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

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

Farm website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com

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

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

In this episode, Liz announces her name change and the rebranding of her podcast from Sunny Mary Meadow Podcast to Flower Farmer Forum. She discusses her initial hesitation to change the name and her desire to focus on both flower farming and the business side of her farm. Liz shares her love for flower farming and the reasons why every day feels like a Friday for her. She talks about the importance of hiring help, setting goals, and creating systems to make the business more efficient and enjoyable. Liz also reveals her plans for expanding her farm and building a sustainable business for future generations.

Takeaways

• Changing the name of a podcast or business can be a strategic decision to better align with the focus and goals of the brand.
• Finding joy and fulfillment in a business requires intentional planning, hiring help, and creating systems to streamline operations.
• Setting clear goals and having predictable revenue streams can reduce stress and create a sense of calmness in the business.
• Building a sustainable business involves transitioning from being an operator to being an owner, delegating tasks, and focusing on long-term growth and scalability.
• Business ownership allows for flexibility and the ability to pursue other interests and passions while still running a successful enterprise.

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

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

Farm website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com

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

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

Free Webinar signup: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/registration-page-98506269-a075-4c81-99f8-48df49979579

In this episode, Liz discusses the process of harvesting flowers on her farm and shares tips for maximizing efficiency. She emphasizes the importance of planning and growing the right crops in the right quantities. Liz also talks about the benefits of batch work and having a central location for tools and materials. She provides insights into her bouquet-making process and highlights the significance of intentional flower selection for events.

Takeaways

• Plan and grow the right crops in the right quantities to reduce waste and maximize efficiency.
• Utilize batch work to streamline the harvesting and bouquet-making process.
• Have a central location for tools and materials to improve organization and save time.
• Select flowers intentionally for events to ensure they are fully open and at their prime.

Helpful Links:

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

Crop Planning Journal: https://amzn.to/3xubPZh

Crop Planning Course: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkout

Dewitt Fabric: https://www.dewittcompany.com/products/landscape-fabric/

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

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

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

Free Webinar signup: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/registration-page-98506269-a075-4c81-99f8-48df49979579

In this episode, Liz discusses planting and efficiency in flower farming. She emphasizes the importance of planning and getting specific about what and how much to grow based on what can be sold. The episode also features a discussion about Tilmor a company that offers tools and equipment for small growers. The host shares her experience with the Dibbler tool and the benefits of using pre-cut fabric for weed control. She also explores the advantages of buying plugs instead of starting from seeds and suggests enlisting the help of the community to make planting more efficient.

Helpful Links:

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

Crop Planning Journal: https://amzn.to/3xubPZh

Crop Planning Course: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkout

Dewitt Fabric: https://www.dewittcompany.com/products/landscape-fabric/

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

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

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

Free Webinar signup: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/registration-page-98506269-a075-4c81-99f8-48df49979579

In this episode, host Liz kicks off the Productivity and Efficiency Tips for Flower Farming Mini Series. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on expenses and time management to increase profitability. The episode is part of a mini-series divided into three parts: planning, planting, and harvesting. Liz provides insights on crop planning, inventory management, and task management. She also shares her experiences with tools and resources that have helped streamline her flower farming process. The upcoming episodes will cover planting with precision and the importance of event work and subscriptions.

Takeaways

• Focus on expenses and time management to increase profitability in flower farming.
• Crop planning is crucial for predicting sales and optimizing flower production.
• Take inventory of seeds, tools, and resources to avoid wastage and panic buying.
• Invest in tools and resources that streamline the flower farming process, such as a dibbler and a journal for crop planning.
• Analyze and optimize planting and harvesting techniques to maximize productivity.
• Consider the different needs and expectations of event work and subscription customers.

Helpful Links:

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

Crop Planning Journal: https://amzn.to/3xubPZh

Crop Planning Course: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkout

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

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

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

Blog version of the podcast: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/blog/creating-a-beautiful-wildflower-patch-my-journey-and-tips-for-success

In this episode, Liz discusses her wildflower patch and the process of planting and maintaining it. She shares her personal experience and tips for preparing the soil, choosing the right seeds, and dealing with weeds. Liz also mentions the importance of regular maintenance and the transition from annuals to perennials in the patch.

