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Welcome to another episode of our popular weekly live Q&A session on Instagram, Ask a Florist, featuring guest host Ellen Frost of Local Color Flowers in Baltimore, MD. Ellen is a floral designer who creates exclusively with flowers and foliage purchased from local growers. She is also one of our course instructors here at The Gardener's Workshop. In this episode, Ellen fields questions about: telling the story of local flowers, making bouquets, post-harvest care and handling, flower delivery best practices, and pricing your flowers, among others.MentionsThe Flower Farmer Club, presented by The Gardener's WorkshopEllen's newsletter signupEllen's YouTube ChannelFlowerMore CommunityConnect with Ellen: Ellen Frost Flowers (Instagram), WebsiteEllen Online Courses: Florist School Online, Preparing to Sell to FloristsShop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies!Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News!The Field and Garden Podcast is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of The Cut Flower Handbook, Vegetables Love Flowers, and Cool Flowers, owner of The Gardener's Workshop, Flower Farming School Online, and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with Lisa on social media!
Thinking of starting a garden?
Today, we're diving deep into the wonderful world of cutting gardens. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this guide will help you create a cutting garden that brings joy and beauty to your life. Here, Lisa covers what you need to know to make your cutting garden thrive.MentionsOnline Courses: The Easy Cut Flower Garden, Cool Flowers from Seed to HarvestBooks: Cool Flowers, Vegetables Love Flowers, The Cut Flower HandbookSeed Collection: Cut-Flower GardenSign up to receive our weekly Farm News!Shop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies!The Field and Garden Podcast is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of The Cut Flower Handbook, Vegetables Love Flowers, and Cool Flowers, owner of The Gardener's Workshop, Flower Farming School Online, and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with Lisa on social media!
Today, Lisa dives into the experiences and insights of Diane Szukovathy of Jello Mold Farm. A passionate flower farmer and co-founder of the Seattle Wholesale Growers Market, through her journey, we explore the importance of standards in the floral industry, the power of collaboration amongst flower farmers, and the creation of a valuable new resource for flower farmers everywhere.MentionsGet the Book: Floral StandardsAbout Diane and Jello Mold FarmSign up to receive our weekly Farm News!Shop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies!The Field and Garden Podcast is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of The Cut Flower Handbook, Vegetables Love Flowers, and Cool Flowers, owner of The Gardener's Workshop, Flower Farming School Online, and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with Lisa on social media!
Today's episode features a takeover of our popular weekly live Q&A session on Instagram, called Ask a Flower Farmer. This one featured guest host Lennie Larkin, author of Flower Farming for Profit and owner of B-Side Farm in Oregon. She is also one of our course instructors here at The Gardener's Workshop. In this Q&A, Lennie fielded questions about time management, marketing your flowers, building an email list, and more.MentionsLennie's Instagram: flowerfarming.forprofit, B-Side FarmLennie's online course: Profitable Flower FarmingThe Gardener's Workshop on InstagramShop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies!Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News!The Field and Garden Podcast is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of The Cut Flower Handbook, Vegetables Love Flowers, and Cool Flowers, owner of The Gardener's Workshop, Flower Farming School Online, and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with Lisa on social media!
Let's dive into why overplanting can be a problem. You might think, “Oh, I'll just plant a little more!” But when you do this, you can overcrowd your garden. This makes it harder to care for your plants, leading to chaos.MentionsOpen Farm Event: June 28, 2025Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News!Shop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies!The Field and Garden Podcast is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of The Cut Flower Handbook, Vegetables Love Flowers, and Cool Flowers, owner of The Gardener's Workshop, Flower Farming School Online, and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with Lisa on social media!
Join Lisa Mason Ziegler and Ellen Frost as they discuss the limitations of floral recipes and the beauty of creating unique designs with local flowers. Discover how flexibility, communication, and community relationships can empower you to confidently make unique floral arrangements without using recipes.MentionsEllen's newsletter signupEllen's YouTube ChannelFollow on Instagram: Ellen Frost Flowers, Local Color FlowersEllen Online Courses: Florist School Online, Preparing to Sell to FloristsShop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies!Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News!The Field and Garden Podcast is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of The Cut Flower Handbook, Vegetables Love Flowers, and Cool Flowers, owner of The Gardener's Workshop, Flower Farming School Online, and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with Lisa on social media!
Let's talk money—the kind that keeps your flower farm alive or quietly drains it dry. In this episode, Lisa digs into the tough truth about spending on the farm: what's worth it, what's not, and how to make choices that lead to long-term success instead of slow collapse. If you're ready to face your farm finances head-on, this one's for you.MentionsFree Phone App for Live Gardening Shows: Get the AppLisa's Course, Flower Farming School OnlineShop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies!Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News!The Field and Garden Podcast is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of The Cut Flower Handbook, Vegetables Love Flowers, and Cool Flowers, owner of The Gardener's Workshop, Flower Farming School Online, and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with Lisa on social media!
This episode features a takeover of our popular “Ask a Flower Farmer” live Q&A session on Instagram. Daniel Schavey of Petal Pickers Flower Co. in Greenville, SC hosted this one. Daniel is a 9th-year flower farmer growing in zone 8a and an alumnus of most of The Gardener's Workshop's online courses. Here, Daniel offers an update on his growing season and answers questions on topics such as growing flowers for Mother's Day, seed starting and growing tips, how to "hedge your bets" in flower farming, and so much more!MentionsPetalpickers.com: fresh flowers shipped nationwide, dahlia tuber, cutting, and bulb salesOnline Courses from The Gardener's WorkshopShop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies!Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News!The Field and Garden Podcast is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of The Cut Flower Handbook, Vegetables Love Flowers, and Cool Flowers, owner of The Gardener's Workshop, Flower Farming School Online, and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with Lisa on social media!
Today's episode features a takeover of our popular weekly live Q&A session on Instagram, called Ask a Flower Farmer. However, this one we called Ask a Florist featured guest hostess Ellen Frost of Local Color Flowers in Baltimore, MD. Ellen is a floral designer who creates exclusively with flowers and foliage purchased from local growers. She is also one of our course instructors here at The Gardener's Workshop. In this Q&A Ellen fielded questions about: farmer-florist relationships, design tips for weddings, marketing flowers to florists, must-have greenery for bouquets, planning wedding florals, and pricing your flowers, among others.MentionsEllen's newsletter signupEllen's YouTube ChannelFlowerMore CommunityFollow on Instagram: Ellen Frost Flowers, Local Color FlowersEllen Online Courses: Florist School Online, Preparing to Sell to FloristsShop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies!Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News!The Field and Garden Podcast is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of The Cut Flower Handbook, Vegetables Love Flowers, and Cool Flowers, owner of The Gardener's Workshop, Flower Farming School Online, and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with Lisa on social media!
Should you sell your flowers to florists? What attributes make a farmer a good match for selling to a florist? Here, Lisa chats with Ellen about her experiences working with 40+ flower farmers in her region. Learn what she thinks it takes to be successful in this popular selling channel and how you can accomplish it.MentionsEllen's newsletter signupEllen's YouTube ChannelFollow on Instagram: Ellen Frost Flowers, Local Color FlowersEllen Online Courses: Florist School Online, Preparing to Sell to FloristsShop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies!Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News!The Field and Garden Podcast is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of The Cut Flower Handbook, Vegetables Love Flowers, and Cool Flowers, owner of The Gardener's Workshop, Flower Farming School Online, and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with Lisa on social media!
I'm thrilled to share an inspiring story with you today. I want to introduce you to Tricia from The Simple Sunflower, an organization that's making a big difference in our community by repurposing flowers for those in need. In my chat with Tricia, you'll learn what they do, how they do it, and ways to apply this in your own community as well. Together, we can bring a little more joy into the world, one bouquet at a time!MentionsThe Simple Sunflower: Website, InstagramShop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies!Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News!The Field and Garden Podcast is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of The Cut Flower Handbook, Vegetables Love Flowers, and Cool Flowers, owner of The Gardener's Workshop, Flower Farming School Online, and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with Lisa on social media!
