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Today I’m joined by Lance Turner from Tomato Revolution (Wiltshire) — a proper tomato obsessive — and we break down what actually matters if you want strong plants and loads of fruit (not just a leafy jungle). In this episode we cover the 8-week sowing rule, how to avoid leggy seedlings, why you should remove heat after germination, how to pot on deeper for stronger roots, what causes trusses not to set, and the feeding mistake that creates lots of leaves and hardly any tomatoes. We also talk blight — what helps, what doesn’t, and why ventilation is everything. In this episode, you’ll learn: When to sow tomatoes (the simple 8-week rule)Heat + light basics for sturdy seedlingsPotting on deeper to build roots (and get more trusses)Why flowers drop / trusses don’t set (and the quick fix)Feeding: avoiding too much nitrogen so you get fruitIf you enjoyed this episode, share it and tag me — and come join my Grow-Alongs and growing guides for more UK-specific, no-fluff help.

Wholesale, Markets & Weddings All Mean Different Flowers In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the biggest mistakes I see beginner cut flower farmers make: trying to grow one crop list for wholesale, markets, and weddings. On paper, it sounds like diversification.  In reality, these are three very different businesses — with different priorities, pressures, and flower requirements. What I Cover -Why “a bit of everything” creates stress and waste Wholesale, markets, and weddings aren’t just different sales outlets — they need different flowers. - Wholesale vs markets vs weddingsWholesale prioritises consistency, reliability, and uniform stemsMarkets are about colour, impact, and abundanceWeddings require precise timing, colour palettes, and backup plans Trying to grow for all three at once often means your flowers don’t quite fit anywhere. Why strategy matters more than skill If things feel hard, it’s rarely because you’re bad at growing — it’s usually because your growing doesn’t match how you’re selling. The power of choosing a primary sales channel Focusing on one main sales route (with a sensible backup) makes crop planning, sowing schedules, harvesting, and pricing much clearer — without locking you in forever. Key Takeaway Wholesale, markets, and weddings all need different flowers. Decide how you’re selling first, then let that guide what you grow. Mentioned in This Episode Blog: Finding Your Flower Farming Niche Linked in the show notes to help you decide who you want to serve. One Simple Action Choose the sales channel you’re focusing on this season — and let that decision shape every growing choice you make. Happy sowing, happy growing If you likes this episode then follow for more.

This isn’t about algorithms, dancing on Reels, or becoming someone you’re not. It is about understanding what running a flower business actually involves. Here’s what we unpack: 🌱 Growing flowers ≠ selling flowers Most beginners are better growers than they think. The problem isn’t the flowers — it’s that no one knows they exist. Posting occasionally, quietly launching a website, or mentioning it to a neighbour isn’t a marketing strategy. That’s hope. And hope isn’t a business model. 🌱 Why the growers who sell out aren’t “better” growers They’re better communicators. The growers you see selling out every week talk — consistently — about: what they’re growingwhy they’re growing itwhen it’ll be readyand who it’s forOften weeks or months before they expect anyone to buy. 🌱 Why marketing is part of the job (even if you hate it) If you want a sustainable flower business, you’ll likely spend more time marketing than growing. That doesn’t mean shouting, being cringe, or chasing trends. It means showing up, talking about your flowers, and repeating yourself far more than feels comfortable. 🌱 Marketing early stops waste later So many growers: grow too muchgrow without a sales planend up discounting, composting, or giving flowers awayMarketing lets you grow with intention — matching supply to demand and building relationships before you need the sales. 🌱 Simple marketing that actually works for beginners No funnels. No ads. No tech overwhelm. Good beginner marketing is: picking one or two places to show uptalking about your flowers before you have themsaying the same thing again (and again… and again)making it painfully obvious how to buyIf people are DM’ing you asking “are these for sale?” — your marketing hasn’t done its job yet. 🌱 You’re not just a grower — you’re a business owner A flower business that doesn’t sell is just a very expensive garden. That doesn’t make you less authentic.It makes you sustainable. And if you truly don’t want to do the marketing? That’s not failure — it’s clarity. But selling flowers long-term won’t happen without it. A Realistic Look at “Two Hours of Marketing” I break down exactly what those two marketing hours can look like — from taking photos and writing a simple email, to researching local outlets and planning next week’s content. No complexity. Just consistency. Because consistency beats complexity every single time. Mentioned in This Episode 🌱 Episode 15 + Blog: Planning for Profit – How Many Flowers You Actually Need to Grow

