From a First Year Flower Farmer
Do you have this burning passionate desire towards "something"? This "something" being: a job, promotion, starting position on a sports team, career change, new hobby, additional stream of income, etc.?
For me... this "passion" "desire", what keeps me up at night is Flower Farming!
Can I be honest, this passion to want to be a flower farmer started back in 2021. and I watched... FEAR got me. Fear and self doubt stopped me from taking action, but fear did not stop me from gaining knowledge. I started following flower farmers and gardener on social media, reading books, and watching YouTube video.
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The Flower Farmer: An Organic Grower's Guide to Raising and Selling Cut Flowers by Lynn Byczynski Was my first book purchased April 12, 2021. I do recommend reading this book if you are thinking about venturing into flower farming. A great resource to dive into.
AND for my birthday last year my husband got me Erin Benzakein's book Floret Farm's Cut Flower Garden. I'm currently on page 106 and love how this book is mapped out and easy to read.
The end of last year (2023) I bought SEEDS!!!
From Johnny Seeds I purchased:
Lisianthus- Voyage 2 First Love (started from seed 12/23/23)
Eucalyptus- Baby Blue Bouquet (started from seed 1/7/23)
Aster- King Size Apricot
Zinnia- Queeny Lime Blush
Zinnia- Zinderella Peach
Statice- Apricot Beauty
Stock- Iron Pastel Mix
Snapdragon- Chantilly Light Salmon
I also purchased seeds from MIgardener and Botanical Interest.
Strawflower, Celosia, Basil, and Bells of Ireland
Next, I needed to purchase seed starting supplies.
I have ordered from BootStrap Farmer in the past for my vegetable garden. This purchase I needed to get more cells (50 cell tray) and domes to go over the tray.
I was influenced by another flower farmer and purchased my "grow lights" which are shop lights from Amazon. I have been using them less than a month but my Lisianthus germinated and seem to be doing well. The shop lights do come with a chain which is super helpful but I also used zip ties as well.
Next is soil. I use a organic potting me from Burpee online and just purchased a second bag. I love the way it looks, feels, and smells. Again, my Lisianthus germinated so far.
My seeds are currently growing on a 5 Shelf Storage Rack in my dining room lol.
5 Shelf Storage Unit can you envision the shop lights hanging from the shelf above?
I did purchase an organic liquid fertilizer from Amazon as well, if you would like I can link it for you as well.
Marketing Marketing Marketing
While starting my Lisianthus seeds I also created a Business Instagram account.
@bloomsbyeverly I would so appreciate if you would follow along on mine and Everly's journey.
Next on my to do list is to create a Facebook page in hopes to bring awareness to my new business and ultimately sales.
AHHH this PASSION. I plan on updating this blog as I progress through my flower farming journey or maybe I will do a follow up blog. hmmmm I don't want this blog to be to long winded.
Until Next Time
<3 LV
I ALMOST FORGOT! I STARTED A YOUTUBE CHANNEL TO VLOG MY NEW JOUNEY!
I started a series: Growing Cut Flowers
Be sure to check it out as I discuss the cut flower varieties I will be growing this year.
I would so greatly appreciate if you like and subscribe to my channel. :) #watchmegrow