Join Lisa Mason Ziegler of The Gardener's Workshop on the Field and Garden Podcast talking flower farming, cut-flower gardening, business, and all things related!
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Lisa Mason Ziegler Podcasts
Join Lisa Mason Ziegler and Layne Angelo as they discuss all things related to gardening, flower farming, and growing from seed. Lisa brings over two decades of flower farming experience to the conversation, while Layne offers the perspective of an avid home gardener, seed starter, and engineer. Together, the duo provides an informative and entertaining look into the world of flowers as well as vegetables, bulbs, woodies, and more. From seed starting to harvesting and everything in between, ...
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I stumbled into growing annuals. I initially began planting perennials, but I quickly saw the error of my ways - I was going to run out of space, QUICK! As my business was gaining more demand than flowers I had-- I became a little crazy figuring out how to make the most of my total property of 1.17 acres that also had my home and outbuildings. I al…
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#349: Lennie Larkin's May Q&A, Ask A Flower Farmer!
27:28
27:28
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27:28💐 Struggling with flower pricing or choosing the right crops? Get real-world advice from a seasoned flower farmer and coach on how to price confidently, pick profitable perennials, and deal with pesky pests like thrips. Whether you're just starting or growing your flower biz, these tips will help you build a thriving, sustainable farm. 🌿 Learn how …
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#348: Top 3 Perennials That Pull Their Weight with Dave Dowling
54:46
54:46
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54:46Discover the Top 3 Perennials that truly earn their keep on a cut flower farm! Join Lisa Mason Ziegler and Dave Dowling as they share expert advice on growing peonies, Baptisia, and sedum -perennials that offer high yield, low maintenance, and long-term profitability. Perfect for beginner and seasoned flower farmers alike. Mentions Dave's Course: …
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#347: Succession Success: Annuals, Perennials, Bulbs, and Woodies
29:26
29:26
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29:26Ready to take your flower farming to the next level? Join Lisa Mason Ziegler as she shares how to transition from growing annuals to incorporating perennials, bulbs, and woodies into your operation. Learn how succession planting, smart crop choices, and careful planning can create a more sustainable and profitable business. Lisa offers real-life le…
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#346: Choosing Crops That Make (and Save) You Money
46:10
46:10
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46:10💐 Want to make more money (and avoid wasting it) in your flower farm? In this episode, Lisa Mason Ziegler shares her hard-earned tips for choosing the best crops to grow for profit. From low-cost annuals to succession planting and market-smart decisions, get practical advice to help you grow a thriving flower business. Whether you're just starting …
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#345: How Flower Farmers Can Shine In A Crisis
26:25
26:25
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26:25How Flower Farmers Can Survive (and Thrive) During Hard Times 🌻 In this heartfelt episode, Lisa Mason Ziegler shares real-world lessons from 30+ years of flower farming—through 9/11, the 2008 crash, COVID, and today’s economic uncertainty. Learn how to adapt, pivot, and stay rooted when crisis strikes. 🌱 Whether you're a new grower or a seasoned fa…
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#344: Ask A Florist, May Q&A with Ellen Frost
26:12
26:12
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26:12Welcome 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. …
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Thinking of starting a garden? 🌿🌸 Learn the crucial difference between a garden and a landscape and why your approach matters! With the right mindset and simple steps, your garden can flourish and bring you joy. Dive in for my practical tips that make gardening rewarding and fun! Mentions Field & Garden #342: The Simplicity of a Cutting Garden Book…
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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. Mentions Online Courses: The Easy Cut Flower Garden, Cool…
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#341: Diane Szukovathy, on Floral Standards
41:04
41:04
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41:04Today, 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 resou…
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#340: Lennie Larkin's April Q&A, Ask A Flower Farmer
27:18
27:18
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27:18Today’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 abou…
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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. Mentions Open Farm Event: June 28, 2025 Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News! Shop the TGW Online Store for all y…
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#338: "Why I Don’t Use Floral Recipes" with Ellen Frost
31:21
31:21
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31:21Join 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. Mentions Ellen’s newsletter signup Ellen’…
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#337: How Flower Farm Spending Makes or Breaks You
31:01
31:01
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31:01Let’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. Mentio…
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#336: Ask A Flower Farmer with Daniel Schavey (March)
35:01
35:01
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35:01This 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 seas…
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#335: Ask A Florist, March Q&A with Ellen Frost
26:58
26:58
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26:58Today’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 al…
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#334: "Should You Sell to Florists?" with Ellen Frost
41:57
41:57
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41:57Should 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. Mentions Ellen’s newsletter sig…
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#333: Bringing Joy Through Flowers - Meet Tricia and The Simple Sunflower
29:08
29:08
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29:08I’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. Toget…
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#131 - Harvesting Poppies as Cut Flowers + Podcast Schedule Change
19:08
19:08
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19:08Wondering 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 …
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#332: Are You Digging Your Business’s Grave?
34:57
34:57
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34:57Are 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, d…
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#130 - Growing Snapdragons with Gretel Adams
9:54
9:54
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9:54Looking 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. La…
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#331: Dave Dowling's December Q&A, Ask A Flower Farmer
23:11
23:11
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23:11This 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 knowledg…
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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 …
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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! Mentions Lisa's Course, Flower Farming School Online Lisa's Course, The Easy Cut Flower Garden Shop the TGW Online Store for a…
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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,…
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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. Menti…
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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 …
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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…
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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 a…
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#327: Why Collaboration Beats Competition
30:33
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30:33Today 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. Mentions The Flower Farmer Club, presented by The Gardener's Workshop Shop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies! Si…
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#125 - Very Early Spring Cool Flower Planting FAQs
15:39
15:39
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15:39Wondering 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…
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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 ex…
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#124 - Winter Storm Preparation & Aftermath
19:40
19:40
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19:40Is 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, an…
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#325: Planting Cool Flowers in Very Early Spring
29:52
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29:52Today, 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. B…
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#123 - Planning Your Growing Season with a Wall Calendar
30:33
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30:33Wondering 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…
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#324: Cool Flower Successions in Very Early Spring & Beyond (Best of '24 Rerelease)
30:25
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30:25Did 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. Y…
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#122 - Pantone Color of the Year 2025 & Scabiosa 'Ping Pong'
22:33
22:33
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22:33Happy 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 an…
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#323: Cool Flowers Talk: Lisa on The joegardener® Show (Best of '24 Rerelease)
59:58
59:58
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59:58Our 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 …
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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-…
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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 hinde…
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#120 - Essential Tools & Supplies for Flower Arranging with Ellen Frost
6:34
6:34
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6:34Wondering 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…
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#321: Dave Dowling's September Q&A, Ask A Flower Farmer
24:47
24:47
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24:47This 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 knowledg…
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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 v…
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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 a…
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#118 - Tips for Growing Amaryllis Indoors with Val Schirmer
11:16
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11:16Do 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 t…
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#319: Lennie Larkin's September Q&A, Ask A Flower Farmer
28:08
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28:08Hello, 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 l…
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#117 - Saving & Processing Celosia Seed with Emily Nekl
13:33
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13:33In 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 Nek…
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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 attrac…
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#116 - How to Handle Premature Blooms on Fall-Planted Cool Flowers
9:43
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9:43Are 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 sing…
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#317: Daniel Schavey, Ask A Flower Farmer (August)
28:07
28:07
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28:07This 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 sea…
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