The Dirt on Flowers

Latest Episodes:

EP 109: Our Q1-ish Reviews Jun 07, 2024

Show notes

This week Lyndsay and Shannon share the gritty realities of flower farming. They discuss the intense challenges faced during the first quarter, from staffing changes and overwhelming workloads to weather impacts on crops. Lyndsay talks about her recovery from surgery amid farm duties, while Shannon describes the hurdles of farm expansion and unpredictable weather. They delve into issues with tulips and ranunculus, including weather effects, marketing strategies, and pest infestations, and explore solutions like soil replacement and fungicides. Additionally, Lyndsay recounts a distressing encounter with mites in her chicken coop, but also celebrates the success of her tulip pick and the benefits of hiring new staff. The episode concludes with a look at summer plans, farm visibility, and a call for listener engagement, reflecting the resilience and adaptability required in the farming industry.

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Lyndsay @wildroot_flowerco

Shannon @bloomhillfarm

EP 108: Mastering Tulips with Linda D’Arco & Emily von Trapp May 31, 2024

Show notes

Lyndsay and Shannon are joined by Emily Von Tapp of von Trapp Flowers and Linda D'Aarco of Little Farmhouse Flowers to discuss their experiences in flower farming, with a focus on growing tulips. They share their unique approaches to planting, cultivating, and harvesting tulips, including their use of different methods like hydroponics and crate growing. They also touch on the challenges they've faced, such as pest control and climate impacts on production. The impact of the pandemic on their businesses is discussed, leading to innovative shifts like moving their Tulip Workshop online. The episode is rich with insights on the practicalities of tulip farming and the importance of education and community in the industry.

Check out our special guest:

Emily von Trapp of VonTrapp Flowers

Linda D'Aarco of Little Farmhouse Flowers

Tulip Workshop

Podcast Reference:

Storing Peonies and Tulips + How to Handle Cut Flowers After Harvest with Dr. John Dole

Did you love today's episode?

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Lyndsay @wildroot_flowerco

Shannon @bloomhillfarm

EP 107 : Workshop Series (Part 3 Marketing your Workshops) May 24, 2024

Show notes

Lyndsay and Shannon share their expertise on marketing strategies for farm-based workshops. They discuss the importance of understanding the target audience, leveraging social media and email marketing, and the necessity of a well-structured launch plan. They share personal experiences and emphasize the need for authenticity in marketing messages. The episode covers the challenges of consistent marketing and offers practical tips for engaging potential customers, such as using Facebook events and personalized messaging. They provide actionable insights for effectively promoting workshops and adapting marketing tactics based on results.

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Lyndsay @wildroot_flowerco

Shannon @bloomhillfarm

EP 106: Workshop Series (Part 2 Pricing Strategies) May 17, 2024

Show notes

In this podcast episode, Lyndsay and Shannon, share their expertise on pricing strategies for farm workshops and events. They discuss cost-plus, hourly-based, and value-based pricing models, emphasizing the importance of planning and not underpricing. They explore targeting different audiences, like men for Mother's Day events, and adjusting marketing strategies accordingly. They also cover the comprehensive costs involved in running workshops. The episode is packed with practical advice, encouraging farmers to stay curious, monitor customer experiences, and brainstorm innovative event ideas. The next episode promises to tackle the critical aspect of marketing workshops.

Did you love today's episode?

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Lyndsay @wildroot_flowerco

Shannon @bloomhillfarm

EP 105: Workshop Series (Part 1-Planning) May 10, 2024

Show notes

In this podcast episode, Shannon and Lyndsay share their passion for hosting various workshops on their farms, from flower crown making to Christmas wreath workshops. They recount memorable moments, like the challenge of fitting a stick into a car, and the unique styles of participants. They also look forward to discussing how to plan profitable workshops in an upcoming episode, acknowledging past experiences of financial loss. Emphasizing the balance between enjoyment and the business side of farm workshops.

As a resource for locating your local FSA office, as well as the resources available for beginning farmers and Farm Loan tools available by clicking the link: http://Farmers.gov

Did you love today's episode?

Take a screenshot and share it in your IG stories. Don't forget to tag @dirtonflowers!
Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts!

Head to www.thedirtonflowers.com to sign up for our newsletter and become a Dirt on Flowers insider!

Want to learn more about your hosts? Follow us on Instagram!

