Advertise on podcast: The Flower Files: The Wildly Native Podcast

One good tool can completely change the economics of a small farm—especially when it solves a job that quietly eats away at your time. In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan from Farmers Friend to hear the story behind the Greens Harvester and how a challenge from Elliot Coleman sparked years of prototypes, problem-solving, and innovation. We also explore how listening closely to growers has shaped everything from silage tarps to tunnels and tools designed to make small farms more efficient. We also dig into the practical side of farm infrastructure, including tunnel placement, season extension, weed suppression, and why ergonomics matter when your body is one of your most valuable farm assets. For flower growers, we talk about dedicated planting patterns for Quick-Plant landscape fabric that can simplify spacing and save hours in the field. If you’re looking for smarter ways to grow, protect your crops, and make farm work more sustainable, this conversation is packed with ideas worth considering. The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿 https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸 https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm Find more of everything on our website!! https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/ Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴 https://www.wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/learn/garden-planning-guide Not sure what to grow?  Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻 https://www.wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/learn/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden

One whiff of balsam fir can transport you straight to the holidays. In this episode, I’m joined by Danielle, owner of Mainely Wild, who sustainably forages balsam fir and other woodland greens across downeast Maine and ships them to florists and makers around the country. We explore what makes premium holiday greenery last, why timing harvest around hard frosts matters, and how thoughtful foraging can actually encourage healthy regrowth. We also step behind the scenes of Danielle’s seasonal business, from hauling bundles out of the woods to building a brand rooted in place, quality, and story. Along the way, we talk wreath making, creative uses for foraged fir, and the unexpected ways these woodland ingredients are finding their way into everything from floral design to beverages. If you love holiday greens—or simply want to understand where the materials in your designs come from—this conversation brings the Maine woods right to your worktable. The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿 https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸 https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm Find more of everything on our website!! https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/ Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴 https://www.wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/learn/garden-planning-guide Not sure what to grow?  Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻 https://www.wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/learn/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden

What if protecting pollinators isn’t only about reducing pesticides, but helping bees survive the exposure already happening? In this episode, I’m joined by science journalist Gary W. Hartley to explore emerging research into a “bee detox”—nature-inspired microparticles designed to bind pesticides inside a bee’s gut. We look beyond the exciting early results to what it would actually take for this science to work in real hives, real fields, and a changing agricultural landscape. We also zoom out from honey bees to the wild and solitary bees quietly doing essential pollination work, and ask some harder questions about where innovation fits into true conservation. Could protecting managed bees unintentionally reduce pressure to change pesticide practices, and what does that mean for the rest of the ecosystem? If you care about pollinators, sustainable growing, and the science shaping the future of agriculture, this conversation offers a fascinating look at both the promise—and complexity—of finding better solutions. The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿 https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸 https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm Find more of everything on our website!! https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/ Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴 https://www.wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/learn/garden-planning-guide Not sure what to grow?  Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻 https://www.wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/learn/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden

A thriving pollinator garden doesn’t have to become another chore list. In this episode, I’m joined by certified professional horticulturist Cindy King to explore what really creates a healthy habitat—from stronger soil and thoughtful sun exposure to native plants, host plants, and season-long blooms. We also talk about why letting your garden stay a little wild can be one of the smartest things you do. From leaving hollow stems for native bees to choosing powerhouse plants like mountain mint, Cindy shares practical strategies that support pollinators while working with nature instead of against it. We dive into butterflies, cover crops, beneficial insects, birds, fireflies, and the surprising wildlife that appears when the pieces of a healthy ecosystem come together. If you want a garden that’s beautiful, resilient, and genuinely alive, this conversation will show you where to start. The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿 https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸 https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm Find more of everything on our website!! https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/ Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴 https://www.wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/learn/garden-planning-guide Not sure what to grow?  Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻 https://www.wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/learn/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden

Spring flowers don’t start in spring—and understanding that can completely change the way you plan your garden. In this episode, we break down why fall is the ideal time to establish many of your earliest blooms, from hardy annuals like larkspur, nigella, snapdragons, and sweet peas to spring bulbs and ranunculus. You’ll learn how cooler temperatures, steady moisture, and strong root development set the stage for an earlier, more abundant spring. We also dive into the details that make fall planting successful, including seed-starting methods, succession planning, soil temperature, drainage, microclimates, and winter protection. Whether you’re planting a backyard cutting garden or planning crops around spring sales, you’ll learn how to work backward from your desired bloom window and build in the buffers experienced growers rely on. A beautiful spring starts months earlier—and this episode shows you exactly where to begin. The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿 https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸 https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm Find more of everything on our website!! https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/ Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴 https://www.wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/learn/garden-planning-guide Not sure what to grow?  Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻 https://www.wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/learn/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden

