Field and Garden with Lisa Mason Ziegler

Trends, tools, and growing seasons may change—but the advice that builds successful flower farms remains remarkably steady. In this episode, Lisa shares the timeless lessons that help growers make wiser choices, protect their time and money, and build confidence season after season.

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Publication: Growing for Market

Frank & Pamela Arnosky (Website)
Lisa's Course: The Basics, Annual Crops, Marketing, and More⁠

Dave's Course: Bulbs, Perennials, Woodies, and More
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The⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Fiel...

Which perennials truly earn their space on a cut flower farm? In this episode, Lisa and Dave Dowling reveal three standout crops that deliver lasting value through dependable harvests, manageable care, and strong sales potential.

Originally aired as episode #348 on 6/24/25

Mentions⁠⁠⁠

Dave's Course: ⁠⁠Flower Farming School Online: Bulbs, Perennials, Woodies, and More⁠

⁠Flower Farming School Online: Growing Cut Flower Crops in Hoop and Greenhouses⁠

⁠Ball/Colorlink: plant broker⁠

⁠Walter's Gardens: perennial wholesaler⁠

⁠Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers⁠

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Flower farming advice is everywhere! But more information doesn’t always mean more clarity. In this episode, Lisa talks about the difference between collecting random tips and following a real roadmap, and why learning in the right order can save new growers time, money, and frustration.

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The BIG Calendar-Journal

Lisa's Course: ⁠Flower Farming School Online⁠

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The⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Field and Garden Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Cut Flower Handbook...

Want to make more money (and avoid wasting it) on your flower farm? In this episode, Lisa shares her hard-earned tips for choosing the best crops to grow for profit. From low-cost annuals to succession planting and market-smart decisions, get practical advice to help you grow a thriving flower business. Whether you're just starting out or refining your crop plan, this episode is packed with insights you can use right away!

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Lisa's Course: ⁠Flower Farming School Online⁠

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Empty summer beds can turn into weedy messes fast—but buckwheat is a simple cover crop that can step in while you wait. In this episode, Lisa shares why buckwheat is one of her favorite warm-season tools for suppressing weeds, feeding pollinators, building soil, and keeping the garden working between crops.

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Cover Crop, Buckwheat

Silage Tarp

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The⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Field and Garden Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Cut Flower Handbook, Vegetables Love Flowers, and Cool Flowers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, owner of⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Gardener’s Work...

Today, I am here to share my thoughts on something that has had a big impact on my flower farming journey personally: community. A community is powerful, no matter where you are on your flower farming journey. I created The Flower Farmer Club to be a safe place for us all to be motivated and encouraged, and to be a place for learning, inspiration, and exploration! I am so eager to join you on your adventure, and I look forward to seeing you in the club.

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The Flower Farmer Club, presented by...

When flower sales suddenly go quiet, it can feel scary — especially when you’re new in business. In this episode, Lisa shares encouragement and practical next steps for slow weeks, reminding flower farmers to stay steady, keep finding customers, and just don’t quit.

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The Flower Farmer Club, Presented by The Gardener's Workshop

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The⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Field and Garden Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is produced...

Today we're thrilled to share an inspiring story! Meet Tricia from The Simple Sunflower, an organization that’s making a big difference in our community by repurposing flowers for those in need. In this interview, you'll learn what they do, how they do it, and ways to apply this in your own community as well. Together, we can bring a little more joy into the world, one bouquet at a time!

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The Simple Sunflower: Website, Instagram
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Early May is the perfect moment to pause, take a clear look at your garden, and make smart adjustments before the season gets away from you. In this episode, we walk through what to evaluate right now—from cool flowers to warm season plantings—so you can stay on track for a smoother, more productive season.

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The BIG Calendar-Journal

June 27, 2026: Open Farm & Warehouse Tour Info
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The⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Field and Garden Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is produced by Lisa Mason...

Let’s talk money—the kind that keeps your flower farm alive or quietly drains it dry. In this episode, Lisa digs into the tough truth about spending on the farm: what’s worth it, what’s not, and how to make choices that lead to long-term success instead of slow collapse. If you're ready to face your farm finances head-on, this one's for you.

Originally published as episode #337 on 4/08/25.



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Free Phone App for Live Gardening Shows: ⁠Get the App⁠

Lisa's Course, ⁠Flower Farming School Online⁠

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A simple moment in the garden can remind us of what really matters. In this episode, Lisa shares how birds bring balance, beauty, and natural pest control—and how easy it is to welcome them into your space.