Wondering if poppies make good cut flowers? Curious about the proper harvest stage and how to condition both flowers and pods? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss the ins and outs of harvesting Iceland Poppies (Papaver nudicaule) and Giant Poppy Pods (Papaver somniferum) for use as cut flowers. They cover the proper harvest stage, conditioning tips, and the expected vase life for both Iceland Poppies and Giant Poppy Pods. Plus, the girls provide an update regarding the podcast schedule going forward. Listen to the podcast and learn how to get the most vase life out of your poppy flowers and pods!The video version of Lisa and Layne's conversation will be posted to The Gardener's Workshop's YouTube channel, where all “Seed Talk” episodes are organized into a playlist. In addition, auto-generated transcripts are available for viewing on YouTube. If there is a question or topic you would like to hear discussed on a future episode of “Seed Talk”, please fill out the form linked below. We would love to hear your suggestions!Mentions:"Seed Talk" YouTube PlaylistOnline Course: Cool Flowers from Seed to HarvestShop: Poppy Seeds"Seed Talk" Topic Suggestion FormTGW YouTube ChannelTGW iPhone App (iOS App Store)TGW Android App (Google Play)Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News!The "Seed Talk with Lisa & Layne" podcast is produced by The Gardener's Workshop and co-hosted by Lisa Mason Ziegler and Layne Angelo. Lisa is the founder and owner of The Gardener's Workshop, where Layne works as Seed Manager. Lisa is the award-winning author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers and the publisher of Flower Farming School Online, Farmer-Florist School Online, and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with her on social media. Layne is an avid gardener, seed starter, and engineer who loves learning and applying her technical knowledge to all areas of life, including gardening and growing flowers. Thanks for joining us!
Are you planting for success or setting yourself up for failure? Today, I'm excited to talk about something that many flower farmers, especially those just starting, often overlook. Are you a part-time flower farmer planting for a full-time flower farmer? This question is crucial to your success in the flower farming business.The bottom line is, don't plant a full-time garden with part-time hours. Be realistic about what you can handle. And most importantly, don't feel pressured to grow everything in your first season. Take your time, enjoy the process, and grow at a pace that works for you. I hope this helps you see the path to success in flower farming more clearly!MentionsLisa's Course, Flower Farming School OnlineShop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies!Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News!The Field and Garden Podcast is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of The Cut Flower Handbook, Vegetables Love Flowers, and Cool Flowers, owner of The Gardener's Workshop, Flower Farming School Online, and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with Lisa on social media!
Looking forward to bouquets filled with snapdragons this spring? Wondering which varieties to grow, how tightly to space the plants, and whether or not to pinch? In this excerpt from episode 36, Layne is joined by Gretel Adams of Sunny Meadows Flower Farm in Columbus, Ohio to discuss one of her farm's top five Mother's Day flowers - snapdragons. Layne and Gretel cover why snapdragons are such an important crop for Sunny Meadows, information about snapdragon groups, favorite colors and varieties, growing in structures versus the field, spacing when growing the plants as "one and done" crops, the proper harvest stage, and more. Listen to the podcast and learn how Gretel and her team grow gorgeous snapdragons year after year!The video version of Lisa and Layne's conversation will be posted to The Gardener's Workshop's YouTube channel, where all “Seed Talk” episodes are organized into a playlist. In addition, auto-generated transcripts are available for viewing on YouTube. If there is a question or topic you would like to hear discussed on a future episode of “Seed Talk”, please fill out the form linked below. We would love to hear your suggestions!Mentions:"Seed Talk" YouTube PlaylistEpisode 35 - Mother's Day Flowers, Part 1 - Anemones & Ranunculus with Gretel AdamsEpisode 36 - Mother's Day Flowers, Part 2 - Stock, Snapdragons & Tulips with Gretel AdamsSteve & Gretel's Greenhouse Transplant Guide with Spacing InformationOnline Course: Flower Farming School Online: Growing Cut-Flower Crops in Hoop & GreenhousesSunny Meadows Flower Farm Website & Instagram"Seed Talk" Topic Suggestion FormTGW YouTube ChannelTGW iPhone App (iOS App Store)TGW Android App (Google Play)Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News!The "Seed Talk with Lisa & Layne" podcast is produced by The Gardener's Workshop and co-hosted by Lisa Mason Ziegler and Layne Angelo. Lisa is the founder and owner of The Gardener's Workshop, where Layne works as Seed Manager. Lisa is the award-winning author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers and the publisher of Flower Farming School Online, Farmer-Florist School Online, and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with her on social media. Layne is an avid gardener, seed starter, and engineer who loves learning and applying her technical knowledge to all areas of life, including gardening and growing flowers. Thanks for joining us!
This episode features a takeover of our popular weekly live Q&A session on Instagram, called Ask a Flower Farmer. It was guest-hosted by Dave Dowling of Ball/ColorLink, a former flower farmer and the instructor for our online course: Flower Farming School Online: Bulbs, Perennials, Woodies, and More. Dave is always happy to share his knowledge with our listeners!Topics CoveredManaging gladiolus bulbsPeony growing & maintenanceHydrangea pruningHoliday arrangements using seasonal foliageGrowing bulbs in cooler temperaturesTiming your plantings for Christmas flowersStoring & planting Iris bulbsDirect sowing cool season hardy annuals (Cool Flowers)Episode originally aired 12/11/24 on Instagram. Join Lisa and her guest hosts Wednesdays at 12:30PM Eastern time to get your cut flower growing questions answered by the experts!MentionsDave's Course: Bulbs, Perennials, Woodies, and More!Shop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies!Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News!The Field and Garden Podcast is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of The Cut Flower Handbook, Vegetables Love Flowers, and Cool Flowers, owner of The Gardener's Workshop, Flower Farming School Online, and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with Lisa on social media!
Wondering what's happening at the flower farm this month? Curious about which tasks should be on your radar? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss what's going on at the farm in February, offer a tip of the month, and cover recent questions from listeners. Listen to the podcast and learn about the goings-on at a southeastern Virginia (USDA zone 8a) flower farm!The video version of Lisa and Layne's conversation will be posted to The Gardener's Workshop's YouTube channel, where all “Seed Talk” episodes are organized into a playlist. In addition, auto-generated transcripts are available for viewing on YouTube. If there is a question or topic you would like to hear discussed on a future episode of “Seed Talk”, please fill out the form linked below. We would love to hear your suggestions!Mentions:"Seed Talk" YouTube PlaylistOnline Course: Cool Flowers from Seed to HarvestShop: SeedsEpisode 27 - Thinning Direct-Seeded & Self-Sown Beds of SeedlingsEpisode 34 - Fertilizer Routine for Seedlings, Beds & PlantsEpisode 77 - Growing Hellebores as Cut FlowersEpisode 122 - Pantone Color of the Year 2025 & Scabiosa 'Ping Pong'"Seed Talk" Topic Suggestion FormTGW YouTube ChannelTGW iPhone App (iOS App Store)TGW Android App (Google Play)Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News!The "Seed Talk with Lisa & Layne" podcast is produced by The Gardener's Workshop and co-hosted by Lisa Mason Ziegler and Layne Angelo. Lisa is the founder and owner of The Gardener's Workshop, where Layne works as Seed Manager. Lisa is the award-winning author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers and the publisher of Flower Farming School Online, Farmer-Florist School Online, and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with her on social media. Layne is an avid gardener, seed starter, and engineer who loves learning and applying her technical knowledge to all areas of life, including gardening and growing flowers. Thanks for joining us!