Cold storage can protect an entire harvest—or ruin it when you get it wrong. In this episode, I’m joined by Julia from CoolBot to break down what flower growers really need to know about building reliable, affordable cold storage. From DIY coolers and turnkey systems to insulation, sizing, and temperature control, we explore how to create a setup that protects flower quality while giving your farm room to grow. We also dive into the details that matter once the cooler is running, including Wi-Fi monitoring, temperature alerts, ethylene management, and organizing harvests and orders during the busiest weeks of the season. With practical insight from both the farm and the refrigeration side, this conversation takes the mystery out of one of the most important pieces of post-harvest infrastructure. If you’re ready to reduce crop loss, extend vase life, and protect the value of every stem you harvest, this episode is for you. The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿 https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸 https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm Find more of everything on our website!! https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/ Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴 https://www.wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/learn/garden-planning-guide Not sure what to grow?  Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻 https://www.wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/learn/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden

Soil can look ordinary until you realize it can disappear in a single season and take generations to rebuild. In this episode, we sit down with Jenny to explore soil conservation in a practical, approachable way—from the lessons of the Dust Bowl to the work local conservation districts do today to support farmers, gardeners, and landowners. We also connect healthy soil to healthy waterways, especially in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, where every growing decision has a broader impact. From cover crops and soil testing to mycorrhizal fungi and no-till practices, this conversation breaks down the tools that help build stronger, more resilient soil over time. We also explore habitat buffers, native plantings, and simple conservation practices that support pollinators, wildlife, and long-term ecosystem health. If you want to understand the foundation beneath every successful garden and farm, this episode is a great place to start. The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿 https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸 https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm Find more of everything on our website!! https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/ Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴 https://www.wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/learn/garden-planning-guide Not sure what to grow?  Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻 https://www.wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/learn/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden

Your farm idea might be brilliant—but can you actually bring it to market without getting buried in permits, licenses, and unexpected costs? In this episode, we're joined by Martin from the Maryland Department of Agriculture to explore what value-added agriculture really means, from agritourism and on-farm experiences to packaged products and new revenue streams. We break down the regulations, permits, and planning that every farm business should understand before investing time and money. We also dive into the realities of building a sustainable agricultural business, including zoning, health regulations, infrastructure, and the true cost of scaling an idea. Martin shares how Maryland's Best is helping producers navigate the path to compliance, while offering practical insight into turning great ideas into viable businesses. If you're looking to grow beyond the field and build a stronger, more resilient farm, this episode will help you move forward with confidence. The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿 https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸 https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm Find more of everything on our website!! https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/ Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴 https://www.wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/learn/garden-planning-guide Not sure what to grow?  Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻 https://www.wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/learn/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden

Social media asks florists to be designers, marketers, content creators, and trend forecasters all at once—and the pressure can be overwhelming. In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Campbell of Intrigue Designs and Intrigue Teaches to talk about balancing creativity with visibility, sharing knowledge in an industry often shaped by gatekeeping, and building a floral business that can thrive both online and off. If you've ever wondered whether social media is helping your business or draining your energy, this conversation will resonate. Sarah also shares her journey from wedding planning to luxury floral design, the realities of teaching across the country, and what it was really like competing on Netflix’s The Big Flower Fight. From scaling large installations with a small team to navigating burnout, pricing, and the inevitable surprises that come with events, this episode is filled with honest insights and practical wisdom for florists at every stage of their career. The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿 https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸 https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm Find more of everything on our website!! https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/ Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴 https://www.wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/learn/garden-planning-guide Not sure what to grow?  Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻 https://www.wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/learn/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden

Being busy can feel productive, but on a flower farm, full days don’t always create profitable results. In this episode, we apply the Pareto Principle—the 80/20 rule—to a working cut flower farm and uncover which crops, customers, and activities actually move the business forward. From fieldwork and farmers markets to weddings and marketing, we look at the difference between simply staying busy and making meaningful progress. We also get honest about workhorse crops, flowers that don’t earn their space, customer buying behavior, and the hidden time traps that quietly eat into your margins. You’ll learn how to identify the 20% of your efforts creating the greatest return—and start letting go of the rest. If you’re ready to work more intentionally, grow more strategically, and build a flower business around what actually works, this episode will help you reset your priorities. The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿 https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸 https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm Find more of everything on our website!! https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/ Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴 https://www.wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/learn/garden-planning-guide Not sure what to grow?  Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻 https://www.wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/learn/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden

