The Blooming Garden

If you’ve ever thought “I just need to grow more flowers” or “I don’t know if I’m charging enough” — this episode is for you.

In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the five core figures every flower farmer needs to know. These aren’t fluffy numbers; they’re the ones that make or break your business. From calculating your true cost per stem to spotting which crops are quietly draining your profits, these are the figures that will help you move from guessing… to growing a profitable business with confidence.

You’ll learn:

Are you a flower farmer or florist staring at a blank screen trying to write your website, social posts, or emails? AI tools like ChatGPT can help — but only if you use them right. In this episode, I’m sharing the first prompt every floral business owner should try, especially if you’ve been burned by cringey AI results in the past.

I’ll walk you through how to train ChatGPT to sound like you, how to build a brand voice from scratch (even if you don’t think you have one), and how to make AI your ma...

In this episode, I’m getting into the not-so-sexy but absolutely essential topic of flower conditioning — what it is, why it matters, and how to do it properly. Whether you’re a newbie with your first bucket of cosmos or a seasoned grower supplying weddings, this one’s for you.

I walk you through the best time to cut specific flowers (including tulips, dahlias, zinnias, snapdragons, sweet peas, and poppies), and explain how to actually condition them for long-lasting vase life. Expect practical tips on:
Exactly when to harvest each flower for maximum vase life
Why c...

Ever wonder how some gardeners already have armfuls of colour while you’re still rummaging for your seed trays? It’s not magic — it’s timing. And in this episode, I’m pulling back the compost curtain on succession sowing — specifically why August is prime time to start.

You’ll learn:

Snapdragons might look sweet and cottagey, but don’t be fooled — these are serious cut flower powerhouses.
In this episode, I’m diving into everything you need to know to grow tall, straight, florist-grade snapdragons from seed, whether you're a hobby grower or scaling up for serious sales.

From understanding snapdragon group classifications (yes, that’s a thing) to sowing tricks, pinching hacks, and how to stop them curling in a vase — this episode is packed with practical growing tips you can apply right now.

Sick of posting “Bookings now open!” and hearing nothing but crickets? This episode is your wake-up call. I’m breaking down how to actually attract better clients to your floral business — the kind who value your work, pay on time, and come back for more.
From defining your niche to fixing your website and building a proper marketing system (yes, more than just a pretty Instagram post), this one’s full of practical advice to help you grow sustainably — and profitably.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

In this week’s episode, I’m diving into a topic many florists and flower farmers put off for far too long: your website. Not just having one — but making sure it actually works for you. Whether you're running a full-scale cut flower farm or designing bouquets from your kitchen table, your website should be attracting customers, answering questions, and taking payments (even while you’re elbow-deep in sweet peas).

I’ll walk you through:

Welcome to the Blooming Garden Podcast — the go-to space for aspiring and established flower farmers who want to grow beautiful blooms and build a thriving business.

In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s often overlooked — but absolutely essential:

FOLIAGE!!!

Not hedge clippings. We're talking intentional, scene-stealing, bouquet-building greens that add structure, drama, and serious sales power to your flowers. Whether you're sowing your very first cutting patch or you've already got blooms bursting at the seams, if your bouquets are missing that magic something — this is where you’...

Summer might look like the end of the flower farming season — but for those of us in the know, it’s actually when the real magic starts happening in the seed trays.

In this episode, I’m talking all things biennials and perennials: what to sow right now in June and July, how to keep them happy during the hot weather, and why this quiet little sowing season can lead to some of your most spectacular blooms (and sales) next spring.

Whether you’re running a flower farm or just want your garden to look smug in...

Are you charging enough for your flowers—or just crossing your fingers and hoping for the best? In this honest and number-packed episode, I peel back the layers of pricing guilt and walk you through how to confidently price your flowers, whether you’re a grower, a florist, or both.

From emotional undercharging to spreadsheets that make sense, I offer a  clear, real-world guidance on valuing your time, your skills, and your stems. If you’ve ever ended a busy weekend with sore feet and no profit, this one’s for you.

What You'll Learn:
Why yo...

Are you drowning in blooms but wondering where the profit is? In this episode, I cuts through the flower farming fluff and walk you step-by-step through how to set realistic financial goals — and actually grow enough stems to meet them.

Perfect for growers who are ready to move beyond the “hope and hustle” model and start building a thriving, flower-based business. Whether you’re aiming for £10K or £100K, I show you how to turn your dream into an actionable growing plan using my real-world methods and trusty spreadsheets. 

Episode Takeaways
How to reverse engineer yo...

When it comes to sowing flower seeds, should you go high-tech, low-fi, or somewhere in between? In this episode I dive into one of the most spirited debates in the flower farming world: modules vs. soil blocks vs. direct sowing. I Cut through the noise, sharing real-life tips and lessons from my greenhouse and garden trenches. Whether you're surrounded by seed trays or armed with just a rake and a dream, this episode will help you find the sowing method that suits your flowers — and your life.

🌼 What You’ll Learn:

Welcome to the Blooming Garden Podcast — the go-to space for aspiring and established flower farmers who want to grow beautiful blooms and build a thriving business.

In this episode, I’m tackling one of the biggest questions I get asked time and time again:

“How do I start a flower farm?”

Whether you’ve got a tiny patch of lawn, a couple of raised beds, or a whole field to play with, this episode gives you a clear, step-by-step plan to help you get growing — without the overwhelm.

Here’s what...

In this episode, I’m joined by Ben Raskin, Head of Agroforestry at the Soil Association and author of The Woodchip Handbook, to talk about one of the most underrated (and free!) resources in the garden: woodchip.