In this episode of The Blooming Garden Podcast, I’m breaking down how to start tomatoes properly for an early crop — and why most failures happen before the plants ever reach the garden. If you’ve ever sown tomatoes in January, watched them stall, sulk, or turn into sad little sticks… this episode explains exactly why — and how to avoid it. Spoiler alert: It’s not about fancy kit. It’s about timing, temperature, and understanding what tomato seedlings actually need. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why starting tomatoes too early is one of the most common mistakesThe real role of heat and light (and why grow lights alone aren’t enough)When January sowing does make sense — and when it absolutely doesn’tHow cold conditions lead to nutrient uptake issues and stalled growthWhy tomatoes don’t need a greenhouse in the early stages  — but do need the right setupHow to give seedlings the conditions they need to grow strong from day oneThis episode focuses on early success, not firefighting problems later. 🍅 Who This Episode Is For UK growers starting tomatoes indoorsGardeners confused by mixed advice on seed packetsGrowers who want strong plants, not leggy regretsWhether you’re sowing your first tray or refining your timing, this episode will help you grow better tomatoes with less stress. 🔗 Helpful Links & Resources Tomatoes Grow-Along – step-by-step guidance on timing, equipment, and early careGrowing Tomatoes Blog  Tomatoes aren’t difficult — but they are honest. Get the conditions wrong early on, and they’ll tell you. Get the timing right? They’ll reward you all summer.

In this episode, I’m diving into how to grow poppies properly — from sowing method to variety choice — and explaining why poppies are one of the easiest flowers to grow when you stop fighting their nature. If you’ve ever had poppies stall, sulk, or fail after transplanting, this episode explains exactly why. Most poppies hate root disturbance, thrive in cool conditions, and grow best when direct sown outdoors — no greenhouse required. I also break down the different types of poppies, which ones are best for the garden, which work for cut flowers, and which are grown mainly for their decorative seed pods. In this episode, you’ll learn: When to sow poppies for the best results in the UKWhy poppies are ideal for autumn, winter, and early spring sowingThe four main types of poppies, and how to grow each one:Which poppies are best for Garden displays, Cut flowers and Decorative seed pods for arrangementsWhy most poppies should never be sown in traysThe one exception where trays make sense (Icelandic poppies)How to sow poppies by broadcast sowing or in rows for flower farmingIdeal temperatures for poppy germination and early growthWhy poppies struggle in warm conditions and on heated propagatorsHow flower farmers use poppy seed pods as a long-lasting, high-value crop Links & resources mentioned in this episode 👉 Grow-Along Series 👉 Sweet Pea Grow-Along 👉 Sweet Pea Podcast Episode (Episode 7)👉 Poppy sowing video 👉 Icelandic Poppy Grow-Along  Poppies don’t need protection, heat, or complicated systems — they need good timing, cool conditions, and minimal interference. Choose the right type of poppy for what you want to grow, sow them where they want to be, and let them do their thing. Happy sowing. Happy growing. 🌱

