In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, Liz discusses the critical choice between chasing time or money in the context of flower farming. She shares her personal journey through the ups and downs of running a flower farm, emphasizing the importance of investing in systems and understanding the seasons of business. Liz highlights the challenges of growth, the necessity of organization, and the balance between working hard and maintaining sustainability. The conversation serves as a guide for farmers and entrepreneurs to navigate their own paths in business.

Takeaways

• You can chase time or you can chase money, but not both.
• Building a foundation is crucial for achieving goals.
• Investing in systems can lead to long-term sustainability.
• Chasing time often requires hiring more people and creating structure.
• Chasing money involves saying yes to more opportunities and working longer hours.
• Understanding your business's financials is essential for growth.
• It's important to pivot and adapt to different seasons in business.
• Don't believe everything you see online; many struggle behind the scenes.
• Creating clear boundaries can help manage customer expectations.
• Learning the laws and tax codes is vital for business success.

Helpful Links:

Consult for Peddling Perishable Products: https://calendly.com/sunnymarymeadow/peddling-perishable-products

Farmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkout

Peddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPP

Quickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, Liz discusses her experiences and strategies for growing dahlias at her farm in Minnesota. She shares insights on simplifying planting techniques, improving soil conditions, and innovative methods for extending the blooming season. Liz emphasizes the importance of efficient farming practices and the benefits of community support among flower farmers.

Takeaways

• Dahlias are resilient and can thrive with proper care.
• Simplifying planting techniques can reduce physical strain.
• Using trenches for planting can improve efficiency.
• Soil health is crucial for successful dahlia growth.
• Utilizing compost and cover crops can enhance soil quality.
• Staking methods can support dahlia plants during storms.
• High tunnels can extend the blooming season for dahlias.
• Proper storage techniques are essential for tuber preservation.
• Community support among flower farmers can lead to industry growth.
• Sustainable practices are key to long-term success in flower farming.

Helpful Links:

Consult for Peddling Perishable Products: https://calendly.com/sunnymarymeadow/peddling-perishable-products

Farmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkout

Peddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPP

Quickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz discusses the realities of flower farming when it isn't a full-time job. She shares her experiences balancing multiple revenue streams, the importance of flexibility in scheduling, and practical strategies for preparing for planting. Liz emphasizes the significance of adapting to weather conditions, maximizing limited time, and maintaining flower beds effectively. The conversation concludes with encouragement for flower farmers to embrace their journey and find systems that work for their unique situations.

Takeaways

• Flower farming can be a side gig alongside other jobs.
• Flexibility in scheduling can reduce stress during peak seasons.
• Investing in equipment can make flower farming easier over time.
• Weather conditions significantly impact planting decisions.
• It's important to prepare in the fall for a successful spring.
• Planting techniques should consider soil moisture and root health.
• Maximizing limited time is crucial for busy flower farmers.
• Weeding and maintenance are essential for healthy flower beds.
• Using grass clippings can help with weed control.
• Finding a system that works for your life is key to success.

Helpful Links:

Consult for Peddling Perishable Products: https://calendly.com/sunnymarymeadow/peddling-perishable-products

Farmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkout

Peddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPP

Quickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz and guest expert Mona Bavar discuss the intersection of smart marketing, authentic branding, and the use of AI strategies to enhance customer reach without sacrificing authenticity. They explore the importance of understanding one's brand story, the emotional connections that drive customer loyalty, and the role of AI in modern marketing. The conversation also touches on overcoming skepticism towards AI, effective content creation, and the value of workshops for entrepreneurs.

Takeaways

• The easy part is growing the flowers; the hard part is selling them.
• Understanding your brand story is crucial for clarity and vision.
• Emotional connections with customers are essential for small businesses.
• Authentic storytelling can differentiate your brand from competitors.
• AI can be a powerful tool for content ideation and marketing strategies.
• Workshops can provide valuable training for entrepreneurs.
• It's important to know your target audience to communicate effectively.
• Using AI should enhance your brand's voice, not replace it.
• Skepticism towards AI can be overcome with hands-on experience.
• The entrepreneurial journey is intertwined with personal growth.

Helpful Links:

Farmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Flower Farmer Forum Conference: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/FFFC2025

Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkout

Peddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPP

Quickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

Webinar: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/registration

In this episode, Liz wraps up the mini-series on finding your flower farm fit by discussing advanced revenue streams such as workshops, weddings, and selling to florists. She emphasizes the importance of community engagement through workshops, the complexities and profitability of wedding florals, and the nuances of building relationships with florists for consistent sales. Liz shares her personal experiences and insights on how to navigate these avenues effectively, ensuring a sustainable and profitable flower farming business.

Takeaways

Workshops can be profitable if you enjoy teaching.

Weddings require careful planning and can be stressful.