Flower farming isn't just about the blooms, it's about the journey! Join Lisa Mason Ziegler as she shares her insights on facing challenges and making smart choices in the world of flower farming. Your good life awaits! MentionsLisa's Course, Flower Farming School OnlineLisa's Course, The Easy Cut Flower GardenShop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies!Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News!The Field and Garden Podcast is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of The Cut Flower Handbook, Vegetables Love Flowers, and Cool Flowers, owner of The Gardener's Workshop, Flower Farming School Online, and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with Lisa on social media!
Wishing you could add a pop of powder blue to your bouquets? Interested in learning how to grow Tweedia as a cool flower? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss the delightful flowers of Tweedia 'Heavenly Blue' (Oxypetalum coeruleum). They cover why home gardeners and flower farmers should consider growing it and offer tips on spacing, pinching, harvesting, and more. Listen to the podcast and learn how to boost your bouquets with the true blue, star-shaped flowers of Tweedia!The video version of Lisa and Layne's conversation will be posted to The Gardener's Workshop's YouTube channel, where all “Seed Talk” episodes are organized into a playlist. In addition, auto-generated transcripts are available for viewing on YouTube. If there is a question or topic you would like to hear discussed on a future episode of “Seed Talk”, please fill out the form linked below. We would love to hear your suggestions!Mentions:"Seed Talk" YouTube PlaylistOnline Course: Cool Flowers from Seed to HarvestShop: Tweedia 'Heavenly Blue' Seeds"Seed Talk" Topic Suggestion FormTGW YouTube ChannelTGW iPhone App (iOS App Store)TGW Android App (Google Play)Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News!The "Seed Talk with Lisa & Layne" podcast is produced by The Gardener's Workshop and co-hosted by Lisa Mason Ziegler and Layne Angelo. Lisa is the founder and owner of The Gardener's Workshop, where Layne works as Seed Manager. Lisa is the award-winning author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers and the publisher of Flower Farming School Online, Farmer-Florist School Online, and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with her on social media. Layne is an avid gardener, seed starter, and engineer who loves learning and applying her technical knowledge to all areas of life, including gardening and growing flowers. Thanks for joining us!
Today, I want to dive into something really important for anyone looking to succeed in flower farming or any kind of business: grit. I believe developing grit is a choice. It's not something you're born with; it's something you cultivate over time. Each time you face a fear or a challenge and choose to push through, you're building your grit.MentionsLisa's Course, Flower Farming School OnlineShop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies!Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News!The Field and Garden Podcast is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of The Cut Flower Handbook, Vegetables Love Flowers, and Cool Flowers, owner of The Gardener's Workshop, Flower Farming School Online, and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with Lisa on social media!
Confused about how often to water your soil blocks? Wondering what to do if your blocks seem to stay wet for too long or dry out too quickly? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss tips and tricks for watering soil blocks. They cover how to water the blocks, including recommended equipment and frequency, and troubleshoot overly wet or dry blocks. Listen to the podcast and learn how to properly water your soil blocks for seed-starting success! The video version of Lisa and Layne's conversation will be posted to The Gardener's Workshop's YouTube channel, where all “Seed Talk” episodes are organized into a playlist. In addition, auto-generated transcripts are available for viewing on YouTube. If there is a question or topic you would like to hear discussed on a future episode of “Seed Talk”, please fill out the form linked below. We would love to hear your suggestions! Mentions: "Seed Talk" YouTube Playlist Online Course: Cool Flowers from Seed to Harvest Shop: Seed-Starting Equipment Episode 31 - Growth on Soil Blocks, Overwatering & Damping Off "Seed Talk" Topic Suggestion Form TGW YouTube Channel TGW iPhone App (iOS App Store) TGW Android App (Google Play) Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News! The "Seed Talk with Lisa & Layne" podcast is produced by The Gardener's Workshop and co-hosted by Lisa Mason Ziegler and Layne Angelo. Lisa is the founder and owner of The Gardener's Workshop, where Layne works as Seed Manager. Lisa is the award-winning author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers and the publisher of Flower Farming School Online, Farmer-Florist School Online, and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with her on social media. Layne is an avid gardener, seed starter, and engineer who loves learning and applying her technical knowledge to all areas of life, including gardening and growing flowers. Thanks for joining us!
Today I'm thrilled to share some important tips for anyone dreaming of starting a flower farming business. As I look back on my journey, I wish I had these resources when I started. This is about the three key steps that can lead to failure as a flower farmer. I've seen many passionate people vanish from the business, and it's often due to skipping over some basic but crucial steps. I'd love to keep YOU from failing, and I hope these tips help you navigate the challenges of flower farming and keep your passion alive. ~Lisa Mentions The Flower Farmer Club, presented by The Gardener's Workshop Shop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies! Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News! The Field and Garden Podcast is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of The Cut Flower Handbook, Vegetables Love Flowers, and Cool Flowers, owner of The Gardener's Workshop, Flower Farming School Online, and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with Lisa on social media!
Debating whether or not to grow calendula on your farm or in your garden? Wondering if the stems are long enough to include in mixed bouquets, or if there are any tips for dealing with the stickiness when harvesting? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss some common questions about Calendula officinalis (aka pot marigolds). They cover a myriad of queries and concerns regarding timing, stem length, stickiness, conditioning, and more. Listen to the podcast and learn how to make the most of these colorful harbingers of spring! The video version of Lisa and Layne's conversation will be posted to The Gardener's Workshop's YouTube channel, where all “Seed Talk” episodes are organized into a playlist. In addition, auto-generated transcripts are available for viewing on YouTube. If there is a question or topic you would like to hear discussed on a future episode of “Seed Talk”, please fill out the form linked below. We would love to hear your suggestions! Mentions: "Seed Talk" YouTube Playlist Online Course: Cool Flowers from Seed to Harvest Shop: Calendula Seeds Episode 23 - Cut & Come Again Cool Flowers, Part 2 Episode 95 - Flower Conditioning Products & Process "Seed Talk" Topic Suggestion Form TGW YouTube Channel TGW iPhone App (iOS App Store) TGW Android App (Google Play) Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News! The "Seed Talk with Lisa & Layne" podcast is produced by The Gardener's Workshop and co-hosted by Lisa Mason Ziegler and Layne Angelo. Lisa is the founder and owner of The Gardener's Workshop, where Layne works as Seed Manager. Lisa is the award-winning author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers and the publisher of Flower Farming School Online, Farmer-Florist School Online, and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with her on social media. Layne is an avid gardener, seed starter, and engineer who loves learning and applying her technical knowledge to all areas of life, including gardening and growing flowers. Thanks for joining us!
Today I'm diving into a topic that I've never really talked about before: collaboration versus competition. Why are we so afraid of competition? Let's explore why collaboration can actually be more beneficial. MentionsThe Flower Farmer Club, presented by The Gardener's Workshop Shop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies! Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News! The Field and Garden Podcast is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of The Cut Flower Handbook, Vegetables Love Flowers, and Cool Flowers, owner of The Gardener's Workshop, Flower Farming School Online, and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with Lisa on social media!
Wondering which cool flowers to plant in very early spring? Curious what to do if the ground is frozen, or if you live in a warm, frost-free climate? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss frequently asked questions about planting cool flowers (aka cool-season hardy annuals) in very early spring. They describe how to determine your optimal very early spring planting window and cover a myriad of questions and concerns. Listen to the podcast and learn how to make the most of your very early spring planting window! The video version of Lisa and Layne's conversation will be posted to The Gardener's Workshop's YouTube channel, where all “Seed Talk” episodes are organized into a playlist. In addition, auto-generated transcripts are available for viewing on YouTube. If there is a question or topic you would like to hear discussed on a future episode of “Seed Talk”, please fill out the form linked below. We would love to hear your suggestions! Mentions: "Seed Talk" YouTube Playlist Online Course: Cool Flowers from Seed to Harvest Shop: Cool-Season Seeds Episode 20 - Cool Flowers Troubleshooting - Direct Seeding in Very Early Spring "Seed Talk" Topic Suggestion Form TGW YouTube Channel TGW iPhone App (iOS App Store) TGW Android App (Google Play) Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News! The "Seed Talk with Lisa & Layne" podcast is produced by The Gardener's Workshop and co-hosted by Lisa Mason Ziegler and Layne Angelo. Lisa is the founder and owner of The Gardener's Workshop, where Layne works as Seed Manager. Lisa is the award-winning author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers and the publisher of Flower Farming School Online, Farmer-Florist School Online, and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with her on social media. Layne is an avid gardener, seed starter, and engineer who loves learning and applying her technical knowledge to all areas of life, including gardening and growing flowers. Thanks for joining us!