Lyndsay @wildroot_flowerco

Shannon @bloomhillfarm

EP 104: The FSA Lowdown with Amanda Sargent May 03, 2024

Show notes

In this episode Lyndsay and Shannon are joined by Amanda Sergeant from the Farm Service Agency (FSA). They discuss the FSA's programs and services, emphasizing their benefits for farmers, including those in the flower industry. Amanda provides insights into the registration process, eligibility, and available programs like the Farm Storage Facility Loans and the Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program. The importance of communication with the FSA, understanding deadlines, and good recordkeeping for loss reporting is highlighted. The episode concludes with a reminder to engage with agricultural agencies and a call for listener engagement on their podcast and Instagram.

As a resource for locating your local FSA office, as well as the resources available for beginning farmers and Farm Loan tools available by clicking the link: http://Farmers.gov

Did you love today's episode?

Take a screenshot and share it in your IG stories. Don't forget to tag @dirtonflowers!
Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts!

Head to www.thedirtonflowers.com to sign up for our newsletter and become a Dirt on Flowers insider!

Want to learn more about your hosts? Follow us on Instagram!

Lyndsay @wildroot_flowerco

Shannon @bloomhillfarm

EP 103: Knowing your Critical Number Apr 26, 2024

Show notes

In this episode Lyndsay and Shannon share their insights on tulip farming and the broader aspects of running a flower farming business. They emphasize the importance of tracking critical numbers for informed decision-making and discuss the challenges of managing emotions in business. They provide practical advice on focusing on key metrics, avoiding over-analysis, and learning from both successes and failures. The hosts also express gratitude to their listeners, and tease upcoming surprises, highlighting the value of listener feedback and engagement.

Did you love today's episode?

Take a screenshot and share it in your IG stories. Don't forget to tag @dirtonflowers!
Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts!

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Want to learn more about your hosts? Follow us on Instagram!

Lyndsay @wildroot_flowerco

Shannon @bloomhillfarm

EP 102: Mental Prep - Forcing Tulips and Endless House chores Apr 19, 2024

Show notes

In this podcast episode, Lyndsay and Shannon discuss the mental and logistical preparations for the upcoming growing season. They explore the excitement and concerns associated with making large flower orders, managing farm changes, and the financial implications of their investments. Lyndsay talks about adapting her farm operations due to health reasons and a team member's maternity leave, while Shannon anticipates the help of H-2A workers. They also touch on the nuances of forcing tulips and the balance between farm life and home cleanliness, offering practical advice like a tip for keeping snapdragons straight in the cooler. Their conversation underscores the importance of flexibility and adaptability in flower farming.

Looking for the link discussed in this weeks episode just click here for the tulip workshop.

Did you love today's episode?

Take a screenshot and share it in your IG stories. Don't forget to tag @dirtonflowers!
Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts!

Head to www.thedirtonflowers.com to sign up for our newsletter and become a Dirt on Flowers insider!

Want to learn more about your hosts? Follow us on Instagram!

Lyndsay @wildroot_flowerco

Shannon @bloomhillfarm

Ep 101: Running a Profitable U-Pick with Loretta Ball Apr 12, 2024

Show notes

Lyndsay and Shannon interview Loretta Ball, owner of The Never Ending Flower Farm. They discuss the unique aspects of running a u-pick flower farm, including customer experiences, operational challenges, and creative solutions. Loretta shares her journey from starting with a small patch to expanding her farm, and the hosts exchange stories about the quirks of agritourism. They also touch on the importance of marketing, customer engagement, and adapting the business to keep valuable employees. The conversation highlights the joys and hurdles of flower farming and agritourism.

Did you love today's episode?

Take a screenshot and share it in your IG stories. Don't forget to tag @dirtonflowers!
Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts!

Head to www.thedirtonflowers.com to sign up for our newsletter and become a Dirt on Flowers insider!

Want to learn more about your hosts? Follow us on Instagram!

Lyndsay @wildroot_flowerco

Shannon @bloomhillfarm

EP 100: Our Most Memorable Moments Apr 05, 2024

Show notes

In the 100th episode of their podcast, Shannon and Lyndsaycelebrate their journey as farmers and podcast hosts. They share behind-the-scenes stories, reflect on personal and business growth, and discuss overcoming challenges like technical issues and self-doubt. They emphasize the importance of self-compassion, hiring help, and surrounding oneself with supportive people. The hosts also touch on social media culture, dealing with difficult customers, and the practical aspects of farming, such as crop planning. They express gratitude for their listeners' support and look forward to future episodes and community engagement.

Finding Your Marigold

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