Mentions & How to Learn More

Bringing Nature Home by Doug Tallamy

Lisa's Book, Vegetables Love Flowers

June 27, 2026: Open Farm & Warehouse Tour Info

Video: Growing & Maintaining A Native Plant Border

Merlin Bird ID phone app by Cornell Lab of Ornithology

⁠Shop the TGW Online Store for all y...

Today, we’re diving deep into the wonderful world of cutting gardens. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this guide will help you create a cutting garden that brings joy and beauty to your life. Here, Lisa covers what you need to know to make your cutting garden thrive.

Originally aired 5/13/25

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[Register Here] Free Training with Lisa: The Secret to Big, Beautiful, Abundant Summer Flowers

Online Courses: ⁠The Easy Cut Flower Garden⁠, ⁠Cool Flowers from Seed to Harvest⁠Books: ⁠Cool Flowers⁠, ⁠Vegeta...

Better flowers don’t always come from more effort—they come from better choices. Here, Lisa shares how working with nature, not against it, can transform your garden into something stronger, simpler, and more rewarding.

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Find locally-grown flowers: localflowers.org

Lisa's book: Vegetables Love Flowers
The BIG Calendar-Journal
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The⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Field and Garden Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Cut Flower Handbook, Vegetables Love Flowers, and Cool Flowers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, owner...

On episode 28 of The No-Till Flowers Podcast, Lisa Mason Ziegler joined host Jennie Love to discuss all things seed starting! Jennie's focus is on regenerative farming. She invited Lisa on the show to compare seed starting techniques and discuss methods that support superior seed germination and seedling growth sustainably and regeneratively. Both Lisa and Jennie share lots of great resources for additional research and learning, see below for some of those links.

Podcast excerpts are published with permission.

Originally aired as Field & Garden episode #228 in March '23.

M...

Starting a garden is exciting — but the real joy comes from following through on the small, important steps that make everything work. In this episode, Lisa shares how doing less, but doing it better, can completely change your garden and bring the joy back.

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Deer Repellent Sprays: Tree Guard, I Must Garden, Liquid Fence

Book: The New Organic Grower by Eliot Coleman
Products: Biodegradable Mulch Film, Flower Support Netting, Row Cover Kit
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Today I'm diving into a topic that I've never really talked about before: collaboration versus competition. Why are we so afraid of competition? Let's explore why collaboration can actually be more beneficial.

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Amy's Organic Garden on Instagram

Online Workshop: Collectives101

⁠The Flower Farmer Club⁠, presented by The Gardener's Workshop

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The⁠⁠⁠⁠ Field and Garden Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Cut Flower Handbook, Vegetables Love Flowers...

Most garden problems start before the first seed is planted. In this episode, Lisa shares the five simple setup decisions that make a cutting garden easier to care for—and far more productive.

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Products: Garden Fork & Spade, TGW Seed Collections, Biodegradable Mulch Film, The BIG Calendar-Journal, The Cut Flower Handbook

Online Courses: The Easy Cut Flower Garden, Flower Farming School Online

Irrigation Suppliers: Dripworks and Berry Hill

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The⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Field and...

If I had the opportunity to restart my business today based on what I have learned since starting in 1998, these are some of the things that would change the course of my business. They seem so simple now, but when I was in the weeds-- I never even thought of these things!

Hope they help! ~Lisa

P.S. Listen through to the very end for an uplifting note from Jennifer!

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Lisa's Course: ⁠Flower Farming School Online

⁠Shop the TGW Onlin...

If your garden (or your to-do list) feels too big, this episode will feel like a deep breath. Lisa shares how cutting back her growing space—on purpose—actually increased her productivity, lowered stress, and brought the joy back into her season. Learn why “smaller” can make you a stronger, more profitable grower, and the simple shifts that help you get more from the beds you already have.

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The BIG Calendar-Journal from The Gardener's Workshop

Book: The New Organic Grower by Eliot Coleman

Live Class with Lisa: "Where to Sell Cut...

Today, I’m thrilled to share some important tips for anyone dreaming of starting a flower farming business. As I look back on my journey, I wish I had these resources when I started. This is about the three key steps that can lead to failure as a flower farmer. I’ve seen many passionate people vanish from the business, and it’s often due to skipping over some basic but crucial steps. I'd love to keep YOU from failing, and I hope these tips help you navigate the challenges of flower farming and keep your passion alive. 

<...

