47. High Efficiency Urban Flower Farming with Rachel Nafis

In this episode of Hands in the Soil, we sit down with Rachel Nafis, owner of Psalter Farm Flowers in San Diego, CA. Since 2019, Rachel and her team have been growing flowers for a 66-member CSA, local flower shops, and event florists across eight neighborhood gardens—all located right in her community.

Rachel shares her journey into agriculture, including the transition from working as an RN to managing a 40-acre vegetable ranch, and ultimately shifting into her innovative urban flower farming model. She offers an honest look at the pros and cons of growing in small, unconventional spaces, and why collaboration and creativity are essential to her farm’s success. We also explore the role of community in this model, how neighborhood gardens foster connection, and why flowers bring a unique kind of joy and meaning to her work.

Tune in to learn more about:

• Rachel’s journey from nursing to farming
• How Psalter Farm Flowers began and evolved into an urban model
• The pros and cons of urban flower farming
• Tips for efficiency and creativity in small growing spaces
• Why collaboration is central to her “flexible farming model”
• The role of community engagement and land literacy in urban agriculture
• Rachel’s favorite flowers to grow and why they inspire her
• Advice for aspiring urban farmers navigating challenges and opportunities

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… And so much more!

Rachel’s Resources & Links:

• Website: psalterfarmflowers.com
• Instagram: @psalterfarmflowers

Connect with Hannah:

• Instagram: @hannahkeitel