Flower Farmer Forum

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, Lizdiscusses the importance of financial health for flower farmers, emphasizing that understanding and managing finances is crucial for sustainability and success in the business. She shares insights on how to monitor financial health throughout the year, the significance of tax planning, and practical tips for organizing finances. Liz encourages farmers to reflect on their business's profitability and personal well-being, offering support for those feeling overwhelmed or questioning their business direction.

Takeaways

• Financial health is a year-long process, not just tax season.
• Understanding your financial position helps in making informed decisions.
• Pre-selling flowers can create predictability in income.
• Organizing receipts monthly prevents confusion at tax time.
• Quarterly reviews of profit and loss statements are essential.
• Depreciation can significantly impact tax deductions.
• Setting aside money for taxes quarterly avoids surprises.
• Tracking expenses accurately is crucial for financial clarity.
• Reflecting on personal well-being is as important as business health.
• Seeking professional help can provide clarity and direction.

Helpful Links:

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

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

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

Sunny Mary Meadow flower farm (www.sunnymarymeadow.com) specializes in bouquet subscriptions, stem bars, and a you-pick flower farm experience.

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

Get the Free Guide: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/free-downloads-resources-1

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz Fiedler-Mergen discusses the essential practices for labeling and storing dahlias in the fall. She emphasizes the importance of proper labeling to ensure the identification of different varieties, especially before the frost hits. Liz shares her techniques for storing dahlias, including the best materials to use and the ideal conditions for storage. She also highlights the significance of selecting the right dahlia varieties for both personal enjoyment and business needs, providing insights into her own experiences and plans for the upcoming season.

Takeaways

• Labeling dahlias is crucial before the frost hits.
• Use oil-based paint markers for durable labeling.
• Store dahlias at 45 to 55 degrees for best results.
• Dahlias can be stored without dividing them.
• Organize your dahlias by keeping a list of which to keep or sell.
• Timing is key for labeling and storing dahlias.
• Consider the market demand when choosing dahlia varieties.
• A good storage method involves keeping dirt on the tubers.
• Plan for future seasons by evaluating your current dahlias.

Helpful Links:

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

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

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

Sunny Mary Meadow flower farm (www.sunnymarymeadow.com) specializes in bouquet subscriptions, stem bars, and a you-pick flower farm experience.

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

Summary

In this episode, Liz and Abbey discuss the book 'I Know How She Does It' by Laura Vanderkam. They share their thoughts on the book and how it applies to their own lives. They discuss the concept of managing time and finding balance between work, family, and personal life. They also talk about the importance of being aware of when you are working past the point of diminishing returns and the value of quality time with family. Overall, the episode emphasizes the importance of flexibility and finding what works best for each individual's unique situation.

Takeaways

• Managing time and finding balance is essential for success in all areas of life.
• Being aware of when you are working past the point of diminishing returns can help increase productivity.
• Quality time with family is important and should be prioritized.
• Flexibility in scheduling and finding what works best for you is key to achieving a balanced life.

The "Back to Better" Book Club podcast is your free, bi-monthly journey toward personal growth and transformation. Each month, tune in for two episodes—one where the host dives into key insights and takeaways from the selected book, and another featuring an in-depth discussion with a guest who brings fresh perspectives to the conversation. Whether you're looking to improve your mindset, habits, or life in general, this podcast is your companion on the path to better.

To Join the Book Club:

https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/back-to-better-book-club-membership-landing-page-1

Connect:

https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/

https://www.instagram.com/lizfiedlermergen/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/419082867827460

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, Liz discusses the benefits of growing jewels of opar, a flower that adds texture and movement to bouquets. Liz shares her personal experience with growing jewels of opar and highlights its versatility in different floral arrangements. She also provides practical tips on harvesting and using the flowers. The episode concludes with a reminder to pause and reflect before making any big decisions in the flower farming business.

Takeaways

• Jewels of opar is a flower that adds texture and movement to bouquets and floral arrangements.
• It is a versatile flower that can be used in weddings, events, and wearable flowers.
• The flowers start blooming in mid-August and continue to produce throughout the season.
• Harvesting the flowers requires waiting until the petals fall off and the berries become woody and rigid.
• Before making any big decisions in the flower farming business, it is important to pause, reflect, and gather information.

Helpful Links:

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

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

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

Sunny Mary Meadow flower farm (www.sunnymarymeadow.com) specializes in bouquet subscriptions, stem bars, and a you-pick flower farm experience.