Most beginner flower farmers aren’t undercharging a little — they’re undercharging a lot, and usually without even realising it. In this episode, I break down exactly why pricing “by gut feel” is the fastest way to burn yourself out… and how to switch to real, sustainable, confidence-building pricing instead. If the numbers feel scary, don’t worry — I used to be hopeless at maths. But once you understand the formula and the four cost categories, everything clicks into place. Here’s what we dig into: The Real Reason Beginners Undercharge Most growers price emotionally (“£10 feels fair”) instead of mathematically. This creates a business that looks busy but earns nothing — and leaves you quietly resenting the work. The Four Costs Every Bouquet Must Cover I walk you through the full breakdown so you finally know your true cost per stem: COGS — seeds, compost, trays, elastic bands, sleeves… EVERYTHING that touches the product.Growing Overheads — polytunnels, irrigation, grow lights, repairs, insurance.Labour — weeding, watering, harvesting, conditioning, delivery, bouquet-making.Margin — not greed… survival. This is what pays for tax, quiet months, growth, and your future.As promised in the episode, here’s the exact margin formula: Margin % = (Selling Price − Cost Price) ÷ Selling Price × 100 This formula helps you instantly see whether your price is sustainable — and why lowering a bouquet from £20 to £12 destroys your margin. Why ‘Budget Customers’ Are Not Your Customers I share two real conversations with callers who wanted £20 bouquets INCLUDING delivery (yep…). And why saying no is not only allowed — it’s essential.  The Trap Most Flower Farmers Fall Into Farmer A charges £12 “to be fair.” Farmer B charges £22 based on real maths. Same flowers. Completely different future. The Confidence That Comes From Knowing Your Numbers Pricing properly gives you clarity, control, and the ability to grow your business without resentment or burnout. The Flower Business Bootcamp If you're dreaming of starting a flower business — or you’ve already begun but don’t have a plan, a pricing system, or a forecast — you’ll love the Flower Business Bootcamp. Inside, we’ll cover: How to pick your niche and ideal customerHow to work out exactly what to chargeHow to build a realistic business planHow to forecast your first year using simple, repeatable maths Join the Bootcamp here: BUSINESS BOOTCAMP | Hampshire Seed Company

Hey flower friends — in today’s episode, I’m kicking off a brand-new mini series all about making money in your flower business… and more importantly, how to stop quietly losing it. This episode is your friendly nudge (or loving shove!) to finally look at your numbers in a way that feels simple, empowering, and totally doable — even if maths has never been your thing. I’m breaking down the exact break-even formula I used at a recent Christmas market — the one that told me by lunchtime on Day 1 that we wouldn’t make our money back. Not because I’m negative… but because once you know your numbers, you can make smart decisions, pivot faster, and protect your business from quietly sinking in the background. If you’ve ever avoided your costs, guessed your margins, or hoped the sales would “work themselves out,” this episode will change the way you plan every market, every event, and every season in your flower business. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Why your school maths trauma has nothing to do with running a profitable businessThe simple “back-of-a-f*g-packet” formula to work out your TRUE break-even — for any eventThe difference between markup and margin (and why it matters)How to know, in real time, whether a market is heading toward profit or lossThe silent danger of only counting your stand fee as a costWhy understanding your numbers gives you clarity, control, and confidenceThe first steps to forecasting your business properly (yes, even if spreadsheets make you sweat)A sneak peek at the new Flower Business Bootcamp for beginners ready to turn their idea into a real, profitable businessLINKS & RESOURCES Break-Even Formula Blog PostJoin the Flower Business Bootcamp WaitlistFollow along on Instagram: @thehampshireseedcompanyIf you’re dreaming of starting a flower business — or already growing and selling without a plan — make sure you’re signed up for the Flower Business Bootcamp. It’s beginner-friendly, jargon-free, and gives you the exact steps you need to build a profitable flower business from day one.

In this episode, I’m stripping things right back to basics — how to sow seeds successfully. Whether you’re new to gardening or just want better germination rates, this is your no-nonsense guide to getting it right from the start. I’ll walk you through everything from timing your sowings (and why enthusiasm isn’t a planting strategy!) to choosing the right compost, containers, and watering methods. You’ll learn why some trays fail, how to avoid damping off, and the simple habits that turn seed sowing from guesswork into success. This episode is perfect for anyone who’s ever stared at an empty seed tray wondering what went wrong — or who just wants to stop wasting time, compost, and confidence. What You’ll Learn-Why timing matters more than enthusiasm-The difference between hardy annuals and tender annuals-How to stop damping off before it starts-Why bottom watering beats top watering every time-The truth about seed compost (and when you actually need it)-How to harden off your seedlings for outdoor life-The biggest beginner mistakes — and how to fix them Mentioned in this Episode Episode 14  - Direct Sowing vs. ModulesBlog - Understanding StratificationThe Hampshire Seed Company Grow-Alongs Tune In & Take ActionStart small. Sow less. Watch more. Focus on consistency over chaos — because every tray teaches you something.

