Resources for the Micro Flower Farmer
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I owe so much of what I know to other flower farmers who have shared their experiences with specialty cut flowers online. Whether it be by YouTube videos, podcasts, books, or online courses, these practitioners are not only growing and marketing flowers but also dedicating time to create educational content for the rest of us. For that, I am grateful.
Flower farming is a unique profession because of this wealth of research-to-practice information easily available to those who are curious. In many respects, it feels like we are all in this together, growing, learning and supporting each other along the way. My goal is to someday give back to the community by sharing what I have learned. In the meantime, please enjoy this post about the resources I have found to be helpful. All are produced by practicing flower farmers and/or floral professionals.
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YouTube Channels
Iowa Flower Farmers documenting their farms on YouTube
PepperHarrow - Winterset, IA
Perhaps the most famous flower farmers in Iowa, known not only for their gorgeous fields of blooms, but also for surviving a tornado.
Sunshine & Flora - Holstein, IA
Urban farm located along the main street of small-town Iowa; also renovating the neighboring historic building for retail space.
Wild Bird Farm - Madrid, IA
Growing on an acreage northwest of Des Moines, both in the field and hoop house.
Other favorite YouTube creators from around the US and across the pond
Regenerative Gardening / Blossom & Branch - Colorado
Transforming their property using regenerative practices; overcoming invasive species all while keeping soil health top of mind; consciously reducing or eliminating use of plastics.
Northlawn Flower Farm & Gardens - Pennsylvania
Primarily a landscape-based flower farm, in other words, not growing in traditional rows, yet still producing tons of blooms; also thoughtful and unique floral crafts and garden design projects.
Common Farm Flowers - Somerset, UK
My current dream farm! Growing a wide variety of flowers and foliage in a naturalistic English countryside setting; also creates gorgeous designs for small and large scale events.
Bloom & Gray - East Yorkshire, UK
Captivating color combinations and bouquet presentation; also very active in soil science and organic practices.
Podcasts
Host: Scott Shepherd
Longtime floral professional (wholesale and more) who interviews a wide variety of people within the industry.
The Dirt on Flowers
Hosts: Lindsay and Shannon
Two grower friends from two different farms in Ohio sharing the ups and downs of flower farming along with very practical information - all in a humorous way.
Slow Flowers
Host: Debra Prinzing
The unwavering champion of American Grown flowers and voice of the Slow Flowers movement. Debra interviews farmers, florists, designers, creatives and more.
Field & Garden
Host: Lisa Mason Ziegler
Lisa’s farm is the most similar to mine … suburban without any structures, such as hoop houses. She is a long-time high production farmer but has now transitioned to primarily teaching and writing. Author of the indispensable book, Cool Flowers.
Books
Cool Flowers
Author: Lisa Mason Ziegler
Short, concise book that outlines the concept of “cool” flowers - those that actually thrive best when grown over winter or in the coolest months of the year; also a user-friendly guide to growing specific varieties in various zones.
The Living Soil Handbook
Author: Jesse Frost
Written by a no-till vegetable market gardener, but every concept and practice can 100% be applied to flower farming; also contains plenty of helpful photos and sketches.
On-line Courses
*Please note that these are paid courses.
Bulbs, Perennials, and Woodies
Dave Dowling
A virtual encyclopedia of how to grow bulbs, perennials and shrubs for production and sale; a resource I frequently reference.
Color Theory Confidence
Amy Balsters
There is so much information in this course on all aspects of color theory as it relates to flowers. Every drop of it is useful to creating beautiful color palettes for bouquet design.
Regenerative Gardening
Briana Bosch
This course is easy to understand and immediately useful. The strategies can be implemented with easy-to-find materials and without lots of equipment.