Today I am here to share my thoughts on something that has had a big impact on my flower farming journey personally: community. A community is powerful no matter where you currently are on your flower farming journey. I created The Flower Farmer Club to be a safe place for us all to be motivated and encouraged, and to be a place for learning and exploration! I am so eager to join you on your adventure and I look forward to seeing you in the club. MentionsThe Flower Farmer Club, presented by The Gardener's Workshop Shop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies! Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News! The Field and Garden Podcast is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of The Cut Flower Handbook, Vegetables Love Flowers, and Cool Flowers, owner of The Gardener's Workshop, Flower Farming School Online, and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with Lisa on social media!
Is a winter storm heading your way, or has one just passed? Wondering how to protect the cool flowers overwintering in your field or garden? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss preparing for a winter storm and dealing with the aftermath when growing cool-season hardy annuals outdoors. They cover helpful steps to take before, during, and after a storm, and offer real-life stories from past winter events. Listen to the podcast and learn how to give your cool flowers their best chance of survival! The video version of Lisa and Layne's conversation will be posted to The Gardener's Workshop's YouTube channel, where all “Seed Talk” episodes are organized into a playlist. In addition, auto-generated transcripts are available for viewing on YouTube. If there is a question or topic you would like to hear discussed on a future episode of “Seed Talk”, please fill out the form linked below. We would love to hear your suggestions! Mentions: "Seed Talk" YouTube Playlist Online Course: Cool Flowers from Seed to Harvest Shop: Cool-Season Seeds Episode 68 - Row Cover Do's & Don'ts Episode 73 - 7 Common Causes of Cool Flower Plant Loss Over Winter "Seed Talk" Topic Suggestion Form TGW YouTube Channel TGW iPhone App (iOS App Store) TGW Android App (Google Play) Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News! The "Seed Talk with Lisa & Layne" podcast is produced by The Gardener's Workshop and co-hosted by Lisa Mason Ziegler and Layne Angelo. Lisa is the founder and owner of The Gardener's Workshop, where Layne works as Seed Manager. Lisa is the award-winning author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers and the publisher of Flower Farming School Online, Farmer-Florist School Online, and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with her on social media. Layne is an avid gardener, seed starter, and engineer who loves learning and applying her technical knowledge to all areas of life, including gardening and growing flowers. Thanks for joining us!
Today, I want to dive into the topic of cool flowers and the importance of planting them in very early spring. The basic idea is to plant these flowers in cool to cold conditions to get the best performance out of them, which can happen in fall, winter, or very early spring. Many people have been led away from planting during these unusual times. But I assure you, this is where the magic happens! For flower farmers, planting cool flowers can significantly boost your business. We're talking about flowers like: Bells of Ireland Sweet peas Stock Snapdragons Lisianthus Larkspur Status Poppies When planted at the right time, these flowers bloom earlier, grow taller, produce more stems, and are more resistant to diseases and pests. Listen in to learn who can plant in this window, when and what to plant, and more! Mentions Lisa's Book, Cool Flowers Lisa's Book, The Cut Flower Handbook Online Course: Cool Flowers from Seed to Harvest The Flower Farmer Club, presented by The Gardener's Workshop Shop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies! Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News! The Field and Garden Podcast is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of The Cut Flower Handbook, Vegetables Love Flowers, and Cool Flowers, owner of The Gardener's Workshop, Flower Farming School Online, and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with Lisa on social media!
Wondering how to keep track of your seed starting and planting times throughout the year? Confused about which dates to mark on your calendar and how to determine them? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss planning your growing season using a wall calendar. They cover why a physical calendar may be a good choice and walk through the steps to fill out your first and last frost dates, planting windows, and target seed starting dates. Listen to the podcast and get organized for a year of beauty and bounty in the garden! The video version of Lisa and Layne's conversation will be posted to The Gardener's Workshop's YouTube channel, where all “Seed Talk” episodes are organized into a playlist. In addition, auto-generated transcripts are available for viewing on YouTube. If there is a question or topic you would like to hear discussed on a future episode of “Seed Talk”, please fill out the form linked below. We would love to hear your suggestions! Mentions: "Seed Talk" YouTube Playlist Online Course: Cool Flowers from Seed to Harvest Episode 25 - Seed Starting & Transplant Timing Episode 75 - Cool Flower Succession Planting in Very Early Spring & Beyond Useful Links (Including AT-A-GLANCE Yearly Wall Calendar) Shop: Seeds "Seed Talk" Topic Suggestion Form TGW YouTube Channel TGW iPhone App (iOS App Store) TGW Android App (Google Play) Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News! The "Seed Talk with Lisa & Layne" podcast is produced by The Gardener's Workshop and co-hosted by Lisa Mason Ziegler and Layne Angelo. Lisa is the founder and owner of The Gardener's Workshop, where Layne works as Seed Manager. Lisa is the award-winning author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers and the publisher of Flower Farming School Online, Farmer-Florist School Online, and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with her on social media. Layne is an avid gardener, seed starter, and engineer who loves learning and applying her technical knowledge to all areas of life, including gardening and growing flowers. Thanks for joining us!
Did you know that we have another podcast series? It's called Seed Talk with Lisa & Layne, and it's become really popular! This is their top podcast episode of 2024, the one with the most overall listens, and it's about succession planting Cool Flowers. If you like this one, please consider subscribing to Seed Talk wherever you get your podcasts. You can also watch Seed Talk on our YouTube channel (see the Seed Talk playlist there), or listen to Seed Talk anytime in the podcast section on our website. *Winner, Best of 2024* Seed Talk with Lisa & Layne Curious about planting cool-season hardy annuals beyond very early spring? Wondering which cool flowers you should consider succession planting? Here (in episode #75), Lisa and Layne cover potential consequences of planting cool-season hardy annuals later in the season, what makes a cool flower a good candidate for succession planting, and succession-planting tips for several flowers. Listen and learn how to succession plant for an abundant cool flower garden! Mentions: ”Seed Talk” YouTube Playlist Episode 50 – Sweet William Variety Comparison: Amazon vs. Sweet Episode 72 – Bupleurum Germination & Succession-Planting Tips Shop: Cool-Season Seeds “Seed Talk” Topic Suggestion Form TGW YouTube Channel Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News! The “Seed Talk with Lisa & Layne” podcast is produced by The Gardener's Workshop and co-hosted by Lisa Mason Ziegler and Layne Angelo. Lisa is the founder and owner of The Gardener's Workshop, where Layne works as Seed Manager. Lisa is the award-winning author of Vegetables Love Flowers, Cool Flowers, The Cut Flower Handbook, and the publisher of Flower Farming School Online, Farmer-Florist School Online, and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with her on social media. Layne is an avid gardener, seed starter, and engineer who loves learning and applying her technical knowledge to all areas of life, including gardening and growing flowers.
