From Seed to Bloom: This Flower Farmer's Journey

Last year was the first year for the flower farm. I had no idea what I was doing or if there was even any interest from the community. I spared 10 rows from the market garden and scattered seeds. No real plan, minimal research, and a whole lot of hope. It bloomed into the most magical place on the farm and the most admired product on the farm stand.

Freshly harvested sunflowers.

This year looks a whole lot different. I’ve spent the off-season planning, researching, educating, and planning some more. I’ve taken 5 different courses to gain knowledge and expertise in flower farming. I have to say, these courses are much more enjoyable than nursing school was!

Planning the 2025 flower farm season.

I am cultivating the flower farm to be a legitimate business and literally have found my dream job. Love what you do, find true joy, share the process, all while helping others feel their own joy.

Yesterday was the official start to the 2025 season. I mixed a bulk batch of seed starting mix - it felt good to have my hands in dirt again. This year I’m starting everything in soil blocks and under grow lights in the basement. 480 snapdragons were sowed yesterday. This is only the beginning.

Multi-tasking kind of day, homeschooling and sowing snapdragons.

I have a few more weeks to (impatiently) wait to start the majority of all the other flowers. But I’ll soak in the last of the slow season and tenderly care for the snaps. Make sure they have 16 hours of light, water them every morning, and check on them every hour out of anticipation that they have germinated (it’s going to be a long 10 days!).

Giving soil blocking a try this year. Wish me luck!

The landscape fabric was delivered this morning so that means now I can start prepping the new flower farm location. I lucked out and found an old 4’ disc from a farm neighbor - he gave it to me!! It will be perfect for the 4’ rows! Coincidence or fate? I’ll let you decide. Soon I’ll be mowing off last season's pumpkins and weeds, working the soil, and laying the fabric. My hope is to get everything transplanted around May 12th - depending on my boss (Mother Nature). That’s when the real fun begins. Watching all the tiny seeds I sow into the tiny soil blocks grow and develop beautiful blooms and a mesmerizing corner of the farm.

The new location of the flower farm.

From seed to bloom - follow along for the flower farms journey. It’s only just beginning, and I have a feeling it's going to be a wild ride!

-Erica