Holes in leaves, yellowing, black spots, and sudden decline can make it tempting to reach for a spray bottle—but the right diagnosis always comes first. In this episode, we show you how to identify the difference between pests, diseases, and environmental stress by looking beyond a single damaged leaf and reading the bigger picture. You'll learn how weather, watering, and growing conditions can mimic plant problems, helping you avoid unnecessary treatments and make more confident decisions. We also break down the key signs of common pests, fungal diseases, and viral infections, from chewing damage and sticky honeydew to powdery mildew, spider mites, and mosaic patterns. With a simple step-by-step approach to diagnosing plant issues, you'll know when to treat, when to monitor, and how to build a healthier, more resilient garden or flower farm with confidence. The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿 https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸 https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm Find more of everything on our website!! https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/ Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴 https://www.wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/learn/garden-planning-guide Not sure what to grow?  Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻 https://www.wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/learn/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden

That bouquet on the grocery store rack may have traveled thousands of miles before it reached your table—and the journey affects everything from vase life to fragrance. In this episode, we’re joined by Jacob from Flower Forward to unpack the hidden realities of the flower industry, including why nearly 80% of flowers sold in the U.S. are imported and what that means for freshness, sustainability, and waste. We explore how local sourcing changes the equation when flowers are cut to order, designed around seasonality, and delivered closer to home. We also dive into the operational side of sustainable floristry—from vetting farm partners and managing delicate stems to educating customers about seasonal design and “designer’s choice” arrangements. With practical insight for flower farmers, florists, and anyone who values locally grown blooms, this conversation offers a clearer look at what it takes to build a fresher, more intentional flower supply chain. The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿 https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸 https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm Find more of everything on our website!! https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/ Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴 https://www.wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/learn/garden-planning-guide Not sure what to grow?  Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻 https://www.wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/learn/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden

Your flowers look wilted, the sun is blazing, and your first instinct is to grab the hose—but watering more isn't always the answer. In this episode, we break down the most common summer watering mistakes and show you how to tell the difference between thirsty plants, heat stress, and deeper root issues. You'll learn why timing matters, how to water for stronger roots, and what your plants are really trying to tell you. We also head into the hoop house for a hands-on look at hose nozzles, watering wands, and drip irrigation systems that deliver moisture where it counts. From gentle watering techniques for seedlings to simple drip line setups for efficient, deep watering, you'll leave with practical strategies to grow healthier plants while using less water. If you're ready to stop guessing and start watering with confidence, this episode is for you. The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿 https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸 https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm Find more of everything on our website!! https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/ Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴 https://www.wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/learn/garden-planning-guide Not sure what to grow?  Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻 https://www.wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/learn/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden

Seed packets are small, but the information they hold can shape your entire growing season. In this episode, we break down the details most growers overlook and show you how to use them to make smarter decisions—from crop timing and germination rates to spacing, height, and variety selection. Whether you're growing a backyard garden or managing a cut flower farm, understanding what’s on the packet can save time, space, and frustration. We also decode common seed terminology, including F1 hybrids, heirlooms, open-pollinated varieties, and the seed technologies that can improve germination and sowing success. From pelleted and primed seed to the most common ordering mistakes growers make, this episode gives you the confidence to read seed packets like a professional and plan your season with intention. The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿 https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸 https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm Find more of everything on our website!! https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/ Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴 https://www.wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/learn/garden-planning-guide Not sure what to grow?  Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻 https://www.wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/learn/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden

A seed packet may be small, but the system behind it is anything but. In this episode, we sit down with the team at GOC to follow the journey of wholesale flower seeds—from forecasting and inventory management to packing, fulfillment, and shipping. If you've ever wondered what happens before a seed packet arrives at your farm, this conversation offers a fascinating look behind the curtain. We also explore the realities growers face every season, including seed shortages, allocation, import regulations, germination testing, and the factors that influence seed pricing. Along the way, you'll gain practical insight into planning ahead, improving crop success, and making the most of the resources seed suppliers provide. Whether you're a home gardener or commercial grower, this episode will help you better understand the supply chain that powers your season. The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿 https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸 https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm Find more of everything on our website!! https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/ Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴 https://www.wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/learn/garden-planning-guide Not sure what to grow?  Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻 https://www.wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/learn/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden