour, stem length, and vase life
•  Why keeping records, tagging plants, and growing over multiple years is essential
•  What beginners should focus on first (hint: start small and enjoy the surprises)

I’ll also share how I grow out my own seedlings, what I look for in keepers, and the traits that often don’t make the cut. And if you’re already dreaming of filling your garden with dahlias — including some from my own breeding patch — you’ll want to be on my launch list for November.

Links & Resources

• Breeding Dahlias Blog
• Dahlia propagation Blog
• Register for our weekly newsletter  where you'll get information all out our new season Dahlias for 2026.  Dahlia tuber pre-sale opens 1st November 2025 (dispatch early 2026) & Dahlia breeding seeds release 1st January 2026 — the perfect New Year’s Day start

Let’s Connect

If you loved this episode, leave a review and let me know what you’d like me to cover next. And don’t forget — the best varieties always go fast, so join my list to get first dibs.

When you’re growing for everyone… you’re really growing for no one.

In this episode, I’m unpacking the power of finding your ICA — your Ideal Customer Avatar. This isn’t just a marketing buzzword. It’s about building a flower business that works for you — your lifestyle, your crops, and your goals.

I’ll share the mistakes I made in my early days (think late-night bouquet deliveries, impossible wedding requests, and those dreaded houses with no numbers 🙃), and why saying yes to everything nearly burnt me out. More importantly, I’ll walk you through how finding your ICA gives you the clarity and permission to say no — and focus on the customers who bring both joy and profit.

You’ll learn:

• Why finding your ICA matters more than just “choosing a niche”
• How to spot the red flags that an ICA doesn’t fit your business
•  Examples of different flower farm ICAs — from high-end brides to weekly bouquet buyers
•  How your lifestyle, location, and crop choices all shape your ICA
•  Why pricing, vase life, and marketing should be tailored to your dream customer

Whether you’re just starting out or pivoting from chaos to clarity, this episode will help you stop spinning plates and start building a flower business that truly fits.

Links & Resources

• Finding your Flower Farming Niche 
• The Florists Guide to finding Dream Clients 

Let’s Connect

If this episode was helpful, share it with another grower who’s feeling pulled in too many directions. And don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss a weekly dose of flower farming strategy.

In this episode, I’m diving into one of the biggest game-changers for your growing season — autumn sowing. Forget the idea that autumn is the end of the gardening year; it’s actually the beginning of the next one. Whether you’re a home grower dreaming of an early flush of colour or a flower farmer chasing those lucrative May stems, this episode shows you how to sow now for serious results later.

I’ll walk you through my seven must-grow crops for autumn sowing — from Orlaya grandiflora and Larkspur to Lupins and Ranunculus — plus why these hardy plants will outperform every spring batch you’ve ever grown. You’ll also learn how to avoid the hungry gap, get blooms earlier, and free up precious spring bench space for summer annuals.

And if you’ve ever wondered what to sow when, my Grow-Along videos and blogs are linked below to help you get started with cold stratification, timing, and success tips for each crop.

What You’ll Learn

-Why autumn sowing gives you stronger, earlier blooms
 -How to bridge the “hungry gap” between spring bulbs and summer flowers
- The best hardy annuals and perennials to sow now
- How to layer your crops for a seamless spring-to-summer display
 -Why lupins and ranunculus are my ultimate May workhorses and beauty blooms

Mentioned in this Episode

Growing Orlaya grandiflora
Grow-Along Videos

Tune In & Take Action
Pick jut  three hardy annuals or perennials and start your autumn sowing this week. Your spring self will thank you when your beds are blooming and everyone else’s are bare.

Hey flower friends — in today’s episode, I’m kicking off a brand-new mini series all about making money in your flower business… and more importantly, how to stop quietly losing it.

This episode is your friendly nudge (or loving shove!) to finally look at your numbers in a way that feels simple, empowering, and totally doable — even if maths has never been your thing.

I’m breaking down the exact break-even formula I used at a recent Christmas market — the one that told me by lunchtime on Day 1 that we wouldn’t make our money back. Not because I’m negative… but because once you know your numbers, you can make smart decisions, pivot faster, and protect your business from quietly sinking in the background.