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

The "Back to Better" Book Club podcast is your free, bi-monthly journey toward personal growth and transformation. Each month, tune in for two episodes—one where the host dives into key insights and takeaways from the selected book, and another featuring an in-depth discussion with a guest who brings fresh perspectives to the conversation. Whether you're looking to improve your mindset, habits, or life in general, this podcast is your companion on the path to better.

To Join the Book Club:

https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/back-to-better-book-club-membership-landing-page-1

Connect:

https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/

https://www.instagram.com/lizfiedlermergen/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/419082867827460

Helpful Links:

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

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

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

Sunny Mary Meadow flower farm (www.sunnymarymeadow.com) specializes in bouquet subscriptions, stem bars, and a you-pick flower farm experience.

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

In this episode, Liz discusses the pros and cons of growing lisianthus, a beautiful but somewhat tricky flower. She shares her experiences and tips for successfully growing lisianthus, including the importance of buying plugs instead of starting from seed, the need for well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight, and the different bloom times of different lisianthus groups. Liz also emphasizes the profitability of selling lisianthus by the stem or using them in premium arrangements, rather than including them in lower-priced bouquets. Overall, lisianthus can be a valuable addition to a flower farm if grown and marketed correctly.

Takeaways

• Consider buying plugs instead of starting lisianthus from seed for better success.
• lisianthus requires well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight, but does not like to have wet feet.
• Different lisianthus groups have different bloom times, so plan accordingly for succession planting.
• Selling lisianthus by the stem or using them in premium arrangements can be more profitable than including them in lower-priced bouquets.
• lisianthus has a long vase life and can be stored in a cooler for up to two weeks.

Helpful Links:

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

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

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

Sunny Mary Meadow flower farm (www.sunnymarymeadow.com) specializes in bouquet subscriptions, stem bars, and a you-pick flower farm experience.

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

Learn about Foundations of Peddling Perishable Products: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPP

Katie and Audra from Ranchy Stems discuss their experience taking Liz's course on Peddling Perishable Products. They talk about their backgrounds, their journey in investing in themselves, and the changes they made to their flower farming business as a result of the course. They emphasize the importance of efficiency, streamlining processes, and building a business around their life. They also highlight the value of the course in providing guidance, shortcuts, and a community of support. Overall, they express gratitude for the course and the opportunity to learn and grow their business.

Takeaways

• Efficiency and streamlining processes are key to running a successful flower farming business.
• Building a business around your life, rather than the other way around, is important for sustainability and work-life balance.
• Investing in education and guidance, such as taking a course, can provide valuable shortcuts and help avoid costly mistakes.
• Being part of a supportive community of like-minded individuals can provide inspiration, motivation, and opportunities for collaboration.
• Constant learning and adaptation are essential for growth and success in the flower farming industry.

Helpful Links:

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

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

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

Sunny Mary Meadow flower farm (www.sunnymarymeadow.com) specializes in bouquet subscriptions, stem bars, and a you-pick flower farm experience.

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

In this episode, Liz discusses the topic of growing snapdragons for cut flower farming. She covers various aspects such as market demand, pricing, starting needs, space requirements, harvest needs, and sales methods. Snapdragons are considered a versatile and popular flower that can be grown in most zones. They have a long vase life and can be harvested when two-thirds open. The host also mentions the importance of choosing the right variety and provides tips for purchasing plugs or starting from seeds.

Takeaways

• Snapdragons are a versatile and popular flower that can be grown in most zones.
• They have a long vase life and can be harvested when two-thirds open.
• Consider market demand and pricing when deciding to grow snapdragons.
• Snapdragons can be started from plugs or seeds, with plugs being a convenient option.
• Support netting may be needed for outdoor planting, and they can be stored in the cooler for up to 10 days.
• Choose the right variety for your specific needs and sales methods.

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

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

Farm website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com

Farm instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/

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

The Flower Farmer Forum podcast has been rebranded from Sunny Mary Meadow to better represent its goal of creating a vibrant community for flower farmers. The podcast has reached over 100,000 downloads and will continue to release regular episodes on profitably growing flowers and sustainable agriculture. Season two will feature episodes on different flowers, interviews with flower farmers, and a book club focused on self-help. The podcast also offers workshops, courses, and coaching for flower farmers.

Takeaways

• The Flower Farmer Forum podcast has been rebranded to better reflect its goal of creating a community for flower farmers.
• The podcast has reached over 100,000 downloads and continues to release regular episodes on profitably growing flowers and sustainable agriculture.
• Season two will feature episodes on different flowers, interviews with flower farmers, and a book club focused on self-help.
• The podcast also offers workshops, courses, and coaching for flower farmers.

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

Farm website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com

Farm instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/

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