The Dirt on Flowers

In this episode of The Dirt on Flowers, Lyndsay and Shannon discuss how incorporating artisan and local vendors can elevate farm events. They share personal experiences transitioning from frequent open farm days to fewer, more curated events featuring vendors, food trucks, and activities. Key topics include vendor curation, communication strategies, pricing models, administrative workload, and the marketing benefits vendors bring. Both hosts emphasize the importance of aligning vendors with the farm's brand, careful vetting, and prioritizing the customer experience to create memorable, profitable events.

Be in the know for DirtCon 2027

If you want to dive...

In this episode of The Uncut with Lyndsay and Shannon, the two flower farmer hosts record a pre-planned episode while vacationing at the beach. They discuss the challenges of stepping away from farm life and encourage listeners to prioritize taking breaks. Lyndsay and Shannon share practical tips, including blocking vacation dates in advance, pre-scheduling marketing content, delegating tasks to employees, and lowering expectations for farm operations while away. They emphasize that rest refreshes creativity and improves business perspective, reminding listeners that taking time for yourself makes you a better farmer and business owner.

Be in the know...

In this episode of The Dirt on Flowers, hosts Lyndsay and Shannon welcome Shannon's husband Judd.Together, they tackle one of flower farming's biggest challenges: weed control. Judd shares practical strategies, including the "stale seedbed" technique, multiple tillage passes, and timely cultivation. The group discusses tools like the Planet Junior cultivator, biodegradable plastic mulch, and cover crops, while addressing notoriously difficult weeds like bindweed and nut sedge. They emphasize that healthy soil, realistic expectations, and proactive management are key, reminding listeners that effective weed control is an ongoing, evolving process rather than a one-time fix.

Be in...

In this episode of The Uncut with Lyndsay and Shannon, the two flower farmers chat about pre-vacation farm chaos, the June slowdown in flower sales, and a disappointing farmers market. They discuss balancing retail and wholesale during slow periods, managing cash flow, and scaling back summer markets. They reflect on their early selling days, encouraging new vendors to just show up. Lindsay and Shannon also tease a new podcast segment highlighting questionable flower farming advice, share a motivational quote about persistence, and briefly cover larkspur harvesting and dealing with excess rain on the farm.

Be in the...

In this episode, Lyndsay and Shannon discuss how to find and manage great employees for flower farms. They emphasize that prior flower experience isn't essential — personality and mindset matter most. The key traits they look for include personal ownership, curiosity, flexibility, toughness, and the ability to thrive in a focused role. They also highlight the importance of clear communication, realistic expectations, positive company culture, and strong leadership. The episode encourages farm owners to let go of perfectionism and build teams that allow them to step back from daily operations.

Be in the know for DirtCon 2027

If...

In this episode of The Uncut with Lyndsay and Shannon, the hosts share updates from their flower farms. Lyndsay discusses an exciting lavender gin collaboration with a local distillery, while Shannon is surviving a two-day swim meet despite back issues, and battling invasive house sparrows on the farm. They chat about growing larkspur, dahlias, and planning fall crops like amaranth and marigolds. They also shares a new liquid calcium supplement recommended by a fellow farmer. The episode wraps up with a preview of an upcoming episode on finding great employees.

Be in the know for DirtCon 2027

In this episode of The Dirt on Flowers, hosts Lyndsay and Shannon deliver honest, tough-love advice about the realities of flower farming. They tackle common pitfalls, urging farmers to stop wasting time on non-essential details and focus on generating income. They debunk the myth that expensive equipment is necessary to start, emphasizing that humble beginnings build character. The hosts stress the importance of understanding your market, knowing your numbers, and prioritizing profit over revenue. They close with an empowering message about resilience and mindset, reminding listeners that success comes from consistently showing up and owning their unique role in...

In this episode of The Uncut with Lyndsay and Shannon, one host shares a heartfelt story about moving from her lifelong family farmhouse to a new home, navigating emotional challenges alongside her unsettled cat, Judy. She discusses managing the farm from a slight distance, grocery flower sales, and a tricky wholesale opportunity with a grocery chain. The hosts also offer advice for third-year flower farmers, emphasizing financial tracking and focus. Personal topics like training for a half marathon and the importance of stretching round out this candid, unfiltered midweek conversation between two real flower farmers.

Be in...

