When life handed me raspberries, I didn't just make jam — I started a U-pick raspberry farm alongside my thriving flower garden. It's a tale that began with the hardy resilience of raspberry foliage, something I initially cultivated for its lasting beauty in bouquets. As my garden grew, so did the requests from my community, leading me down a path to an enterprise that's as rich in berries as it is in stories. In our latest episode, I peel back the leaves to reveal the organic growth of my business, how it's been shaped by the needs and desires of those it serves and the sweet balance I've found between my floral passion and the bountiful raspberry harvest.

For anyone with a green thumb or dreams of their own agricultural ventures, this episode is ripe with insights to help you harvest success.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The transition from growing raspberry foliage for bouquets to full raspberry production due to community demand.

• Balancing a dual-purpose garden and managing both the aesthetic and edible aspects.

• Tips for effective raspberry farming, including plant management and harvesting techniques.

• Implementing a pick-your-own system for the community and managing customer expectations.

• Creative solutions for farm labor and maintenance, such as engaging local youth and regular pickers.

• The importance of local food production and creating a family-friendly farm experience.

Resources from this Episode

• Freebie: Learn the secret to Cut and Come Again Flowers - https://www.learncutflowergrowing.com/cut-and-come-again-flowers

Follow and Review:

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

Join me as I walk you through the ins and outs of prepping your hoophouse for the new planting season. Sharing from my 16 years of hands-on experience, you'll get a sense of the various tools and techniques that can make your gardening both effective and manageable. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or a newcomer to the soil, this episode is packed with practical advice to suit gardens of every size.

The journey of flower farming is full of serendipitous learning, and I'm here to share structured lessons that pave the way for your growth. Whether you have access to advanced setups or are making do with simpler methods, you'll find tips and stories that resonate with your own floral adventures. Grab your gardening gloves or a cup of coffee, and let's cultivate your confidence and success together.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Preparing soil in a hoop house for planting.
• Essential gardening tools that are cost-effective.
• Balancing budget and labor efficiency when considering more expensive gardening equipment.
• Techniques for managing garden beds.

Resources from this Episode

• Freebie: Learn the secret to Cut and Come Again Flowers - https://www.learncutflowergrowing.com/cut-and-come-again-flowers

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

Listen in as I discuss the unexpected twists of joining larger markets, the harsh reality of being ousted, and the lessons learned along the way. We'll tackle the age-old saying, 'a rising tide lifts all boats,' and I'll share why this might not always ring true. This conversation is a candid look at the business dynamics that often go unseen behind the beauty of our blooms.

Discover the intricacies of local market economies and how healthy competition can drive innovation and maintain high standards. Reflecting on the concept of a flower co-op, I discuss how such collaborations can attract niche customers, like florists and DIY brides, who are essential to our community. Through these stories, gain insights into how promoting American and local flowers can coexist with a shrewd business approach.

Whether you're out in the garden or cozy at home, let's grow together and celebrate every effort that leads to the flourishing of our gardens. Happy growing!

In this episode, you will hear:

• Challenges of competing in city markets and misconceptions about the "rising tide lifts all boats" idiom.

• The unexpected confrontation leading to mutual growth and the concept of a flower co-op to attract niche customers.

• Exclusion from a market due to new regulations and advocating for a fair playing field for all vendors.

• Personal reflections on competition, maintaining standards, and embracing healthy rivalry to foster innovation.

• Importance of supporting local economies and young growers in the urban agriculture landscape.

Resources from this Episode

• Freebie: Learn the secret to Cut and Come Again Flowers - https://www.learncutflowergrowing.com/cut-and-come-again-flowers

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.