Happy New Year, everyone! Interested in integrating the Pantone Color of the Year into your garden or floral arrangements? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss the Pantone Color of the Year for 2025 ('Mocha Mousse') and a plant that produces unique, geometric seed heads that embody this color story (Scabiosa stellata 'Ping Pong'). Listen to the podcast and find out why 'Ping Pong' starflower is a must-grow plant for your garden or farm! The video version of Lisa and Layne's conversation will be posted to The Gardener's Workshop's YouTube channel, where all “Seed Talk” episodes are organized into a playlist. In addition, auto-generated transcripts are available for viewing on YouTube. If there is a question or topic you would like to hear discussed on a future episode of “Seed Talk”, please fill out the form linked below. We would love to hear your suggestions! Mentions: "Seed Talk" YouTube Playlist Online Course: Cool Flowers from Seed to Harvest Shop: 'Ping Pong' Scabiosa Seeds Episode 18 - Pantone Color of the Year 2023 & Zinnia 'Uproar Rose' Episode 70 - Pantone Color of the Year 2024 & Celosia 'Jura Salmon' "Seed Talk" Topic Suggestion Form TGW YouTube Channel TGW iPhone App (iOS App Store) TGW Android App (Google Play) Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News! The "Seed Talk with Lisa & Layne" podcast is produced by The Gardener's Workshop and co-hosted by Lisa Mason Ziegler and Layne Angelo. Lisa is the founder and owner of The Gardener's Workshop, where Layne works as Seed Manager. Lisa is the award-winning author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers and the publisher of Flower Farming School Online, Farmer-Florist School Online, and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with her on social media. Layne is an avid gardener, seed starter, and engineer who loves learning and applying her technical knowledge to all areas of life, including gardening and growing flowers. Thanks for joining us!
Our most popular episode of 2024! Here, Lisa was featured on The joegardener® Show podcast, joining host Joe Lamp'l to discuss the Cool Flowers concept and how she got started growing this fantastic group of spring stunners! They covered topics such as: How to determine which Cool Flowers you can grow in your region When and how to start your Cool Flowers from seed The special care requirements of flowers planted in the fall and in very early spring What you should do to prepare in the fall even if you don't plant until very early spring Mentions Lisa's Book, Cool Flowers The Flower Farmer by Lynn Byczynski The New Organic Grower by Eloit Coleman Bio360 Biodegradable Mulch Film Row Cover Hoop Kit Cool-Season Hardy Annual Seeds Full The joegardener® Show Episode #274 Podcast & Blog Post Available Here Joe's Book, The Vegetable Gardening Book Joe's online course, Organic Vegetable Gardening Watch Growing a Greener World and connect with Joe: Website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter Free Resources on our website Shop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies! Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News! The Field and Garden Podcast is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of Vegetables Love Flowers, The Cut Flower Handbook, and Cool Flowers, owner of The Gardener's Workshop, Flower Farming School Online, and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with Lisa on social media!
Wondering why a cut-flower grower might focus on annuals rather than perennials? Interested in learning how an urban flower farm's seed-starting operation scaled up over time and which crops were essential to its success? In this excerpt from episode 6 ('How Seeds Changed My Life - Lisa Mason Ziegler Edition'), Layne interviews Lisa about her seed-starting journey as a gardener and flower farmer. They discuss the reasons why Lisa decided to focus on growing annuals on her flower farm, how her seed-starting operation has evolved over the years, seeds she struggled with, the most significant crops for her farm, and more. Listen to the podcast and enjoy learning about Lisa's journey with seeds! The video version of Lisa and Layne's conversation will be posted to The Gardener's Workshop's YouTube channel, where all “Seed Talk” episodes are organized into a playlist. In addition, auto-generated transcripts are available for viewing on YouTube. If there is a question or topic you would like to hear discussed on a future episode of “Seed Talk”, please fill out the form linked below. We would love to hear your suggestions! Mentions: "Seed Talk" YouTube Playlist Episode 6 - How Seeds Changed My Life - Lisa Mason Ziegler Edition Shop: Seeds, Seed Starting Equipment, Books Flower Farming School Online: The Basics, Annual Crops, Marketing & More! Online Course: Cool Flowers from Seed to Harvest "Seed Talk" Topic Suggestion Form TGW YouTube Channel TGW iPhone App (iOS App Store) TGW Android App (Google Play) Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News! The "Seed Talk with Lisa & Layne" podcast is produced by The Gardener's Workshop and co-hosted by Lisa Mason Ziegler and Layne Angelo. Lisa is the founder and owner of The Gardener's Workshop, where Layne works as Seed Manager. Lisa is the award-winning author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers and the publisher of Flower Farming School Online, Farmer-Florist School Online, and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with her on social media. Layne is an avid gardener, seed starter, and engineer who loves learning and applying her technical knowledge to all areas of life, including gardening and growing flowers. Thanks for joining us!
Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone in Business Today, we're discussing stepping out of your comfort zone, a challenge many face when starting a new business. In new ventures, like a flower farm, we often seek help from peers. While this can be comforting, it may also lead to stagnation. Spending too much time with others who are struggling can hinder our progress. Successful individuals share key habits: They make decisions based on facts, not assumptions. They recognize that time is money. They surround themselves with more successful people. The company we keep influences our behavior. If we only seek help from those at our level or below, we risk feeling stuck. Ask for advice from those who have succeeded. Embrace challenging environments. Recently, I was encouraged to attend a small business conference. Initially, I felt overwhelmed and doubted my ability to contribute. It's normal to feel scared in new situations. But stepping out of your comfort zone—those daunting experiences can transform your business. We all face challenges along our journeys, so let's support each other in striving for growth! Mentions Free Resources on our website Shop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies! Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News! The Field and Garden Podcast is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of The Cut Flower Handbook, Vegetables Love Flowers, and Cool Flowers, owner of The Gardener's Workshop, Flower Farming School Online, and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with Lisa on social media!
Wondering which tools and supplies you need to get started in flower arranging? Looking for a last-minute holiday gift for a flower lover? In this excerpt from episode 14, Lisa and Layne are joined by Ellen Frost of Local Color Flowers to discuss the essential tools and supplies to include in a floral design kit. Listen to the podcast and get ready to build the ultimate flower arranging kit for yourself or a flower-loving friend! The video version of Lisa, Layne, and Ellen's conversation will be posted to The Gardener's Workshop's YouTube channel, where all “Seed Talk” episodes are organized into a playlist. In addition, auto-generated transcripts are available for viewing on YouTube. If there is a question or topic you would like to hear discussed on a future episode of “Seed Talk”, please fill out the form linked below. We would love to hear your suggestions! Mentions: "Seed Talk" YouTube Playlist Episode 14 - DIY Flower Arranging Kit with Ellen Frost Ellen's Website, Local Color Flowers Website Shop TGW Website: Shears, Cut-Flower Food, On-Demand Workshop: Preparing to Sell to Florists, Florist School Online: Building Your Business with Local Flower Sourcing Shop TGW App: Floral Netting, Clear Oasis Tape Other Items: Floral Genius Flower Frogs, Vases, Stem Wire "Seed Talk" Topic Suggestion Form TGW YouTube Channel TGW iPhone App (iOS App Store) TGW Android App (Google Play) Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News! The "Seed Talk with Lisa & Layne" podcast is produced by The Gardener's Workshop and co-hosted by Lisa Mason Ziegler and Layne Angelo. Lisa is the founder and owner of The Gardener's Workshop, where Layne works as Seed Manager. Lisa is the award-winning author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers and the publisher of Flower Farming School Online, Farmer-Florist School Online, and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with her on social media. Layne is an avid gardener, seed starter, and engineer who loves learning and applying her technical knowledge to all areas of life, including gardening and growing flowers. Thanks for joining us!