In this episode of The Dirt on Flowers, Lyndsay and Shannon chat with Nikki Bartley of Cross Street Flower Farm in Norwell, Massachusetts. Nikki shares her 11-year farming journey, from running a vegetable CSA to building a thriving flower farm with a retail barn shop, pick-your-own tulip and dahlia events, and seasonal festivals. She also recounts an inspiring trip to Europe, visiting tulip farms in the Netherlands and flower growers in Italy and France, which reinvigorated her passion for farming heading into the new season.

Learn more about this weeks guest Nikki Van Lith : Website, Facebook and...

In this milestone episode of The Uncut with Lyndsay and Shannon, the hosts celebrate reaching one million downloads while keeping things refreshingly real. They chat about office noise frustrations, naming their angry alter egos, and the challenges of planting tubers in wet conditions. Lyndsay shares her peony struggles with thrips, while Shannon's spring blooms are finally arriving. They answer a listener question about what keeps them farming, emphasizing freedom, creativity, and personal growth. The episode also covers workplace safety tips, flower preferences, and upcoming community events, all wrapped in the hosts' signature casual, unfiltered style.

Be in...

In this episode of The Dirt on Flowers, Lyndsay and Shannon dig into crop-level profitability and the decision framework flower farmers need to decide what to grow, what to scale, and what to cut. Using tulips and sunflowers as concrete case studies, they walk through the full set of cost drivers — material inputs, labor (including owner labor), shrink/waste, storage and handling, equipment choices, and market/channel fit — and emphasize the non-financial factors (systems capacity, fuss factor, personality, social-media pressure) that shape good choices. The goal is to collect the data that lets you make deliberate CEO-level decisions for your...

This week on The Dirt on Flowers, Shannon and Lyndsay catch up on what’s thriving, what’s struggling, and the crops they’re loving most this season. From surprisingly gorgeous tunnel-grown Bells of Ireland to statice, snaps, and all-time favorite cool flowers, they share the varieties earning permanent spots on the farm. They also get honest about disappointing peony seasons, overwintering losses, tunnel fatigue, and the reality that perennial crops still need plenty of attention and care. The conversation dives into soil health, irrigation, plasticulture, crop rotation, and the mental side of flower farming after years of unpredictable weathe...

In this episode of The Dirt on Flowers, hosts Lyndsay and Shannon welcome Lydell Steiner from Tilmor, a family-owned equipment company in Northeast Ohio, to discuss weed control and mechanization in flower farming. They explore different tractor types, cultivation strategies, and planting systems suited for small-scale growers. Lydell highlights Tilmor's innovative equipment, including the Power Ox two-wheel tractor and the electric Super E tractor, designed to make farming more accessible and efficient. The conversation emphasizes the importance of early weed management, standardized planting systems, and ergonomic tools to help flower farmers scale their operations sustainably.

Learn more...

Mother’s Day weekend is officially behind us, and Shannon and Lyndsay are recapping everything — the wins, the weather stress, leftover bouquets, flower bars, pricing experiments, customer behavior, and the lessons they’re taking into next year. They also talk about handling negative reviews, donation request burnout, and creative ways to support their communities while protecting their businesses. Plus, they answer listener questions about growing eucalyptus and favorite zinnia varieties.

Be in the know for DirtCon 2027

If you want to dive in deeper with us each month, join our membership group - The Dirt on Flower...

In this episode of The Dirt on Flowers, Lyndsay and Shannon discuss farm emergency preparedness after both recently experienced situations requiring 911 calls. They're joined by Lyndsay's brother, Dr. Cole Biehl, a pathologist, who provides expert guidance on handling common farm emergencies. Shannon shares a frightening experience involving a worker's severe allergic reaction to a spider bite. Cole covers essential topics including managing allergic reactions, severe bleeding and tourniquet use, heat exhaustion versus heat stroke, seizures, chemical exposures, and burns. The episode concludes with practical advice on upgrading first aid kits, CPR training, and fostering a farm safety culture.

In this midweek episode of The Uncut with Lyndsay and Shannon, the two flower farmers catch up on spring crop updates, including peony delays caused by a recent cold snap and an anticipated mid-season flower gap. They celebrate wrapping up their spring subscription and dive into Mother's Day preparations, sharing organizational tips and pricing strategies. The hosts also discuss a business lesson drawn from Spirit Airlines' collapse, emphasizing the value of quality over undercutting prices. Additional topics include NRCS funding concerns, handling flower bar inquiries, and a frustrating last-minute prom bouquet request. They close by teasing an upcoming farm...

In this episode of The Dirt on Flowers, hosts Lyndsay and Shannon welcome Sue McLeary of Passionflower, a Michigan-based floral designer with over 20 years of experience. Sue shares her accidental journey into floristry, her transition from weddings to teaching, and her innovative wire armature corsage technique. She offers advice for flower farmers looking to develop design skills, discusses color theory, and emphasizes focusing on fulfilling work. Sue also introduces her current offerings, including online classes, the Virtual Studio membership, and an upcoming product line based on her wire armature method.

Learn more about this weeks guest Sue...

In this episode of "The Uncut," flower farmers Lyndsay and Shannon chat candidly about farm life, self-care, and the realities of running a flower business. They explore the difference between luck and fortune, emphasizing that success comes from persistence and calculated risk-taking. The duo updates listeners on their peony and ranunculus crops, discussing weather challenges and the importance of diversification. They answer a listener question about market bouquet pricing and share personal season highlights, including strong tulip sales and team growth. The episode wraps with previews of upcoming content and an interview with Passionflower Sue.

Be in...

In this episode of The Dirt on Flowers, hosts Lyndsay and Shannon interview Nikki Van Lith of Lovely Hollow Farms in Caldwell, Idaho. Nikki shares her unconventional journey from a cattle ranching family to running an experience-driven flower farm, hitting six figures during COVID-19. She discusses her farm's you-pick days, live music, food trucks, and craft events, along with challenges like seasonality, cash flow, and setting boundaries with customers. Nikki also reveals future plans, including a VIP membership, peony festivals, and transitioning to seasonal events to achieve a more sustainable work-life balance.

Learn more about this weeks...

In this episode of The Dirt on Flowers, Lyndsay and Shannon talk about the highs and challenges of busy spring flower farming season. They share lessons from record-breaking markets, handling customer complaints, and why negative feedback often says more about the person leaving it than your business. They also dive into Mother’s Day prep, including pre-orders, pricing, crop timing, and how to pivot when flowers don’t bloom exactly as planned. They answer listener questions about must-have farm supplies and share simple ways they regulate stress during busy seasons—from setting hard work boundaries to taking walks, painting, and re...

In this episode of Dirt on Flowers, Lyndsay and Shannon share an in-depth conversation about growing tulips. They cover planting techniques, including no-till and dump methods, harvest timing, and wet versus dry storage. The hosts discuss labor efficiency, pricing strategies for retail and wholesale, and calculating true bulb costs by factoring in roughly 30% waste. They also offer advice on handling blown-open tulips, managing short stems, and selecting reliable varieties. The episode wraps up with encouragement to plan carefully, avoid overordering, and approach tulip farming with realistic expectations.

Be in the know for DirtCon 2027

If you...

In this episode of The Dirt on Flowers, Shannon and Lyndsay dive into the reality of spring farming, where long days and unpredictable weather make flexibility essential. They share how they’re managing heat swings and timing crops like ranunculus for Mother’s Day. The conversation highlights a shift in thinking about tulips as a supporting flower that adds value to bouquets rather than the main focus. They also discuss the frustration of underpriced flowers at markets and the importance of standing by your pricing. The episode touches on tulip losses, tunnel space strategy, and adapting to tough field cond...

In this episode of The Dirt on Flowers, Lyndsay and Shannon welcome Megan Duncan, founder of Minted Vintage, a thriving outdoor vendor market with over 100 vendors and a 90% return rate. Megan shares her journey running a creative business and launching the market in 2019. The conversation covers key topics including vendor curation, logistics, permits, marketing strategies, early bird ticketing, and creating memorable customer experiences through themes and photo opportunities. Megan emphasizes that prioritizing vendor success, clear communication, and authentic passion are the foundations of a well-run, profitable market.

Learn more about this weeks guest Megan Duncan (Minted Vintage...

In this episode of The Uncut with Lyndsay and Shannon, the two flower farmers catch up on their tulip harvests, with Shannon wrapping up a fast two-week season and Lyndsay dealing with hail damage in her fields. They discuss flower variety preferences, including a debate over yellow tulips, and share strategies for managing spring crops in tunnels. The hosts also offer practical advice on planning for Mother's Day when tulips are finished and peonies aren't yet ready. They close with a preview of Friday's episode featuring market expert Megan Duncan.