If you’ve ever avoided your costs, guessed your margins, or hoped the sales would “work themselves out,” this episode will change the way you plan every market, every event, and every season in your flower business.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why your school maths trauma has nothing to do with running a profitable business
• The simple “back-of-a-fag-packet” formula to work out your TRUE break-even — for any event
• The difference between markup and margin (and why it matters)
• How to know, in real time, whether a market is heading toward profit or loss
• The silent danger of only counting your stand fee as a cost
• Why understanding your numbers gives you clarity, control, and confidence
• The first steps to forecasting your business properly (yes, even if spreadsheets make you sweat)
• A sneak peek at the new Flower Business Bootcamp for beginners ready to turn their idea into a real, profitable business

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Break-Even Formula Blog Post
• Join the Flower Business Bootcamp Waitlist
• Follow along on Instagram: @thehampshireseedcompany

If you’re dreaming of starting a flower business — or already growing and selling without a plan — make sure you’re signed up for the Flower Business Bootcamp. It’s beginner-friendly, jargon-free, and gives you the exact steps you need to build a profitable flower business from day one.

In this episode, I’m stripping things right back to basics — how to sow seeds successfully. Whether you’re new to gardening or just want better germination rates, this is your no-nonsense guide to getting it right from the start.

I’ll walk you through everything from timing your sowings (and why enthusiasm isn’t a planting strategy!) to choosing the right compost, containers, and watering methods. You’ll learn why some trays fail, how to avoid damping off, and the simple habits that turn seed sowing from guesswork into success.

This episode is perfect for anyone who’s ever stared at an empty seed tray wondering what went wrong — or who just wants to stop wasting time, compost, and confidence.

What You’ll Learn
-Why timing matters more than enthusiasm
-The difference between hardy annuals and tender annuals
-How to stop damping off before it starts
-Why bottom watering beats top watering every time
-The truth about seed compost (and when you actually need it)
-How to harden off your seedlings for outdoor life
-The biggest beginner mistakes — and how to fix them

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode 14  - Direct Sowing vs. Modules
Blog - Understanding Stratification
The Hampshire Seed Company Grow-Alongs

Tune In & Take Action
Start small. Sow less. Watch more. Focus on consistency over chaos — because every tray teaches you something.

Most beginner flower farmers aren’t undercharging a little — they’re undercharging a lot, and usually without even realising it. In this episode, I break down exactly why pricing “by gut feel” is the fastest way to burn yourself out… and how to switch to real, sustainable, confidence-building pricing instead. If the numbers feel scary, don’t worry — I used to be hopeless at maths. But once you understand the formula and the four cost categories, everything clicks into place.

Here’s what we dig into:

The Real Reason Beginners Undercharge

Most growers price emotionally (“£10 feels fair”) instead of mathematically. This creates a business that looks busy but earns nothing — and leaves you quietly resenting the work.

The Four Costs Every Bouquet Must Cover

I walk you through the full breakdown so you finally know your true cost per stem:

1. COGS — seeds, compost, trays, elastic bands, sleeves… EVERYTHING that touches the product.
2. Growing Overheads — polytunnels, irrigation, grow lights, repairs, insurance.
3. Labour — weeding, watering, harvesting, conditioning, delivery, bouquet-making.
4. Margin — not greed… survival. This is what pays for tax, quiet months, growth, and your future.

As promised in the episode, here’s the exact margin formula:

Margin % = (Selling Price − Cost Price) ÷ Selling Price × 100

This formula helps you instantly see whether your price is sustainable — and why lowering a bouquet from £20 to £12 destroys your margin.

Why ‘Budget Customers’ Are Not Your Customers

I share two real conversations with callers who wanted £20 bouquets INCLUDING delivery (yep…). And why saying no is not only allowed — it’s essential.

 The Trap Most Flower Farmers Fall Into

Farmer A charges £12 “to be fair.”
 Farmer B charges £22 based on real maths.
 Same flowers. Completely different future.

The Confidence That Comes From Knowing Your Numbers

Pricing properly gives you clarity, control, and the ability to grow your business without resentment or burnout.