This episode features a takeover of our popular weekly live Q&A session on Instagram, called Ask a Flower Farmer. It was guest-hosted by Dave Dowling of Ball/ColorLink, a former flower farmer and the instructor for our online course: Flower Farming School Online: Bulbs, Perennials, Woodies, and More. Dave is always happy to share his knowledge with our listeners! Topics Covered Caring for dahlias in high heat Growing ranunculus, daffodils, & tulips for a spring wedding Overwintering snapdragons Growing ranunculus in tunnels Beginner-friendly fall-planted flowering bulbs Storing daffodil bulbs prior to planting Growing ornamental kale Ranunculus post-harvest care Grow lights for home gardeners Allium preferred growing conditions Spacing for planting peonies Episode originally aired 9/25/24 on Instagram. Join Lisa and her guest hosts Wednesdays at 12:30PM Eastern time to get your cut flower growing questions answered by the experts! Mentions Dave Dowling on social: Facebook, Instagram Dave's Online Course: Bulbs, Perennials, Woodies, and More! Val Schirmer's Online workshop: Forcing Glorious Blooms for the Holidays & Beyond Discover our online courses! Shop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies! Sign up to receive our Farm News emails! The Field and Garden Podcast is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers, owner of The Gardener's Workshop, Flower Farming School Online, and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with Lisa on social media!
Looking for the perfect gift for a gardener or flower farmer this holiday season? Lisa and Layne have you covered! In this excerpt from episode 13 ('Great Gifts for Gardeners'), the girls discuss five fantastic gift ideas for gardeners. Listen to the podcast and find the perfect presents for all the gardeners in your life, including yourself! The video version of Lisa and Layne's conversation will be posted to The Gardener's Workshop's YouTube channel, where all “Seed Talk” episodes are organized into a playlist. In addition, auto-generated transcripts are available for viewing on YouTube. If there is a question or topic you would like to hear discussed on a future episode of “Seed Talk”, please fill out the form linked below. We would love to hear your suggestions! Mentions: "Seed Talk" YouTube Playlist Episode 13 - Great Gifts for Gardeners Shop TGW Website: Gloves, Shears & Pouch, Sod Knife Non-TGW Items: ReLeaf Leaf Scoops, Gardener's Supply Lifetime Mini Trowel Online Course: Cool Flowers from Seed to Harvest "Seed Talk" Topic Suggestion Form TGW YouTube Channel TGW iPhone App (iOS App Store) TGW Android App (Google Play) Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News! The "Seed Talk with Lisa & Layne" podcast is produced by The Gardener's Workshop and co-hosted by Lisa Mason Ziegler and Layne Angelo. Lisa is the founder and owner of The Gardener's Workshop, where Layne works as Seed Manager. Lisa is the award-winning author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers and the publisher of Flower Farming School Online, Farmer-Florist School Online, and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with her on social media. Layne is an avid gardener, seed starter, and engineer who loves learning and applying her technical knowledge to all areas of life, including gardening and growing flowers. Thanks for joining us!
A Golden Opportunity: The Power of Leaves Today, I'm excited to share one of the first lessons I learned in gardening that has shaped my entire flower farming career. This episode is all about the amazing benefits of leaves, specifically how they can transform your garden into a thriving ecosystem. Especially for those of you who might see leaves as a nuisance, I want to help you understand their true potential. Listen to learn the "Who, What, When, Where, and Why" of adding leaves to your growing space! Mentions Lisa's book, Vegetables Love Flowers Blog Post, Garden Gold Free Resources on our website Shop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies! Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News! The Field and Garden Podcast is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers, owner of The Gardener's Workshop, Flower Farming School Online, and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with Lisa on social media!
Do you love brightening up your home with the spectacular blooms of amaryllis throughout the winter season? Wondering how often to water or fertilize the plants, or how to prevent the flower stalks from curving, leaning, or flopping? In this excerpt from episode 15, Lisa and Layne are joined by Val Schirmer of Three Toads Farm to discuss tips and tricks for growing amaryllis (Hippeastrum) indoors. They cover watering, fertilizing, where to locate your amaryllis, tips for keeping the stalks straight, and what to do if your amaryllis grows too tall and starts flopping. Listen to the podcast and get ready to enjoy showstopping amaryllis blooms in your home all winter long! The video version of Lisa, Layne, and Val's conversation will be posted to The Gardener's Workshop's YouTube channel, where all “Seed Talk” episodes are organized into a playlist. In addition, auto-generated transcripts are available for viewing on YouTube. If there is a question or topic you would like to hear discussed on a future episode of “Seed Talk”, please fill out the form linked below. We would love to hear your suggestions! Mentions: "Seed Talk" YouTube Playlist Episode 15 - Amaryllis - Forcing Indoors & Saving Bulbs with Val Schirmer On-Demand Workshop: Forcing Glorious Blooms for the Holidays and Beyond! Three Toads Farm Website Online Course: Cool Flowers from Seed to Harvest "Seed Talk" Topic Suggestion Form TGW YouTube Channel TGW iPhone App (iOS App Store) TGW Android App (Google Play) Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News! The "Seed Talk with Lisa & Layne" podcast is produced by The Gardener's Workshop and co-hosted by Lisa Mason Ziegler and Layne Angelo. Lisa is the founder and owner of The Gardener's Workshop, where Layne works as Seed Manager. Lisa is the award-winning author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers and the publisher of Flower Farming School Online, Farmer-Florist School Online, and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with her on social media. Layne is an avid gardener, seed starter, and engineer who loves learning and applying her technical knowledge to all areas of life, including gardening and growing flowers. Thanks for joining us!
Hello, I'm Lenny Larkin! I run B Side Farm in Oregon and have written a book called Flower Farming for Profit. My focus is on helping flower farmers grow their businesses effectively. I also offer online courses, including a short course called Profitable Flower Farming, which helps people understand the business side of flower farming. Today I'd like to answer your questions on topics ranging from business tactics to planting schedules. Let's begin! What Are Your Thoughts on Pricing Flowers? Pricing can be tricky! Beginners often hesitate to charge more for fear of losing customers or worry about undercutting fellow farmers by pricing too low. A good starting point is researching local prices by visiting other farms or checking wholesaler comparisons for market insights. When selling directly, remember that customers are aware of flower market prices. By staying updated on costs, you can competitively price your products and maintain profitability. How Many Flower Varieties Should New Farmers Grow? As a beginner in flower gardening, start small and simple. Focus on ten to twenty varieties instead of trying to grow everything at once. This way, you can nurture them without feeling overwhelmed. Avoid the common mistake of growing too many types of flowers at once, which can lead to confusion. Instead, experiment with a few different flowers to see which ones thrive and are popular, allowing you to specialize effectively. Where Can I Learn to Design Bouquets? Learning bouquet design is best through hands-on practice, so don't hesitate to experiment! YouTube has great resources with designers like Julio from The Flower Hat and Amy Balsters, who offer tutorials to help you master bouquet design. What About Investing in Perennials and Shrubs? If you're tired of starting seeds and want a change in your routine, consider investing in perennials and shrubs. They add lasting beauty to your farm or garden. Start small, as they can be costly upfront. I once invested $25k in peonies, but most farmers begin with just a hundred plants. You might also grow hydrangeas and spireas, which are both beautiful and popular. How Do I Work on Pricing with Florists? Pricing flowers can be challenging. It's important to discuss requirements and budget constraints with florists. If flower costs exceed their budget, ask about alternative types they might buy. This feedback can help adjust your inventory. Final Thoughts I love being part of this flower-farming community! We're all in this together, and I'm here to help you navigate the challenges of running a flower farm. Please follow me on social media at the links below! Mentions Lennie's Instagram: flowerfarming.forprofit, B-Side Farm Lennie's online course: Profitable Flower Farming Dave's online course: Bulbs, Perennials, Woodies, and More Spring Meadows: flowering shrub wholesale liners & pots The Gardener's Workshop on Instagram Shop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies! Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News! The Field and Garden Podcast is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers, owner of The Gardener's Workshop, Flower Farming School Online, and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with Lisa on social media!