We cover:

Key Quotes:
“Woodchip is like fast food f...

Ever felt overwhelmed by gardening advice that tells you to buy more, do more, and battle nature at every turn? What if there was a simpler, more sustainable way? In this episode, I chat with Jim and Sonia from The Edible Gardeners about their revolutionary approach to gardening, as featured in their new book The Circular Garden.

We’re talking:

Ever sown seeds early in the season, only to watch them sit there doing nothing for weeks? Meanwhile, someone sows the same variety a few weeks later, and suddenly their plants are thriving while yours are still sulking. So what’s going on?

The answer lies in daylight length and the Equinox. In this episode, we’re diving into how plants measure light, why some flowers simply refuse to grow before the Equinox, and how you can time your sowings perfectly for better results.

I’ve learned these lessons the hard way—sowing too early an...

Gardening doesn’t have to be expensive, time-consuming, or a constant battle with nature. In this episode, I sit down with Jim and Sonia from The Edible Gardeners to talk about their new book, The Circular Garden, and their refreshingly simple, sustainable approach to growing.

From natural pest control and composting without the fuss to rethinking weeds and hedge trimmings, Jim and Sonia share their philosophy on working with nature—not against it—to create a low-cost, low-maintenance, and high-reward garden.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by traditional gardening advice or wondered how to make you...

Do you want to double your flower harvest without adding a single extra row? Whether you’re a flower farmer, a backyard grower, or just someone who wants more blooms from less space, today’s episode is for you!

I’m sharing the three essential techniques every grower needs to maximize production—without extra land, fancy tools, or complicated setups. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your flowers stronger, taller, and blooming for longer, this episode is packed with practical, actionable advice to help you do just that.

In this episode, you’ll learn abo...

In this episode, I sit down with Rainy from Cherry Tree Flower Farm to talk all things willow. From growing it successfully in wet conditions to harvesting, weaving, and using it in floristry, Rainy shares her incredible knowledge built over years of working with this sustainable and versatile plant. Whether you're looking to grow willow for weaving, floristry, or even as a windbreak, this episode is packed with expert advice.

Takeaways

In this special last-minute episode, I address the flood of questions I've received about sweet peas—from customers, journalists, and bloggers. I share my personal tips on when and how to sow sweet peas, the benefits of autumn versus spring sowing, and how to keep your plants strong and blooming from May through September. Whether you’re dealing with leggy seedlings or wondering if you should soak your seeds, I break down everything you need to know to enjoy a vibrant display of sweet peas all season long.

Takeaways

This week, I'll be diving into one of my all-time favorite flowers—Matthiola Incana, or scented stocks. If you’ve ever struggled to grow them, you’re not alone. I spent years getting it wrong before finally cracking the code. Now, they’re a staple in my cutting garden, perfect for weddings, arrangements, and filling the air with that incredible, spicy-sweet scent. In this episode, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned—what works, what doesn’t, and how you can grow the most beautiful scented stocks from seed.

Takeaways

In this episode of the Blooming Garden podcast, I discuss the essential aspects of seed sowing, focusing on the often-overlooked process of seed stratification. Explaining  how to recreate natural conditions for seeds to germinate, emphasizing the importance of temperature, light, and moisture and providing  practical tips for gardeners to improve their seed germination success. 

Takeaways

In this episode of the Blooming Garden podcast, Jane Westoby discusses the essential aspects of seed sowing, focusing on the often-overlooked process of seed stratification. Explaining  how to recreate natural conditions for seeds to germinate, emphasizing the importance of temperature, light, and moisture and providing  practical tips for gardeners to improve their seed germination success. 

Takeaways

In this episode of the Blooming Garden podcast, host Jane Westoby from The Hampshire Seed Company talks to fellow Flower Farmer Jen from Jen on the Lot about her journey into flower farming. They discuss the importance of planning, market research, and the challenges of starting a flower farm. Jen shares her experiences transitioning from an allotment to a larger farm, the strategies she employs to decide what to grow, and the significance of pest management. The conversation also touches on the emotional aspects of entrepreneurship, including overcoming imposter syndrome and the importance of community support. Jen offers valuable...

In this episode of the Blooming Garden podcast, host Jane Westoby talks all things Dahlia breeding with Pam Lyons from the Untamed Garden. 

Exploring  Pam's journey from Alaska to the UK, her passion for growing and breeding dahlias, and the various challenges and joys that come with it. How  The Untamed garden breeding programme started  and essential topics such as isolation techniques, seed collection, and the unpredictability of growing dahlias from seed. 

Takeaways

Heritage Seeds with The Heritage Seed Library 

In this episode of the Blooming Garden podcast, host Jane Westoby speaks with Catrina Fenton from Garden Organic about the significance of heritage seeds and The Heritage Seed Library in their 50th Anniversary year. Discussing the origins of the library, the importance of seed saving, and the role of volunteers in conservation efforts. Katrina shares insights on how to become a seed guardian, the process of saving seeds, and the viability of different seed types. The conversation also touches on the commercialization of heritage varieties and the future o...

Are you ready to kick start your garden and improve your sowing & growing skills? Or are you a flower farmer wanting to be more profitable? 

 In the first episode we talk about:  

Succession planting  to ensure continuous blooms throughout the growing season.

Know your frost dates for effective timing.

Utilize planning tools like our Sowing Calendars and Planting SChedules

Selecting a diverse mix of flowers for maximum space.

Understanding your local growing conditions.

The hungry gap!

Timing is everything in f...