The Flower Business Bootcamp

If you're dreaming of starting a flower business — or you’ve already begun but don’t have a plan, a pricing system, or a forecast — you’ll love the Flower Business Bootcamp.

Inside, we’ll cover:

• How to pick your niche and ideal customer
• How to work out exactly what to charge
• How to build a realistic business plan
• How to forecast your first year using simple, repeatable maths

 Join the Bootcamp here: BUSINESS BOOTCAMP | Hampshire Seed Company

In this episode, I’m diving into how to grow poppies properly — from sowing method to variety choice — and explaining why poppies are one of the easiest flowers to grow when you stop fighting their nature.

If you’ve ever had poppies stall, sulk, or fail after transplanting, this episode explains exactly why. Most poppies hate root disturbance, thrive in cool conditions, and grow best when direct sown outdoors — no greenhouse required.

I also break down the different types of poppies, which ones are best for the garden, which work for cut flowers, and which are grown mainly for their decorative seed pods.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• When to sow poppies for the best results in the UK
• Why poppies are ideal for autumn, winter, and early spring sowing
• The four main types of poppies, and how to grow each one:
• Which poppies are best for Garden displays, Cut flowers and Decorative seed pods for arrangements
• Why most poppies should never be sown in trays
• The one exception where trays make sense (Icelandic poppies)
• How to sow poppies by broadcast sowing or in rows for flower farming
• Ideal temperatures for poppy germination and early growth
• Why poppies struggle in warm conditions and on heated propagators
• How flower farmers use poppy seed pods as a long-lasting, high-value crop

Links & resources mentioned in this episode

👉 Grow-Along Series

👉 Sweet Pea Grow-Along

👉 Sweet Pea Podcast Episode (Episode 7)
👉 Poppy sowing video

👉 Icelandic Poppy Grow-Along
 

Poppies don’t need protection, heat, or complicated systems — they need good timing, cool conditions, and minimal interference.

Choose the right type of poppy for what you want to grow, sow them where they want to be, and let them do their thing.

Happy sowing. Happy growing. 🌱

In this episode of The Blooming Garden Podcast, I’m breaking down how to start tomatoes properly for an early crop — and why most failures happen before the plants ever reach the garden. If you’ve ever sown tomatoes in January, watched them stall, sulk, or turn into sad little sticks… this episode explains exactly why — and how to avoid it.

Spoiler alert:
 It’s not about fancy kit.
 It’s about timing, temperature, and understanding what tomato seedlings actually need.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why starting tomatoes too early is one of the most common mistakes
• The real role of heat and light (and why grow lights alone aren’t enough)
• When January sowing does make sense — and when it absolutely doesn’t
• How cold conditions lead to nutrient uptake issues and stalled growth
• Why tomatoes don’t need a greenhouse in the early stages  — but do need the right setup
• How to give seedlings the conditions they need to grow strong from day one

This episode focuses on early success, not firefighting problems later.

🍅 Who This Episode Is For

• UK growers starting tomatoes indoors
• Gardeners confused by mixed advice on seed packets
• Growers who want strong plants, not leggy regrets

Whether you’re sowing your first tray or refining your timing, this episode will help you grow better tomatoes with less stress.

🔗 Helpful Links & Resources

• Tomatoes Grow-Along – step-by-step guidance on timing, equipment, and early care
• Growing Tomatoes Blog 

Tomatoes aren’t difficult — but they are honest. Get the conditions wrong early on, and they’ll tell you.

Get the timing right? They’ll reward you all summer.

This isn’t about algorithms, dancing on Reels, or becoming someone you’re not.
 It is about understanding what running a flower business actually involves.

Here’s what we unpack:

🌱 Growing flowers ≠ selling flowers
Most beginners are better growers than they think.
The problem isn’t the flowers — it’s that no one knows they exist.

Posting occasionally, quietly launching a website, or mentioning it to a neighbour isn’t a marketing strategy. That’s hope. And hope isn’t a business model.

🌱 Why the growers who sell out aren’t “better” growers
They’re better communicators.