Be in the know for DirtCon 2027

In this episode of The Dirt on Flowers, Lyndsay and Shannon deliver an energizing pep talk for flower farmers entering a new growing season. Drawing from their own six-figure farm experiences, they share five key reminders: stop comparing yourself to competitors and focus on your customers instead; embrace consistency as the foundation of long-term success; dream big and resist the urge to play small; invest wisely in essentials over trends; and build genuine connections with customers through authentic communication. Together, they inspire farmers to approach the season with confidence, clarity, and community.

Be in the know for...

In this episode of The Uncut with Lyndsay and Shannon, two flower farmers share an honest, unscripted conversation about the realities of farm life. They discuss tulip growing challenges, including unpredictable weather, harvest timing, and planting techniques. The duo also covers hiring farm help, planning summer crops like lisianthus and dahlias, and preparing for Mother's Day sales. Additional topics include a homemade calcium fertilizer recipe, a USDA regenerative agriculture program, and an upcoming wedding flower workshop. Throughout, Lyndsay and Shannon balance humor and frustration with genuine passion for flower farming, offering relatable insights for fellow growers..

Be...

In this episode of "The Dirt on Flowers," Lyndsay and Shannon interview Jenn and Adam O’Neil of Pepperharrow Farm in Iowa. The O’Neils share their 15-year journey growing from a small flower patch to a 60-acre farm, including a 12-acre lavender field. They discuss value-added products like dried flowers, lavender goods, workshops, farm dinners, and custom-bred zinnias. The conversation covers marketing, employee management, and creative ways to engage customers, offering inspiration and practical tips for flower farmers looking to diversify and grow their businesses sustainably.

Learn more about this weeks guest Pepperharrow Farm: Website, Facebook and...

In this episode of "The Uncut with Lyndsay and Shannon," the flower-farming duo shares candid updates from their Ohio farms, discussing wild spring weather, the challenges of forcing tulips, and the realities of ordering and storing dahlia tubers. They offer practical advice on planting dahlias, emphasizing proper spacing, depth, and airflow. The episode also touches on labor updates, family involvement, and propagation techniques. With their trademark humor and honesty, Lindsay and Shannon provide relatable insights and real-life tips for fellow growers and flower enthusiasts.

Be in the know for DirtCon 2027

If you want to dive...

In this episode, Lyndsay and Shannon, owners of successful flower farms, discuss the common bottlenecks that slow business growth, such as the “owner bottleneck,” production gaps, labor challenges, and financial hurdles. They share personal stories and practical strategies for overcoming overwhelm, delegating tasks, building systems, and setting boundaries. Emphasizing the importance of a proactive CEO mindset, they encourage listeners to address problems head-on, adapt to change, and prioritize profitability. Their candid conversation offers actionable advice for flower farmers and small business owners seeking to streamline operations and create sustainable, thriving businesses.

Be in the know for DirtCon 2027

In this episode of "The Uncut with Lyndsay and Shannon," they share an honest look at spring flower farming, discussing unpredictable weather, insurance frustrations, and labor shortages. Shannon opens up about the emotional toll of managing a growing farm and balancing family life, including her son’s journey with braces. They introduce a new “Chief Marigold Officer” job opportunity and answer listener questions about easy-to-grow flowers and foliage for market bouquets. The episode blends practical advice, personal stories, and encouragement, offering a real glimpse into the challenges and small joys of farm life.

Be in the know for Di...

In this episode, Lyndsay and Shannon discuss when and how to hire employees for small farms, especially flower farms. Drawing from their own journeys to six-figure businesses, they share signs it’s time to hire—like overwhelm and burnout—and explain how employees can boost capacity, consistency, and growth. They offer practical hiring tips, caution against relying on volunteers, and emphasize the importance of planning, clear communication, and starting small. The episode encourages farm owners to view hiring as a positive step toward sustainability, profitability, and personal well-being.

Be in the know for DirtCon 2027

If you wa...

In this episode of "The Uncut with Lyndsay and Shannon," the two flower farmers share a candid, 15-minute update on their farm lives. They discuss unpredictable Ohio weather, birdwatching with the Merlin app, and prepping purple martin houses for spring. The conversation drifts to nostalgic memories of making mix tapes and using Limewire, as well as updates on their flower crops and family life. They also talk about the challenges of selling to grocery stores and answer listener questions about early-season blooms, offering practical advice for new growers without greenhouses.