In this episode, I’m diving into one of the biggest game-changers for your growing season — autumn sowing. Forget the idea that autumn is the end of the gardening year; it’s actually the beginning of the next one. Whether you’re a home grower dreaming of an early flush of colour or a flower farmer chasing those lucrative May stems, this episode shows you how to sow now for serious results later. I’ll walk you through my seven must-grow crops for autumn sowing — from Orlaya grandiflora and Larkspur to Lupins and Ranunculus — plus why these hardy plants will outperform every spring batch you’ve ever grown. You’ll also learn how to avoid the hungry gap, get blooms earlier, and free up precious spring bench space for summer annuals. And if you’ve ever wondered what to sow when, my Grow-Along videos and blogs are linked below to help you get started with cold stratification, timing, and success tips for each crop. What You’ll Learn -Why autumn sowing gives you stronger, earlier blooms -How to bridge the “hungry gap” between spring bulbs and summer flowers- The best hardy annuals and perennials to sow now- How to layer your crops for a seamless spring-to-summer display -Why lupins and ranunculus are my ultimate May workhorses and beauty blooms Mentioned in this Episode Growing Orlaya grandifloraGrow-Along Videos Tune In & Take ActionPick jut  three hardy annuals or perennials and start your autumn sowing this week. Your spring self will thank you when your beds are blooming and everyone else’s are bare.

When you’re growing for everyone… you’re really growing for no one. In this episode, I’m unpacking the power of finding your ICA — your Ideal Customer Avatar. This isn’t just a marketing buzzword. It’s about building a flower business that works for you — your lifestyle, your crops, and your goals. I’ll share the mistakes I made in my early days (think late-night bouquet deliveries, impossible wedding requests, and those dreaded houses with no numbers 🙃), and why saying yes to everything nearly burnt me out. More importantly, I’ll walk you through how finding your ICA gives you the clarity and permission to say no — and focus on the customers who bring both joy and profit. You’ll learn: Why finding your ICA matters more than just “choosing a niche”How to spot the red flags that an ICA doesn’t fit your business Examples of different flower farm ICAs — from high-end brides to weekly bouquet buyers How your lifestyle, location, and crop choices all shape your ICA Why pricing, vase life, and marketing should be tailored to your dream customerWhether you’re just starting out or pivoting from chaos to clarity, this episode will help you stop spinning plates and start building a flower business that truly fits. Links & Resources Finding your Flower Farming Niche The Florists Guide to finding Dream Clients Let’s Connect If this episode was helpful, share it with another grower who’s feeling pulled in too many directions. And don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss a weekly dose of flower farming strategy.

What do you get when you cross patience, petals, and a little bit of chaos? Dahlia breeding. In this episode, I’m sharing the real process behind breeding your own dahlia varieties — from hand-pollination tips to spotting the traits worth keeping. Whether you’re dreaming of your own exclusive varieties or just curious about how new dahlias are born, this is a peek behind the curtain of one of the most exciting (and unpredictable) parts of flower farming. You’ll learn:  Why dahlia breeding is part science, part gamble — and why that’s the fun of it  How to hand-pollinate dahlias for more control over your crosses The dominant vs recessive traits that shape form, colour, stem length, and vase life Why keeping records, tagging plants, and growing over multiple years is essential What beginners should focus on first (hint: start small and enjoy the surprises)I’ll also share how I grow out my own seedlings, what I look for in keepers, and the traits that often don’t make the cut. And if you’re already dreaming of filling your garden with dahlias — including some from my own breeding patch — you’ll want to be on my launch list for November. Links & Resources Breeding Dahlias BlogDahlia propagation BlogRegister for our weekly newsletter  where you'll get information all out our new season Dahlias for 2026.  Dahlia tuber pre-sale opens 1st November 2025 (dispatch early 2026) & Dahlia breeding seeds release 1st January 2026 — the perfect New Year’s Day startLet’s Connect If you loved this episode, leave a review and let me know what you’d like me to cover next. And don’t forget — the best varieties always go fast, so join my list to get first dibs.

