In this episode, Master Gardener Volunteer Nicole Schmitt of Hannacroix Hill Farm chats with Tim and Jean about her career as a flower farmer. Like so many stories in recent years, her interest in flower gardening came about as a result of the pandemic. Constrained in many ways, Nicole moved to a farm with a few acres and began to achieve many goals. In a previous episode, Tim and Jean talked with Nicole about her mini-farm, which incorporates the flower farm. The flower growing evolved from a hobby garden to a business when she introduced herself to her new neighbors at Hannacroix Hill Farm by going to their doors with home-grown bouquets.

The hobby became a dream and then a mission. Nicole pursued her career adamantly, studying online classes and joining professional organizations. She even went through the rigorous Master Gardener Volunteer training. Nicole undertook the project very seriously. As she says, “setting up is NOT cheap.” A phenomenal amount of preparation and equipment was mandatory. Preordering seed and plugs must be coordinated and planned to coincide with harvest times. Different crops must not only be chosen for color and hardiness, but timed for holidays and special occasions. Some species are very difficult to grow, or have extremely long growing seasons. The grower must know a great deal about individual floral crops, and plan their care accordingly. Cool weather flowers are treated differently than tulips or sunflowers. The grower must always give thought to coordinating multiple kinds of flowers simultaneously, since the goal is most often to produce mixed bouquets for the markets.

Given the need for extensive planning, much thought must be given to the growing areas. Nicole uses outdoor row planting to the maximum, but also extends the growing seasons with a hoop house and a high tunnel structure, and starts seeds under lights indoors, along with hydroponic systems and bulb forcing. Like any other type of gardening, the flower farmer must be alert for insect and disease pests.

Hannacroix Hill Farm practices organic methods as much as possible. IPM (Integrated Pest Management) is the main system of keeping the crops healthy. Minimal chemicals are used, so constant watch is essential, along with as much sustainable soil regeneration as can be done to maintain the health of the soil. Fortunately, the “other” farm produces unlimited compost and reduces the need for additional fertilizer from outside sources. The work is constant and unrelenting, with the aim to be self-sustaining as much as possible. Nicole describes this as the “grit” work that produces the luxury. Constant research and study go into the effort. Things like introducing more native plants and more perennial plants for repeat harvests are worked into the repertoire, and local demand is always considered. Harvesting processes can vary widely among flower crops.

Flowers are sold mostly retail through CSAs, at farm stands and farmer's markets, with a growing call from restaurants for table vases, which florists are beginning to fill some of the gaps from imported flowers. Other flower farmers are popping up everywhere. Many join associations to learn from and support the community of growers. Greene County has about twenty association members, but there may be many more. To find a flower farmer in your own area, Nicole advises that you go

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Nicole Schmitt

Photo by: Jean Thomas 

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow,