Bloommates

In this episode, Katie and Sarah join Luen on her new farm where she shares her journey of farm downsizing, plans for her roadside stand, and establishing her new flower farm. She discusses practical tips for crop planning, moving farms, and optimising small-scale flower production. Luke joins for segment on hot composting techniques, farm management, and how he and Luen manage disagreements about the farm.

Follow us on Instagram:
@luensflowers @bloommatespodcast @grown_by_lightninghollows @quayle.cottage

Things we mention a lot:
Florlist.com - the online availability platform we use to take florist orders
@harvest_flowermarket - the local flower hub connecting growers and florists
Highsun Express - bulk seed supplier 
Ball Australia - wholesale seedling/seed/plant supplier (hear us talk in detail about Ball on episode 26)

Flower farmers Katie and Sarah share their crop plans for the upcoming summer/autumn season including a mix of annuals and flowering perennials. They touch on their goals for this season that helped guide them when planning as well as some growing and sowing techniques for warm weather.

Robin from Transition Farm shares her journey from vegetable farming to seed production, emphasizing the importance of biodynamic practices, soil health and seed sovereignty. Discover how her farm adapts to climate challenges as well as the additional tax that seed growing puts on the soil and how Robin combats this. In this episode, Robin shares how she began seed breeding, the benefits of biodynamic practices, and insights into growing resilient, vibrant flowers like zinnias. Discover how regional seed production and sustainable practices can transform flower farming.

TRANSITION FARM DEVELOPED ZINNIAS
https://transitionfarm.com/collections/transition-farm-developed-zinnias
TRANSITION FARM SEED RAISING MIX RECIPE
https://transitionfarm.com/blogs/growing-resources/transition-farm-seed-raising-mix
STAND UP SOIL BLOCKER
Ladbrooke stand up soil blocker 1.5" 20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BUV4OOK?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

Bioplastic Mulch Film: https://ausbioplas.com.au/products/biodegradable-mulch-film?srsltid=AfmBOoqSEEdTp4npUzMW_rN89aU0uujdUPlNaTLUAMeterJeKXWZ-hZs

Blogpost about the Florlist platform update: https://www.quaylecottage.com.au/blog/florlist-overview

In this episode, Sarah and Katie share their season wrap-up, discuss challenges like weeds and weather, and share practical tips on DIY tools (the wire weeder), using bio plastic mulch, planting, direct sowing, and pest management. They reflect on their successes, failures, and plans for the next season, offering valuable insights for fellow flower farmers and gardeners.