Takeaways

• Preparing the soil and removing weeds and debris is crucial before planting a wildflower patch.
• Choosing the right seeds for your climate and soil type is important for successful growth.
• Regular watering in the initial weeks is crucial for seed germination.
• Maintaining the patch and controlling weeds is necessary to prevent them from taking over.
• The patch will evolve over time, with annuals going to seed and perennials becoming more dominant.
• Consider seeking support and grants from programs like the CSP for larger-scale wildflower projects.

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

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

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

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 Flower Farmer Forum Friday Featured Flower Farmer is a series of interviews with flower farmers who are doing things differently.

Nicole from Olson Blooms shares her journey of starting a flower farming business in Holly, Minnesota. She talks about the inspiration behind her farm name and the significance of her family's history in the area. Nicole discusses her transition from teaching to farming and the challenges she faced along the way. She explains her current offerings, including bouquet subscriptions, DIY bloom buckets, and flower arranging workshops. Nicole also shares her goals for the future, including adding more perennials and shrubs to her farm.

Takeaways

• Starting a flower farming business can provide a sense of control and fulfillment for individuals looking for something of their own.
• It's important to find a balance between personal goals and family needs when running a flower farm.
• The business side of flower farming can be just as important, if not more, than the growing aspect.
• Growing a variety of flowers allows for seasonal changes and customer satisfaction.
• Having an open mind and being adaptable to change is crucial for long-term success in the flower farming industry.

Olson Blooms: https://www.olsonblooms.com/

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

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

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

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 conversation, Liz and Kelly Cane of Moxie Creative discuss the importance of branding, website creation, and the pitfalls of DIY marketing. They emphasize the need for professional expertise in logo design and branding, as well as the significance of a well-maintained and updated website. The conversation also touches on the challenges and misconceptions faced by small business owners in the realm of marketing and branding.

Takeaways

• The importance of professional expertise in logo design and branding
• The significance of a well-maintained and updated website
• Challenges and misconceptions faced by small business owners in marketing and branding

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

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

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

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 Flower Farmer Forum Friday Featured Flower Farmer is a series of interviews with flower farmers who are doing things differently. The first episode features Katie and Audra from Ranchy Stems in South Dakota. They discuss their journey into flower farming, their initial struggles with selling at farmers markets, and their shift towards agritourism. Their why for starting a flower farm includes the desire for freedom and financial stability, as well as a love for flowers. They also emphasize the importance of finding a niche and adjusting their business model based on market demand. Audra and Katie discuss their love for flowers and their journey in starting Ranchy Stems, a flower farm in rural South Dakota. They talk about the challenges they faced, the importance of communication and record-keeping, and the value of learning from failures. Audra and Katie also share their plans for the future, including subscriptions, nursing home sponsorships, and on-farm events. They emphasize the need to have a sense of purpose and to be confident in one's abilities.

Follow Ranchy Stems: https://www.instagram.com/ranchystems/

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 her experience growing ranunculus in zone 4B. She shares her methods for pre-sprouting the corms, planting them in the high tunnel, and overwintering them. Liz also talks about the importance of using high tunnels in colder climates and the challenges she faced with saving and replanting the corms. She concludes by mentioning her plans for the upcoming year and the changes she will make to her subscription offerings.

Takeaways

• Ranunculus can be successfully grown in zone 4B with the use of a high tunnel.
• Pre-sprouting the corms and planting them in trays or directly in the ground can yield good results.
• Overwintering ranunculus is possible but requires careful storage and selection of healthy corms.
• Soil health is important for successful ranunculus cultivation, and cover crops can help improve it.
• Consider the timing of ranunculus blooms when planning subscriptions or sales.
• Selling ranunculus at a premium price is justified due to the high demand and cost of wholesale corms.

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

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

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

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