First Year Farmer -Lessons Learned

As I’ve shared the happenings on the farm, you’ve heard me say time and again: “I’m so glad I learned this now.” I hope to write a more comprehensive article in future containing all the things it was helpful to know in my first year of flower farming. But with regard to my mistakes this is a list (in no particular order) of things I hope not to forget:

-Growing 120 sunflowers every week is a lot for a gardener but a small amount for a farmer. This may limit the florists you can supply.

-Get a better spot at the community garden or try to find land elsewhere. Limited sun leads to poor crops.

-Invest in your education.

-Having a business requires thinking like a professional and having thick skin.

-If covering your beds with plastic (or something similar) be sure to cut it in a way that allows water to get through easily or install irrigation. Insufficient watering leads to weak plants and inevitable pest problems.

-WHAT you grow will determine the direction your business will take. For example, growing only sunflowers will probably force you to sell only to florists or straight bunches to customers.

-If you want to make bouquets, you need variety: spikes (e.g. celosia) discs (e.g. sunflowers) and something lacy (e.g. dara). You need twice as much greenery (e.g. grasses). Try to plant them all in equal quantities. Count the number of stems you put in a bouquet. Determine how many bouquets you want to offer every week. This will let you know how many plants you need.

-Plant succession crops.

-Make notes.

-Try to sell your product ahead of time. For a small grower like me, bouquet subscriptions are a good option.

-Get your name out there - especially in your local community. They will be your most dependable customers.

-Be modest. Learn when to say no. Prioritize your health.

-Unexpected costs arise.

-Be consistent.

-Set specific goals.

-Some crops will fail no matter how good you are.

-You may not always sell your flowers. That’s ok.

-Manage your expectations. Some things will be great. But it won’t always be rainbows and butterflies.

-The job of a business owner is to put out fires. Fires are normal - they do not necessarily mean failure.

-Pivot. Change your plan if factors change.

This year has been amazing in many ways. Farming has made me more resilient than I’ve ever been. I have been brave and accomplished many things. And I need to remind myself of that.

The year is turning a corner and it’s full steam ahead with fall planting right now.

What’s going on in your garden? How has your gardening year been? Was this your first year farming? What was this year like for you? Let me know! Over on FB and IG @ lovelyrainflowerfarmmd.

Toodles y’all,

Kerri.