3 Things to Consider When Starting a Flower Farm

We are more than halfway through winter now and if you’re anything like me, you might be getting a little antsy for the growing season to start! The weather has been vacillating from wet to dry, and freezing, and thawing temperatures. And maybe you’ve noticed the sun is up a little earlier it seems these days. Oh how eager I am for the farm to warm up!

I’m making some changes to the farm this season for better weed management and to improve soil health. The biggest change is I will start removing the plastic landscape fabric from the farm. It was helpful the first two years, but I never wanted it to be a long term solution. It is time to start removing it and slowly build the soil up with cover crops and compost.

As I am making these changes to my farm, I thought it might be helpful to share some of the biggest lessons I have learned about how to set up a new farm or garden. 

If you’re setting up a garden this year, or working in your existing farm, I hope these tips will be helpful!

1- Prioritize soil health–

Good soil health does so much for a farm or garden. Healthy soil determine how much you end up loving working on your farm. The first step would be to get your soil tested. Getting your soil tested is really easy. If you are in Utah, simply follow the directions from USU to get your soil tested (you can find those here). If you are outside of Utah I recommend getting in touch with your local university to see what they offer.

Healthy soil is the literal foundation for your farm or garden. It is what will determine if you love gardening or not. Healthy soil hold more water and foster better growth so your garden is more fruitful and abundant.

So knowing your soil, knowing what it needs and what it has enough of already, will really make for a better experience for both you and your garden.

2- Plan a long term layout–

I know some people like to change their garden up every season. They want to reimagine it and feel inspired to start new again. And this can be a lot of fun. But if you can plan a long term layout for your garden, you’ll find your favorite spot to watch the sunset, the path the hummingbirds consistently take through your garden, and which way the wind moves through.

With a long term layout you won't have to reconfigure an irrigation system every year. You can plant perennials that will have a chance to establish and grow to full maturity without having to be moved or disturbed on the regular. You’ll find which areas of your garden your favorite flower does best in (which might also mean that the areas they do poorly in need more soil amendments). And planning for the long term allows you to see the bigger picture for your farm.

But that doesn’t mean things can’t change. It’s okay to make a plan your first year and realize in your 3rd that you need to orient your rows differently. You can make a plan without being stuck to it. But by making a long term plan, you’re taking the time to get to know your garden and deepen your connection to it.

3- know ahead of time what you want to grow-

I think this is easier said than done. There are so many amazing flowers out there that it is hard to pick just a few! In order to know what you want to grow, you have to know what you want to do with it. Do you want to grow a flower garden so you can cut your own flowers? Do you want to start a flower farm so you can sell your own flowers? Do you want to grow flowers for pollinators and beneficial insects? All of these could mean different flowers. There is overlap in plant selection for sure, but they each give you a different look in your garden or farm. Each beautiful in their own way, and each as unique as the person who planted it.

So it’s important to know your goals for your garden. It’s important to know how you want it to be a part of your life. This will influence what you grow in your garden so you can best enjoy it.

So much goes into planning a farm or garden, so much excitement and research. It can be overwhelming or it can be exhilarating, and sometimes both. I love the planning stages. It’s a chance to let my imagination go wild. But more importantly I love the opportunity to implement the plan. If you’re looking for more guidance for your farm or garden this year, I’d love to chat! I’d love to help in any way I can so you and your garden can reach your fullest potential!

Happy Growing!

Your Flower Farmer,

Heather