Selling to florists is about building reliable partnerships.

Community engagement is key in flower farming.

Client expectations for weddings are very high.

Workshops need proper space and tools to be successful.

Pricing for weddings should reflect the true cost of flowers.

Consistency is crucial when selling to florists.

Understanding florists' needs can lead to better sales.

Building a strong marketing strategy is essential for workshops.

Helpful Links:

Farmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Flower Farmer Forum Conference: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/FFFC2025

Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkout

Peddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPP

Quickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

Webinar: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/registration

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, Liz delves into various business models for flower farming, including farm stands, subscriptions, cut flower garden kits, stem bars, U-Pick farms, and nursing home sponsorships. Each model is explored in terms of its benefits, challenges, and suitability for different types of flower farmers. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding one's own business needs and community connections when choosing the right offerings.

Takeaways

• Assess your time, money, and infrastructure before starting.
• Farm stands are a low-barrier entry point for sales.
• Subscriptions provide predictable income and loyal customers.
• Cut flower garden kits can engage new gardeners effectively.
• Stem bars create interactive experiences for customers.
• U-Pick farms require careful planning and staffing.
• Nursing home sponsorships can enhance community connections.
• Pricing strategies are crucial for sustainability.
• Understanding customer expectations is key to success.
• Evolving your offerings is part of business growth.

Sign up the the free webinar: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/registration

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz introduces a new mini-series titled 'Find Your Flower Farm Fit.' The series aims to help aspiring flower farmers identify the best model for their unique circumstances, focusing on personal resources, market needs, and financial considerations. The first episode emphasizes the importance of assessing one's time, money, infrastructure, and community to create a sustainable flower farming business. Liz shares her own experiences and insights, encouraging listeners to evaluate their resources and align their offerings with community demands.

Takeaways

• The series helps clarify what kind of flower farm fits your life.
• Flower farming can take many forms, from subscriptions to agritourism.
• Assess your resources: time, money, infrastructure, and community.
• Time is a crucial resource that should not be underestimated.
• Consider your flexibility and commitments when planning your farm.
• Financial investment in infrastructure is key to success.
• Understanding your audience is essential for profitability.
• Look for gaps in the market to differentiate your offerings.
• Don't undervalue your time when pricing your products.
• Engage with your community to identify their needs.

Helpful Links:

Webinar: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/registration

Farmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Flower Farmer Forum Conference: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/FFFC2025

Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkout

Peddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPP

Quickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, Liz discusses effective strategies for marketing flowers to florists. She emphasizes the importance of understanding florist needs, pricing strategies, and building professional relationships. Key tips include selling in increments of ten, knowing market prices, and presenting flowers in a way that highlights their value. The conversation concludes with a reminder that successful marketing to florists is about creating partnerships that benefit both parties.

Takeaways

• Florists prefer stem counts in tens for easy calculations.
• Pricing should be per stem to avoid confusion.
• Know the market prices to set competitive rates.
• Bring curated samples to avoid overwhelming florists.
• Not all florists will appreciate your product; find the right fit.
• Stripped stems save florists time and add value.
• Establish a professional presence to attract florists.
• Use consistent billing systems for smooth transactions.
• Offer a dedicated wholesale platform for clarity.
• Marketing to florists is about building beneficial partnerships.

Helpful Links:

Farmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Flower Farmer Forum Conference: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/FFFC2025

Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkout

Peddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPP

Quickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

The Flower Farmer Forum podcast (formerly Sunny Mary Meadow podcast) is hosted by Liz Fiedler, a nurse practitioner turned flower farmer in central MN. Learn tips and tricks for growing and selling cut flowers. Located in Zone 4B, the shorter growing season offers some challenges. Her farm, Sunny Mary Meadow specializes in bouquet subscriptions, stem bars, and a you pick flower farm experience.

Look for the bonus PPP episodes on running a cut flower farm and growing your business. The PPP stands for “peddling perishable products”, which is the signature course for her coaching business, www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

After the unexpected loss of her husband in 2020, she found herself turning to her flowers to get through the grief. She didn't expect her business to explode in the next few years the way it has. Bloom & Grow both flowers and personal empathy as she continues to move forward in life.

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/

Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/

Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com

FarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s

Sign up here: www.farmerstoflorists.com

In this short but powerful episode, we’re talking about why florists need better options—and how YOU can be the one to provide them. Imported flowers dominate the market, but local blooms offer something truly special: unmatched freshness, sustainability, and heart.

If you're a flower farmer who grows beautiful, high-quality stems and is ready to connect with florists looking for something better, visit www.farmerstoflorists.com. This brand-new directory is designed to connect florists with farmers who value quality, consistency, and community.

Be part of the change. Be part of the movement. Be part of the start of something huge. 🌸

👉 Join the Farmer to Florist Directory today.