In this episode, Lisa shares the deeper truth behind nearly 30 years of growing, teaching, and building The Gardener’s Workshop: success didn’t come from pressure or perfection—it came from following the quiet pull toward the work she loves. From discovering gardening as a dyslexic learner to building tools and resources that help others succeed, this is a gentle, inspiring reminder to listen to the tug that keeps you showing up, season after season.

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Documentary, The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia

The BIG Calendar-Journal

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In this episode, Lisa shares a gentle but game-changing reminder: a focused plan beats a flashy one every time. If you're building a flower farm (or dreaming of one), tune in to hear why growing a few reliable crops, resisting the urge to overcomplicate, and sticking to your plan can lead to real, lasting success.

P.S. Listen through to the end for a special note from Julia!

Original air date 1/31/23 as Field & Garden #222

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Arnosky Family Farms on Instagram

...

Don’t Go It Alone: The Flower Farmer’s Superpower

Dreaming of flower farming success? There’s one simple (but powerful) strategy that can save you time, money, and burnout: community. In this episode, Lisa shares why building a solid support network might be the most important decision you make as a beginner flower farmer.

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Lisa's Private Online Community: The Flower Farmer Club

Lisa's Course: Flower Farming School Online

Book: The Flower Farmer by Lynn Byczynski

Discover our online courses!

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This episode features a takeover of our popular weekly live Q&A session on Instagram, called Ask a Flower Farmer. It was guest-hosted by Dave Dowling of Ball/ColorLink, a former flower farmer and the instructor for our online course: ⁠⁠⁠Flower Farming School Online: Bulbs, Perennials, Woodies, and More⁠⁠⁠. Dave is always happy to share his knowledge with our listeners!

Topics Covered: 

What Dogs Teach Us About Flower Farming, Business, and Joy

If you love flowers and dogs, this one’s for you. In this episode, Lisa reflects on how the simple routines dogs love—like the same walk every day—can teach us powerful lessons about farming, business, and finding joy in repetition. Tune in to hear how consistency and calm can build not only better farms, but better lives.

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Mental Aspect account on Instagram

Lisa Books

The BIG Calendar-Journal

Discover our online courses!

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Today’s episode features a takeover of our popular weekly live Q&A session on Instagram, with featured guest Ellen Frost of Local Color Flowers in Baltimore, MD. Ellen is a floral designer who creates exclusively with flowers and foliage purchased from local growers. She is also one of our course instructors here at The Gardener’s Workshop.

In this Q&A, Ellen highlights the need for understanding florists' requirements, offers flower recommendations, and addresses challenges in winter sourcing. She emphasizes visual marketing and the power of storytelling to connect with others in the flowe...

Encore: Our most popular episode of 2025!

Original air date January 14, 2025

Today, I want to dive into the topic of cool flowers and the importance of planting them in very early spring. The basic idea is to plant these flowers in cool to cold conditions to get the best performance out of them, which can happen in fall, winter, or very early spring.

Many people have been led away from planting during these unusual times. But I assure you, this is where the magic happens! For flower farmers, p...

Ever catch yourself thinking, “I could never do that”? In this episode, Lisa Mason Ziegler unpacks the quiet assumptions that stop so many people before they ever plant their first row.

Mentions

ASCFG - Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers

Mimo Davis at Urban Buds: Website, Instagram

Lisa's Course: Flower Farming School Online

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The⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Field and Garden Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award...

Why Starting From Seed Changes Everything for Your Cut Flower Garden

Seeds are small but powerful! In this episode, Lisa breaks down why starting from seed gives you more variety, better timing, stronger plants, and huge savings. From common mistakes to simple rules that make seeds sprout reliably, plus why soil blocking is her go-to method, this episode will give you the confidence to start (or improve!) your own seed-starting routine.

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Lisa Talks Seed Starting on the No-Till Flowers Podcast

Online Course: Seed Starting Made Easy

...

Timing is everything when it comes to cool flowers! In this episode, Lisa explains the simple but crucial “very early spring” planting window — when to start, how to prepare, and why getting it right makes all the difference. Whether you’re growing sweet peas, snapdragons, stock, or others, this practical episode will help you plan, plant, and grow the gorgeous blooms you crave!

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Lisa's Book, Cool Flowers

Spiral-Bound Edition: The Cut Flower Handbook

The BIG Calendar-Journal

The Garden Fork

Discover our online courses!

⁠⁠Shop t...

Discover how serving your community can spark creativity, confidence, and real business growth. In this episode, Lisa shares simple, practical ways to connect, collaborate, and give back, and why those connections become one of your farm’s greatest strengths.