In honor of Thanksgiving Day in the United States, Lisa and Layne spotlight something they are thankful for - all the hardworking growers of the world who produce the seed that allows us to grow so many wonderful plants at home and on our farms. In this excerpt from episode 17 ('Seed Production & Saving Celosia Seed with Emily Nekl'), Dr. Emily Nekl of Fuggles Flowers joins Lisa and Layne to discuss her experiences growing 'Texas Plumes' celosia for seed production, providing valuable tips and tricks for harvesting, drying, and cleaning the seed. Listen to the podcast and learn how to harvest and process the seed from your celosia plumes. For those celebrating Thanksgiving today, we wish you a safe and happy holiday with family and friends! The video version of Lisa, Layne, and Emily's conversation will be posted to The Gardener's Workshop's YouTube channel, where all “Seed Talk” episodes are organized into a playlist. In addition, auto-generated transcripts are available for viewing on YouTube. If there is a question or topic you would like to hear discussed on a future episode of “Seed Talk”, please fill out the form linked below. We would love to hear your suggestions! Mentions: "Seed Talk" YouTube Playlist Episode 17 - Seed Production & Saving Celosia Seed with Emily Nekl Shop: 'Texas Plumes' Celosia, Seed Starting Equipment Fuggles Flowers Website "Seed Talk" Topic Suggestion Form TGW YouTube Channel TGW iPhone App (iOS App Store) TGW Android App (Google Play) Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News! The "Seed Talk with Lisa & Layne" podcast is produced by The Gardener's Workshop and co-hosted by Lisa Mason Ziegler and Layne Angelo. Lisa is the founder and owner of The Gardener's Workshop, where Layne works as Seed Manager. Lisa is the award-winning author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers and the publisher of Flower Farming School Online, Farmer-Florist School Online, and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with her on social media. Layne is an avid gardener, seed starter, and engineer who loves learning and applying her technical knowledge to all areas of life, including gardening and growing flowers. Thanks for joining us!
Smaller is Better: My Motto for 2025 Today I discuss the concept of “smaller is better,” which is my goal for 2025. This realization hit me after facing challenges in the last two years and was reinforced by a paragraph in my book, The Cut Flower Handbook. When I began flower farming in 1998, I had a limited space of 1.17 acres. I focused on attracting customers rather than just growing flowers. If a bed underperformed, I quickly replanted it for efficiency. Years later, I bought an additional acre and a half, which initially felt like a dream but led to "growing pains." Despite investing in equipment, our efficiency dropped, and our income did not rise as expected. As my operations expanded, chores became overwhelming. I struggled to keep up with planting and weeding, often playing catch-up instead of preventing weeds. Timely actions are critical in maintaining quality. Over time, my business shifted from large-scale production to focusing on select customers and educating aspiring growers. However, I didn't reduce flower cultivation as much as I should have, resulting in excess work and expenses. As I head into 2025, I aim to optimize flower production by better utilizing our space. We've initiated a plan to dedicate specific areas for growing flowers, emphasizing quality over quantity. Friends, behaviors matter in flower farming. In 2025, let's embrace the idea that smaller is better! Mentions Lisa's book: The Cut Flower Handbook Shop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies! Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News! The Field and Garden Podcast is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers, owner of The Gardener's Workshop, Flower Farming School Online, and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with Lisa on social media!
Are you distressed to see your fall-planted cool flowers budding up heading into winter? Wondering if you should pinch the plants, start over, or leave them be? In this excerpt from episode 63 ('Troubleshooting Premature Blooms on Fall-Planted Cool Flowers'), Lisa and Layne cover how to handle premature cool flower blooms on both branching and single-stem plants. Listen to the podcast and learn what to do when your fall-planted cool flowers start budding up or blooming before winter sets in! The video version of Lisa and Layne's conversation will be posted to The Gardener's Workshop's YouTube channel, where all “Seed Talk” episodes are organized into a playlist. In addition, auto-generated transcripts are available for viewing on YouTube. If there is a question or topic you would like to hear discussed on a future episode of “Seed Talk”, please fill out the form linked below. We would love to hear your suggestions! Mentions: "Seed Talk" YouTube Playlist Episode 63 - Troubleshooting Premature Blooms on Fall-Planted Cool Flowers Online Course: Cool Flowers from Seed to Harvest Shop: Cool-Season Seeds "Seed Talk" Topic Suggestion Form TGW YouTube Channel TGW iPhone App (iOS App Store) TGW Android App (Google Play) Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News! The "Seed Talk with Lisa & Layne" podcast is produced by The Gardener's Workshop and co-hosted by Lisa Mason Ziegler and Layne Angelo. Lisa is the founder and owner of The Gardener's Workshop, where Layne works as Seed Manager. Lisa is the award-winning author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers and the publisher of Flower Farming School Online, Farmer-Florist School Online, and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with her on social media. Layne is an avid gardener, seed starter, and engineer who loves learning and applying her technical knowledge to all areas of life, including gardening and growing flowers. Thanks for joining us!
This episode features a takeover of our popular “Ask a Flower Farmer” live Q&A session on Instagram. Daniel Schavey of Petal Pickers Flower Co. in Greenville, SC hosted this one. Daniel is an 8th-year flower farmer growing in zone 8a and an alumnus of most of The Gardener's Workshop's online courses. Here, Daniel offers an update on his growing season (including a BIG problem with his Dahlias) and answers questions on topics such as Cool Flowers, his most profitable crops, and so much more! Mentions Petalpickers.com: fresh flowers shipped nationwide, dahlia tuber and fall bulb sales Bio360 Biodegradable Mulch Film Online Courses from The Gardener's Workshop Shop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies! Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News! The Field and Garden Podcast is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers, owner of The Gardener's Workshop, Flower Farming School Online, and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with Lisa on social media!
Confused about how much seed to order? Wondering if you should stock up for multiple seasons or buy fresh seed each year instead? In this excerpt from episode 11 ('Seed Storage - Tips for Buying, Storing & Saving Seed'), Lisa and Layne cover how long seeds last, the meaning of "viability", which flower seeds tend to have a particularly short shelf life, when to order, and how much seed to order depending on your intended sowing method. Listen to the podcast and learn some helpful tips to keep in mind when shopping for seeds! The video version of Lisa and Layne's conversation will be posted to The Gardener's Workshop's YouTube channel, where all “Seed Talk” episodes are organized into a playlist. In addition, auto-generated transcripts are available for viewing on YouTube. If there is a question or topic you would like to hear discussed on a future episode of “Seed Talk”, please fill out the form linked below. We would love to hear your suggestions! Mentions: "Seed Talk" YouTube Playlist Episode 11 - Seed Storage - Tips for Buying, Storing & Saving Seed Online Course: Cool Flowers from Seed to Harvest Shop: Seeds "Seed Talk" Topic Suggestion Form TGW YouTube Channel TGW iPhone App (iOS App Store) TGW Android App (Google Play) Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News! The "Seed Talk with Lisa & Layne" podcast is produced by The Gardener's Workshop and co-hosted by Lisa Mason Ziegler and Layne Angelo. Lisa is the founder and owner of The Gardener's Workshop, where Layne works as Seed Manager. Lisa is the award-winning author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers and the publisher of Flower Farming School Online, Farmer-Florist School Online, and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with her on social media. Layne is an avid gardener, seed starter, and engineer who loves learning and applying her technical knowledge to all areas of life, including gardening and growing flowers. Thanks for joining us!
This episode is an interview that Lisa recently did on The Flower Podcast with host Scott Shepherd. Scott and Lisa covered a broad range of topics, including: The importance of evaluating your season & your goals regularly How perfectionism is a hindrance to success (70% is good enough!) Making every effort to start your business with cash (debt-free) Take the time to get to know your market & what your clients want Always eat the ugly frog first! If you haven't listened to The Flower Podcast, you should check it out here! Mentions Lisa's Online Course: Flower Farming School Online: Basics, Annual Crops, Marketing, and More! Shop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies! Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News! The Field and Garden Podcast is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers, owner of The Gardener's Workshop, Flower Farming School Online, and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with Lisa on social media!