The growers you see selling out every week talk — consistently — about:

• what they’re growing
• why they’re growing it
• when it’ll be ready
• and who it’s for

Often weeks or months before they expect anyone to buy.

🌱 Why marketing is part of the job (even if you hate it)
If you want a sustainable flower business, you’ll likely spend more time marketing than growing.

That doesn’t mean shouting, being cringe, or chasing trends.
 
It means showing up, talking about your flowers, and repeating yourself far more than feels comfortable.

🌱 Marketing early stops waste later
So many growers:

• grow too much
• grow without a sales plan
• end up discounting, composting, or giving flowers away

Marketing lets you grow with intention — matching supply to demand and building relationships before you need the sales.

🌱 Simple marketing that actually works for beginners
No funnels. No ads. No tech overwhelm.

Good beginner marketing is:

• picking one or two places to show up
• talking about your flowers before you have them
• saying the same thing again (and again… and again)
• making it painfully obvious how to buy

If people are DM’ing you asking “are these for sale?” — your marketing hasn’t done its job yet.

🌱 You’re not just a grower — you’re a business owner
A flower business that doesn’t sell is just a very expensive garden.

That doesn’t make you less authentic.
It makes you sustainable.

And if you truly don’t want to do the marketing? That’s not failure — it’s clarity. But selling flowers long-term won’t happen without it.

A Realistic Look at “Two Hours of Marketing”

I break down exactly what those two marketing hours can look like — from taking photos and writing a simple email, to researching local outlets and planning next week’s content.

No complexity. Just consistency. Because consistency beats complexity every single time.

Mentioned in This Episode

🌱 Episode 15 + Blog: Planning for Profit – How Many Flowers You Actually Need to Grow
 

Wholesale, Markets & Weddings All Mean Different Flowers

In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the biggest mistakes I see beginner cut flower farmers make: trying to grow one crop list for wholesale, markets, and weddings.

On paper, it sounds like diversification.  In reality, these are three very different businesses — with different priorities, pressures, and flower requirements.

What I Cover

-Why “a bit of everything” creates stress and waste
Wholesale, markets, and weddings aren’t just different sales outlets — they need different flowers.

- Wholesale vs markets vs weddings
Wholesale prioritises consistency, reliability, and uniform stems
Markets are about colour, impact, and abundance
Weddings require precise timing, colour palettes, and backup plans

Trying to grow for all three at once often means your flowers don’t quite fit anywhere.

Why strategy matters more than skill
If things feel hard, it’s rarely because you’re bad at growing — it’s usually because your growing doesn’t match how you’re selling.

The power of choosing a primary sales channel
Focusing on one main sales route (with a sensible backup) makes crop planning, sowing schedules, harvesting, and pricing much clearer — without locking you in forever.

Key Takeaway

Wholesale, markets, and weddings all need different flowers.
 Decide how you’re selling first, then let that guide what you grow.

Mentioned in This Episode

Blog: Finding Your Flower Farming Niche
Linked in the show notes to help you decide who you want to serve.

One Simple Action

Choose the sales channel you’re focusing on this season — and let that decision shape every growing choice you make.

Happy sowing, happy growing

If you likes this episode then follow for more. 

Today I’m joined by Lance Turner from Tomato Revolution (Wiltshire) — a proper tomato obsessive — and we break down what actually matters if you want strong plants and loads of fruit (not just a leafy jungle).

In this episode we cover the 8-week sowing rule, how to avoid leggy seedlings, why you should remove heat after germination, how to pot on deeper for stronger roots, what causes trusses not to set, and the feeding mistake that creates lots of leaves and hardly any tomatoes. We also talk blight — what helps, what doesn’t, and why ventilation is everything.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• When to sow tomatoes (the simple 8-week rule)
• Heat + light basics for sturdy seedlings
• Potting on deeper to build roots (and get more trusses)
• Why flowers drop / trusses don’t set (and the quick fix)
• Feeding: avoiding too much nitrogen so you get fruit

If you enjoyed this episode, share it and tag me — and come join my Grow-Alongs and growing guides for more UK-specific, no-fluff help.