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: How to calculate your true cost of production per stem (yes, even your labour counts!) Why knowing your target stem price is essential for profit — not just covering costs How to measure your yield per bed so you can ditch low performers and scale what works The power of setting weekly and monthly stem targets (and why this changes everything) How to work out your revenue per bed so you know exactly which crops are paying the rentBy the end, you’ll see how these five numbers give you clarity, confidence, and control over your flower farm’s success. Links & Resources Flower Farming Calculator — plug in your beds, crops, and get instant clarity on costs and yieldsPricing Flowers with Confidence BlogPlanning for Profit BlogLet’s Connect - If this episode was helpful, share it with a fellow grower who’s still guessing their numbers. And don’t forget to hit follow so you never miss an episode.

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 marketing sidekick — not your worst nightmare. Whether you’re growing flowers or growing your audience, this episode will give you a total mindset shift around AI in your creative business. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why most florists get disappointing results from AI (and how to fix that)My exact foundational prompt to help you define your brand voiceHow to train ChatGPT to sound like you — not like a copy-and-paste robotThe importance of giving AI real brand context (like quoting Mary Portas or David Ogilvy!)How to use AI to brainstorm captions, content, and copy that actually sellWhy ChatGPT is a liar (yep!) Resources & Links:Blog with  Free AI Prompts Starter Pack for Flower Farmers & Florists: Grab it hereMy Top 5 Begginers AI Prompts download

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 lifeWhy conditioning isn’t optional (and the most common mistakes to avoid)My go-to routine and tools for healthy, hydrated, flop-free stemsThe difference between soft, sappy, and woody stems — and how to treat themWhy your zinnias are turning the water brown (and how to stop it!) PLUS:  You can download  "The Ultimate Flower Conditioning Guide" When to Harvest & How to Condition  the Top 50 Cut Flowers AND: read the blog -  Cut Flower Vase Life & Conditioning Guide - How to Make Your Blooms Last Longer  If this episode helped you upgrade your post-harvest routine, I’d love it if you could do just one thing to help thsi podcast to grow and reach more people: Follow the show so you never miss an episode or Leave a review — it genuinely means the world and helps me shape future episodes. If you are feeling more generous then you could do both but that may be one step to far for my ask, I know  !

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: Why autumn-sown hardy annuals give you earlier, stronger blooms (and the Instagram bragging rights to match)The secret to succession sowing that fills your garden with colour every week, not just in MayExactly what to sow now (and what to save for later)The difference between cool flowers, biennials, and tender annualsHow I stagger sweet peas and cornflowers across the seasons to hit every bloom window and wedding dateThis one’s jam-packed with tips, timing tricks, and real talk on growing smarter — not just more. LINKS & RESOURCESRead my Succession Sowing Guide (PDFs, sowing charts, and month-by-month cheat sheets) Read the Cold Stratification BlogJoin the Weekly Newsletter — you'll be first in line for autumn grow-alongs, seed launches, and new-season DahliasFollow along on Instagram: @thehampshireseedcompany YOUR TASK THIS WEEK Grab your phone, walk your plot, and dictate notes as you go. Spot the colour gaps and bald patches — then play matchmaker with hardy annuals to fill them. August you is planning. Future you is thriving. FOLLOW: If this episode got you itching to grab your seed trays and plan your best spring ever — make sure you hit ‘follow’ on The Blooming Garden Podcast so you don’t miss a single sowing tip, marketing strategy, or grow-along update. New episodes drop every week — and if you’re feeling generous, I’d love it if you left a quick rating or review. It helps other growers find the show and lets me know what’s blooming in your world. Subscribe, share it with a flower friend, and I’ll see you in next week’s episode! 🌸