Rooted Agritourism

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.

$30 Crop Planning Offer: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/8qKFeNxG

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz discusses the critical aspect of crop planning for flower farmers. She emphasizes the importance of understanding fixed and flexible offerings, managing bloom times, and the mathematical calculations necessary for successful crop planning. Liz also introduces her crop planning course, designed to help farmers streamline their processes and improve profitability.

Takeaways

• Crop planning is essential for profitability in flower farming.
• Understanding the difference between fixed and flexible offerings is crucial.
• Managing bloom times effectively can ensure a steady supply of flowers.
• Succession planning helps stagger bloom periods for continuous production.
• Different flowers have unique picking windows that must be considered.
• Mathematics plays a key role in determining how many flowers to grow.
• Creating a calendar can help track bouquet needs and flower availability.
• Peace of mind comes from having a clear crop planning strategy.
• Joining a community can provide support and resources for flower farmers.
• With proper planning, flower farmers can grow efficiently and profitably.

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

Find Brandon online: https://seooptimizers.com/

In this episode, Liz discusses SEO optimization for small businesses with Brandon Leibowitz, founder of SEO Optimizers. They explore the importance of SEO for small business owners, particularly those in niche markets like flower farming. The conversation covers the basics of SEO, strategies for optimizing websites, the significance of content creation, and the role of video in enhancing online visibility. Brandon shares practical tips on keyword research, avoiding common pitfalls, and leveraging various platforms to drive traffic. The episode emphasizes the long-term benefits of SEO and the need for patience and consistency in building online presence.

Takeaways

• SEO is crucial for small businesses to convert hobbies into profitable ventures.
• Understanding SEO basics is essential for increasing online visibility.
• Optimizing website content with relevant keywords can significantly improve search rankings.
• Creating dedicated pages for specific keywords enhances SEO effectiveness.
• Regularly updating content keeps it relevant and improves search engine rankings.
• Video content can boost SEO when embedded on websites.
• Keyword research is vital for targeting the right audience and increasing traffic.
• Avoiding duplicate content is important to prevent penalties from search engines.
• Utilizing tools like Google Keyword Planner can simplify keyword research.
• Patience is key; SEO results take time to manifest.

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

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz discusses the intricacies of growing Ranunculus, sharing her personal experiences, challenges, and future plans. Over the course of the conversation, she reflects on her past growing seasons, the lessons learned from various experiments, and the adjustments made for the current season. Liz also outlines her strategies for future cultivation, including innovations in high tunnel farming and the importance of planning for seasonal flower demands, particularly for weddings and subscriptions.

Takeaways

• Ranunculus can be beautiful but challenging to grow in colder climates.
• Past experiences have taught valuable lessons about corm management.
• Pre-sprouting techniques can significantly impact growth success.
• Soil temperature is crucial for the successful blooming of Ranunculus.
• Planning for specific flower demands is essential for profitability.
• Experimentation is key to finding the best growing methods.
• High tunnels can provide better growing conditions for delicate flowers.
• Future plans include expanding growing space and improving infrastructure.
• Collaboration among local flower farmers can enhance market demand.
• Understanding customer expectations is vital for successful sales.

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

Reme's website: https://www.rememancera.com/story-connectors-1on1/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY5FvFboY6RqUIx3wsxSoGScfBr0YwbjH9DfjhUwbCiRzHKcmJ1R7Nzx-Y_aem_PUKn4Bv6QKREx_WEB6k3Dw

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz Fiedler Mergen speaks with personal branding strategist Reme Mancera about the significance of storytelling in building a personal brand. They discuss how to find unique stories, the importance of authenticity and transparency in marketing, and strategies for connecting with audiences. Reme emphasizes that everyone has stories to share, even if they don't seem epic, and that repetition and structure can help in effectively communicating these stories. The conversation highlights the long-term benefits of storytelling in branding and marketing.

Takeaways

• Your story is what makes you unique.
• You don't need an epic story to connect with your audience.
• Look for 10 little moments in your journey to share.
• Authenticity and transparency are crucial in branding.
• Repetition helps build familiarity and connection with your audience.
• You can share the same story in different ways for different audiences.
• It's okay to have private stories that you don't share publicly.
• Finding relevant stories can make marketing easier and more effective.
• Structure your content to make storytelling easier.
• Long-term strategies are essential for sustainable branding.

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, discusses the importance of embracing one's unique path as an entrepreneur without feeling the need to conform to societal expectations. She shares insights on the judgments faced by ambitious individuals and how to shift one's mindset to own their ambition without guilt. The conversation also touches on the significance of intentional living and surrounding oneself with supportive people to foster personal growth and success.

Takeaways

• Embrace your unique goals and dreams without apology.
• Judgments from others often stem from misunderstanding or concern.
• It's important to shift your mindset to own your ambition without guilt.
• Comparison can either inspire or deplete you; choose wisely.
• There is enough space for everyone's success in the world.
• Surround yourself with supportive and like-minded individuals.
• Focus on the intention behind others' words to avoid defensiveness.
• What energizes one person may deplete another; respect those differences.
• Intentional living is crucial for personal and professional growth.
• These episodes aim to inspire anyone pursuing a dream or growing a business.

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

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz interviews Cathy Nesbitt, the 'Laughing Bean Queen' and founder of Cathy's Crawley Composters. They discuss the benefits and methods of indoor composting with worms, including the science behind it, how to manage a worm bin, and the environmental impact of composting. Kathy shares her journey from being an accidental entrepreneur to educating others about the importance of composting and connecting with nature. The conversation emphasizes the ease of composting at home and the joy of nurturing worms as part of sustainable gardening practices.

Takeaways

• Indoor composting is a viable solution for those with limited outdoor space.
• Worms require a carbon-nitrogen mix for effective composting.
• Aerobic composting prevents bad odors and promotes healthy decomposition.
• Temperature, moisture, and airflow are key factors in worm composting.
• Freezing food scraps can speed up the composting process.
• Citrus, garlic, and onion should be avoided in worm bins.
• Worms can breed to fill their space without overpopulating.
• Cathy's journey into composting began with a personal challenge.
• Education and workshops are essential for promoting composting.
• Connecting with nature through gardening fosters a peaceful existence.

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