The Business of Flower Farming

This three day comprehensive course is designed to help you plan and develop a thriving flower farming business. Whether you are a new flower farmer or have been growing for a season or two, the aim is to refine your skills and strategies to move your business towards being more productive, profitable and sustainable.

A small group will join Ashley and Rachel for this hands on, real time experience on an established flower farm. We have decided to hold this course over three timely dates throughout the flowering season so that we can take you step by step through our planning, growing and selling techniques and systems. This approach is also a way to offer support through the year and share in what can sometimes feel like a lonely enterprise.

Each workshop will be divided between lessons in the greenhouse, polytunnel, field, flower studio and office. The focus will be on improving your skills and knowledge in all of these areas and learning how to cultivate a balanced approach to growing and selling.

Through the season we will cover the following:

Assessing your  resources – your skills, budget, land and market

Site layout and preparation – designing for efficiency

Identifying your customers and flower sales channels

Crop planning and scheduling
Propagation methods – seed sowing, cuttings, division

Customer and site led variety selection for profit
Polytunnel cultivation
Irrigation and water management
Weeding and mulching techniques
Pests and diseases – a natural approach
Feeding and supporting your crops
Harvesting and conditioning efficiently
Growers calendar – timely tasks for the best results
Plant group focus sessions
Tools and equipment including machinery
Marketing
Pricing for wholesale and retail customers
Soil health, compost and green manures

What is included in your class:

Seeds & Plug plants
Home-cooked vegetarian lunch
Plentiful supply of tea/coffee and cake
Detailed handout for each class

Dates: Wednesday 19th March, Wednesday 11th June, Wednesday 10th September

Time: 10 – 4 pm

Cost: £900