Mentions:

Discover our online courses!

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The⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Field and Garden Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Cut Flower Handbook, Vegetables Love Flowers, and Cool Flowers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, owner of⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Gardener’s Workshop,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Flower Farming School...

Discover how a simple idea—planting a native border—became a powerful living shield around Lisa’s flower farm. In this episode, you’ll learn why native plants matter more than you think, how a “halo” habitat can protect your land, and the practical steps to create your own wildlife corridor, no matter the size of your space.

Mentions:

Book: Bringing Nature Home by Doug Tallamy

Field & Garden #368: Why & How I Use Leaves

Video: Growing & Maintaining a Native Plant Border

⁠⁠Shop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and...

Dreaming of blooms beyond your field season? Join Sunny Meadows Flower Farm as they share hard-earned lessons from two decades of growing in hoop houses and greenhouses. Learn how season extension opens up year-round sales, supports your team, and transforms your flower business—whether you're just adding your first tunnel or leveling up your entire operation.

Mentions: 

Online Course: Grow Cut Flower Crops in Hoop & Greenhouses

⁠Learn more about and connect with⁠⁠ Steve & Gretel Adams and their business, Sunny Meadows Flower Farm.

⁠⁠Shop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and su...

In this episode, Lisa shares her favorite secret weapon for building rich, living soil — leaves! Learn how Grandpa Ziegler inspired a lifelong practice that feeds the soil, saves water, reduces weeds, and supports a thriving ecosystem. Lisa explains when and how to collect leaves, what kinds to avoid, and simple ways to turn them into “leaf mold gold” for your own garden. Whether you have a small backyard or a flower farm, this episode will change how you see every leaf that falls. 

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Flower farming is full of beauty, but turning that beauty into a profitable business takes strategy. In this episode, Lennie Larkin breaks down the real numbers behind a thriving flower farm, from understanding profit margins and valuing your time to pricing, marketing, and knowing when to pivot. You’ll learn practical, down-to-earth tips for making smart money decisions, avoiding common pricing traps, and building a farm that not only blooms but lasts. Whether you’re dreaming of your first acre or refining your current systems, this conversation is your roadmap to a more sustainable and rewarding flower business.

M...

Starting a flower business comes with its fair share of jitters — and most new growers face the same three big fears: Are my flowers good enough? Will I have enough to sell? How much should I charge?

In this episode, Lisa shares her own early experiences as a new grower and the simple habits that transformed anxiety into steady progress. Whether you’re in your first season or thinking about taking the leap, this conversation is packed with real-world strategies to help you quiet the doubts and find your footing.

Me...

The hardest part of starting a flower farm isn’t growing, it’s getting past the fear that keeps you from beginning. In this episode, Lisa shares why fear shows up at the start and how to take simple, practical steps to finally move forward with confidence.

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Register in Oct '25 for Lisa's Live Masterclass, "Where to Sell Cut Flowers: Finding the Best Markets for YOUR Flower Farm"

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The⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Field and Gard...

Fear has a sneaky way of keeping flower farmers and small-business dreamers stuck in place. In this episode, Lisa shares a simple plan for breaking through fear, building momentum, and finally moving toward the business you want.

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Field & Garden #363: The Silent Partner: Fear

Lisa's Book, Cool Flowers

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The⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Field and Garden Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Cut Flower Handbook, Vegetables Love Flowers, and Cool Flowers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, owner o...

How I’m Slaying Fear and Downsizing My Flower Garden

In this episode, Lisa opens up about a big change on her farm - downsizing her gardens to match the season her business is in now. She shares how fear quietly holds us back, how she’s facing it head-on, and why scaling down doesn’t mean losing your identity as a grower. If you’ve ever felt stuck between what was and what’s next, this conversation will help you take that first brave step forward.

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Field & Garden #36...

Running a flower business comes with big questions: Where should I sell? How do I make the most of my time? In this episode, Lisa Mason Ziegler and Lennie Larkin join me for a candid chat with farmer Torrie Anderson. From farmers markets to flower passes, we share honest advice and real-world strategies that can help you find clarity in your own business.

Mentions

Lennie's online course: ⁠⁠Profitable Flower Farming⁠⁠⁠⁠

Lennie’s Instagram: ⁠flowerfarming.forprofit⁠

Torrie Anderson, The Flower Farm at Young's Mill

⁠⁠⁠Shop the TGW Online Store for all your se...