Be in the know for DirtCon 2027

In this episode of "The Dirt on Flowers," Lyndsay and Shannon interview Jessica Hall, owner of Harmony Harvest in Virginia. Jessica shares her journey in flower farming, focusing on heirloom chrysanthemums and the unique challenges and rewards of growing and marketing specialty mums. The conversation covers propagation techniques, pest management, the importance of education, and the value of collaboration in the industry. Jessica’s passion for mums and dedication to supporting other growers shines through, offering practical advice and inspiration for both new and experienced flower farmers.

Learn more about Jessica: Website, Instagram and Facebook

Be...

In this episode of "The Uncut with Lyndsay and Shannon," the two flower farmers share candid stories from their daily farm life. They discuss starting seeds for the season despite staff challenges, changes to their CSA bouquet model, and the importance of setting boundaries for farm events. The conversation covers customer communication issues, managing property signage, and the impact of weather and labor delays. They also answer listener questions about selling short-stemmed flowers and preview an upcoming episode on growing mums, offering practical insights and relatable moments for fellow flower farmers and enthusiasts.

Be in the know...

In this episode of "The Dirt on Flowers," hosts Lyndsay and Shannon launch their new “Dirt Bag Coffee Club” series with guest Meghan Dudenhoeffer of Dude Gardens in Missouri. Meg shares her journey from vegetable gardening to running a thriving flower farm while balancing her role as an art teacher. The conversation covers her business growth, sales strategies, social media experiences, and the emotional healing gardening has brought her. Listeners gain honest insights into the challenges and joys of flower farming, the importance of community, and encouragement for aspiring growers to start small and persevere.

Learn more abou...

In this episode of "The Uncut with Lyndsay and Shannon," the flower-farming duo discuss the challenges of snowy weather impacting their region and utility workers, including Shannon’s partner. Shannon shares her experience with online criticism after posting about vermiculite use in seed trays. The conversation covers their seed starting schedules, balancing business and leisure reading, and Shannon’s progress learning Spanish to communicate with seasonal workers. They also talk about embracing imperfection when learning new skills, nervous system regulation techniques, and updates from their farms, including tulip growth and deer troubles in the high tunnel.

Be in t...

In this episode, we sit down with dahlia expert and flower farmer Jennifer Gulitzia to talk all things pricing, positioning, and profit when it comes to selling dahlias. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re charging enough, struggled with how to market tubers versus blooms, or wondered how to stand out in a saturated market — this episode is for you.Jennifer breaks down the mindset and strategy shifts needed to confidently price your dahlias for sustainability and growth.

Learn more about Jennifer- Website, Instagram and Facebook

Be in the know for DirtCon 2027

If you...

In this episode of "The Uncut with Lyndsay and Shannon," the two flower farmers candidly discuss the highs and lows of Valentine’s Day sales, including managing pre-orders, upselling, and handling a particularly challenging customer. They reflect on the importance of setting boundaries with both flower buyers and Airbnb guests, share stories about farm life, and compare their pricing to grocery store flowers. The conversation is honest and relatable, offering a real look at the joys and struggles of running a small flower farm and connecting with their community.Be in the know for DirtCon 2027

If you wa...

In this episode, Lyndsay and Shannon, successful flower farmers, discuss how to turn conference inspiration into actionable, sustainable plans for the farming season. They share honest insights on overcoming overwhelm, setting priorities, and focusing on small, impactful changes rather than trying to do everything at once. The conversation covers business longevity, balancing life and work, protecting personal boundaries, and the importance of implementation support. Listeners are encouraged to focus on what matters most, adapt plans to real life, and join their supportive community for ongoing guidance and encouragement.

Be in the know for DirtCon 2027

If...

In this episode of "The Uncut with Lyndsay and Shannon," the hosts share candid moments from their flower farming lives, covering everything from sneezing quirks and snowy travel to Florida, to teaching at an agritourism conference. They discuss managing email lists, website content, and marketing—especially reaching male customers for Valentine’s Day. The conversation blends practical advice, personal stories, and reflections on community, marketing, and the emotional impact of flowers, offering listeners both relatable insights and inspiration for running a small farm business.

Be in the know for DirtCon 2027

If you want to dive in d...