This episode features a takeover of our popular weekly live Q&A session on Instagram, called Ask a Flower Farmer. It was guest-hosted by Dave Dowling of Ball/ColorLink, a former flower farmer and the instructor for our online course: Flower Farming School Online: Bulbs, Perennials, Woodies, and More. Dave is always happy to share his knowledge with our listeners! Topics Covered Watering Tips for Sunflowers & Lilies Growing Limelight Hydrangeas Tips for Fall Planting Campanula Dealing with Leaf Hoppers Storing Dahlia Bulbs Over Winter Managing Vole Damage Best Flowers to Plant in Tropical Areas Harvesting Tips for Astilbe Growing Lisianthus & Snapdragons Preventing Botrytis on Peonies Pre-sprouting Techniques for Ranunculus Propagation Methods for Peonies Managing White Flies Harvesting Tips for Various Flowers Episode originally aired 6/26/24 on Instagram. Join Lisa and her guest hosts Wednesdays at 12:30PM Eastern time to get your cut flower growing questions answered by the experts! Mentions Dave on social: Facebook, Instagram Dave's Course: Bulbs, Perennials, Woodies, and More! Discover our online courses! Shop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies! Sign up to receive our Farm News emails! The Field and Garden Podcast is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers, owner of The Gardener's Workshop, Flower Farming School Online, and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with Lisa on social media!
Lisa Mason Ziegler, cut-flower farmer, author, educator and founder of The Gardener's Workshop is returning to The Flower Podcast. Since 1998, she has cultivated her three-acre urban farm in Southeastern Virginia, producing thousands of flower stems weekly for florists, supermarkets, farmer's markets, and her members-only on-farm market. Lisa has authored several books, including Cool Flowers, and she is the creator of Flower Farming School Online, which has expanded to include courses for both flower farmers and florists, in addition to starting two podcasts, Field and Garden and Seed Talk. I'm really excited to have Lisa back for a personal year-in-review for flower growers. It's been several years since our last episode, and I always learn something new from my conversations with her. In this episode, Lisa shares some of the valuable lessons she's learned along the way, many that are at the heart of what she teaches in her courses. We talk about the importance of setting clear goals and truly understanding your market. I appreciate how she encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to tackle challenges with confidence while keeping customer convenience front and center. Her practical advice on building a solid foundation for success in flower farming is incredibly helpful, and she also offers a realistic perspective on business and the importance of continually moving forward. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to grow in the industry! Be sure to listen Lisa's other episode on The Flower Podcast and also search The Gardener's Workshop on our YouTube Channel to watch my chats and an instagram Live with Lisa. Learn more about Lisa and listen to her first episode with today's show notes and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Gaana, and many more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for access to all of our Zoom chats, tutorials, Live's, and video extras. Sponsors of The Flower Podcast The Gardener's Workshop ASCFG Farmer Bailey Rooted Farmers Real Flower Business Accent Decor
Whether you're new or improving your farm, these insights can help. The journey can be tough, but with commitment and adaptability, the rewards are worth it. Take the time to learn and experiment—your efforts will pay off. 1. Find Your Markets Understanding your market is the first step to successful crop planning. Consider factors like demand and pricing, which can change quickly, making thorough analysis vital. Identify Your Customers: Know your target audience, whether florists, event planners, or supermarkets. Understand Their Needs: What flowers do your customers want? This informs your growing decisions. Plan for Timelines: Different markets have varying timelines; florists may need early week deliveries, while farmer's markets may focus on weekends. 2. Grow Diverse & Complementary Crops Diversity is essential in flower farming, as variety enhances beauty and increases resilience against pests & diseases. Seasonality: Educate your customers about seasonal flowers, like tulips in spring. Mix Early, Mid, and Late Season Flowers: Keep offerings fresh year-round by offering complementary flowers. Plan for Customer Demand: Grow flowers that excite customers at different times, such as Iceland poppies early and zinnias later. 3. Build Soil Health and Pest Resistance Healthy soil is vital for plant growth. Regular soil testing helps you make informed decisions about amendments. Adding organic matter improves soil structure, enhancing water retention and aeration. Monitoring moisture levels is crucial, as both overwatering and drought harm plants. Thus, maintaining soil health requires ongoing attention. Use Compost: Add compost regularly to enrich soil. Practice Crop Rotation: This maintains soil fertility and reduces disease. Encourage Beneficial Insects: Create habitats for beneficial bugs to control pests naturally. 4. Implement Succession Planting Succession planting is essential for a steady supply of flowers and requires careful planning. Timing significantly affects yield, so growers should consider factors like climate and plant variety. Plan Multiple Plantings: Plant the same crops at different times for continuous harvest. Focus on Consistency: Customers value being able to purchase their favorite flowers regularly. 5. Assess Available Resources Take the time to thoroughly assess your situation, as hasty decisions can lead to unforeseen consequences. Preparation is key, but avoid overthinking; find a balance that suits you. Know Your Space: Understand your land and what you can manage. Utilize What You Have: Use existing tools and resources. Consider Renting Equipment: If you need tools, consider renting when starting out. Crop planning is about the bigger picture. Challenges may arise, but this strategy sets your flower farm up for success! Mentions Lisa's Online Course: Flower Farming School Online: Basics, Annual Crops, Marketing, and More! Shop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies! Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News! The Field and Garden Podcast is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers, owner of The Gardener's Workshop, Flower Farming School Online, and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with Lisa on social media!
Hey, friends! It's Lisa Mason Ziegler, and today we're diving into the topic of time management in flower farming. Let's explore how to make the most of your time while building your flower business. Key Points to Consider Everyone Has the Same 24 Hours: Remember, everyone has the same amount of time each day. It's all about how you choose to spend it. Effective Time Management is Essential: Flower farming involves juggling many tasks like planting, harvesting, and marketing. You need to manage your time well to succeed. Control Your Spending: When starting a business, avoid overspending on seeds and plants. Make sure you're making more money than you spend! Harvesting is Key: The timing of your harvest is crucial. You must deliver flowers at the right stage for sale. Marketing and Business Tasks: Dedicate time to market your flowers and handle business tasks, so you're not overwhelmed. Managing Your Time Wisely Be Realistic: Only take on tasks you can manage well while you learn about flower farming. Structure Your Days: Create a daily schedule that prioritizes important tasks. For example, designate specific days for harvesting and selling. Create Systems: Develop systems for how you do things on your farm. This will help streamline processes and make it easier to train employees in the future. Delegate Tasks: Learn to let go of some responsibilities. It's important for growth! Network and Learn: Make time to network with other flower farmers and continue learning. Attend conferences and take courses to improve your skills. Efficiency in Flower Farming Garden Layout: Organize your garden layout to improve efficiency. This can save you time during harvesting and other tasks. Plan Ahead: Keep track of when to order seeds and supplies. Planning helps avoid last-minute stress. Flexibility is Key: Be prepared to adjust your plans based on weather and market conditions. Flexibility can help you handle unexpected changes. Final Thoughts Time management is crucial for success in flower farming. It's not about working every waking hour; it's about working smart. Remember, successful flower farmers manage their time effectively. So, take control of your time, and watch your flower business thrive! Until next time, friends! Ciao! Mentions Michelle at Roots Cut Flower Farm Lisa's Online Course: Flower Farming School Online: Basics, Annual Crops, Marketing, and More! Shop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies! Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News! The Field and Garden Podcast is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers, owner of The Gardener's Workshop, Flower Farming School Online, and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa's Story and connect with Lisa on social media!