32. Summer Crop Plan Debrief

In this episode, we're exploring how flower farmers fill the gap between the end of ranunculus season and the start of dahlias, typically mid-spring to early summer in our region. We revisit the five growers we've spoken to throughout this season and find out which crops they're growing to maintain a consistent supply of focal flowers during this transitional period. We also share our own recommendations and experiences, including Katie's extensive experimentation this season, as she set out to address this gap in her own production.Crops discussed include paper daisies, roses, tissue culture dahlias, foxgloves, scabiosa, hydrangeas, gladioli, sunflowers and plenty more.Featuring insights from:Robin from Transition FarmLuen's FlowersCasey from Three Dogs Flower FarmLove Sophie FlowersMel from Andmia Flower FarmWhether you're looking to improve your seasonal crop planning or simply find new options to keep your buckets full, we hope this episode gives you some ideas for your own spring production.

In this episode, Sarah and Katie visit Mel at Andmia Flower Farm in the Hunter Valley to learn how she built a full-time business growing Australian natives and proteas. Mel explains the farm’s four-year path to profitability, crop choices, watering and fertilising tips, and practical growing and selling lessons for Australian flower farmers.

In this episode Sarah and Katie explore how they would plan each other's farms if they switched, considering space, crops, and business strategies. They share insights on crop choices, farm layout, and the realities of running a flower farm as a business.Follow us on Instagram!@bloommatespodcast @grown_by_lightninghollows @quayle.cottageThings we mention a lot:Florlist.com - the online availability platform we use to take florist orders@harvest_flowermarket - the local flower hub connecting growers and floristsHighsun Express - bulk seed supplier Ball Australia - wholesale seedling/seed/plant supplier (hear us talk in detail about Ball on episode 26)Crops we mention a lot (that you may not know how to spell):Silene vulgarisSalpiglossisNicotianaPhloxMonardaMuscari

In this episode, Sophie from Love Sophie Flowers shares her journey to wedding floristry and flower farming, her strategic approach to growing flowers, and her wish list of flowers she wishes more Australian flower farmers would grow from her perspective as a wedding florist including Phlox and Corn Cockle. Sophie also shares her insights on social media , and building a community around your passion. Discover practical tips for growing flowers such as Pansies and Sweet Peas, engaging audiences, and turning your hobby into a thriving business.

In this episode, Sarah and Katie share their latest farm updates, discuss the impact of heat on flowering, and explore pest management strategies for the upcoming season.Follow us on Instagram:⁠@bloommatespodcast⁠ ⁠@grown_by_lightninghollows⁠ ⁠@quayle.cottage⁠Things we mention a lot:⁠Florlist.com⁠ - the online availability platform we use to take florist orders⁠@harvest_flowermarket⁠ - the local flower hub connecting growers and florists⁠Highsun Express⁠ - bulk seed supplier ⁠Ball Australia⁠ - wholesale seedling/seed/plant supplier (hear us talk in detail about Ball on ⁠episode 26⁠)Weird crops we mention a lot that you may not know how to spell:Silene vulgarisSalpiglossisNicotianaPhloxMonardaMuscari

In this episode, Casey from Three Dogs Flower Farm shares her plans for her new rented one acre market garden including on farm events and subscription boxes. She aslo shares insights into her farm operations, seed and dahlia tuber production, and some of her favourite perennials including Windflowers, Silene vulgaris, and Rudbeckia triloba. Find Casey here:@threedogsflowerfarm@hendogfarmhttps://threedogsflowerfarm.com.au/Follow us on Instagram:@bloommatespodcast @grown_by_lightninghollows @quayle.cottageThings we mention a lot:Florlist.com - the online availability platform we use to take florist orders@harvest_flowermarket - the local flower hub connecting growers and floristsHighsun Express - bulk seed supplier Ball Australia - wholesale seedling/seed/plant supplier (hear us talk in detail about Ball on episode 26)Weird crops we mention a lot that you may not know how to spell:Silene vulgarisSalpiglossisNicotianaPhloxMonardaMuscari

In this episode, Katie and Sarah join Luen on her new farm where she shares her journey of farm downsizing, plans for her roadside stand, and establishing her new flower farm. She discusses practical tips for crop planning, moving farms, and optimising small-scale flower production. Luke joins for segment on hot composting techniques, farm management, and how he and Luen manage disagreements about the farm.Follow us on Instagram:@luensflowers @bloommatespodcast @grown_by_lightninghollows @quayle.cottageThings we mention a lot:Florlist.com - the online availability platform we use to take florist orders@harvest_flowermarket - the local flower hub connecting growers and floristsHighsun Express - bulk seed supplier Ball Australia - wholesale seedling/seed/plant supplier (hear us talk in detail about Ball on episode 26)

Flower farmers Katie and Sarah share their crop plans for the upcoming summer/autumn season including a mix of annuals and flowering perennials. They touch on their goals for this season that helped guide them when planning as well as some growing and sowing techniques for warm weather.

Robin from Transition Farm shares her journey from vegetable farming to seed production, emphasizing the importance of biodynamic practices, soil health and seed sovereignty. Discover how her farm adapts to climate challenges as well as the additional tax that seed growing puts on the soil and how Robin combats this. In this episode, Robin shares how she began seed breeding, the benefits of biodynamic practices, and insights into growing resilient, vibrant flowers like zinnias. Discover how regional seed production and sustainable practices can transform flower farming.TRANSITION FARM DEVELOPED ZINNIAShttps://transitionfarm.com/collections/transition-farm-developed-zinniasTRANSITION FARM SEED RAISING MIX RECIPEhttps://transitionfarm.com/blogs/growing-resources/transition-farm-seed-raising-mixSTAND UP SOIL BLOCKERLadbrooke stand up soil blocker 1.5" 20https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BUV4OOK?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

Bioplastic Mulch Film: https://ausbioplas.com.au/products/biodegradable-mulch-film?srsltid=AfmBOoqSEEdTp4npUzMW_rN89aU0uujdUPlNaTLUAMeterJeKXWZ-hZsBlogpost about the Florlist platform update: https://www.quaylecottage.com.au/blog/florlist-overview