Becoming a Cut Flower Grower

Lydia Watson

Becoming a Cut Flower Grower is a raw and honest podcast about growing and selling cut flowers and the realities of what it really takes to build a cut flower business from the ground up.

Hosted by a working cut flower grower, the podcast combines practical insight with thoughtful reflections on the decisions, trade-offs, and rhythms of the work — from production and selling, to confidence, sustainability, and shaping an off-grid business on a tight budget.

Episodes will be useful whether you’re starting out with cut flowers, developing a small-scale flower business, or simply interested in the craft, economics, and rhythm of growing cut flowers for sale.

With twice-weekly episodes, this podcast is an intelligent, steady companion for anyone curious to know what growing and selling cut flowers with intention and care really looks and feels like.

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www.henhillcutflowers.co.uk

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20 episodes
Updated Friday

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Episodes20

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Friday · 26 min
Why I Can't Face Growing Annuals in 2027, My Flowers Go Off To A Wedding & Plant Profile: Euonymus
Hello, it's Friday 31 July 2026. Welcome to tonight's episode. I'm trying a new format tonight so there's deliberately no intro or outro music. The heatwaves have finally come to an end but the drought continues and there's barely any rain forecast, which is somewhat concerning. I've been busy cutting stems this week for a wedding tomorrow: my wedding florist came to collect the order on Thursday and I can't wait to see the photos. I've been ruminating about not growing any annuals in 2027 this week: my off-grid field does not lend itself to annuals and, quite honestly, I can't face the thought of trying to support them in another hot summer. Somehow my focus has moved quite far away from my dream of growing roses and I kept asking myself this week why I'm struggling to grow things that don't like the conditions and aren't what I wanted to grow in the first place. Something to think about... My Plant Profile Series continues with Euonymus: a really robust, useful and easy shrub to grow which I'm talking about tonight. Please come back and join me for the next episode - you're always very welcome. Connect with me If you like what you hear, please follow/subscribe to this podcast so that you're the first to hear new episodes when they become available every Tuesday and Friday. And if you enjoy this episode, please take a minute to leave a review because it really does help more cut flower-lovers just like you to find the podcast. Follow me on instagram @henhillcutflowers for a behind-the-scenes look at life on my cut flower plot. And you can find my website at www.henhillcutflowers.co.uk and my email is lydia@henhillcutflowers.co.uk. Join me on my journey through a year of growing and selling cut flowers in England. I'm giving you the low-down on what it's really like, how I'm getting started, what you do and don't need, what I do when and why, the successes and failures, and just about everything in between. All in real time. With guest appearances from my chickens every now and then. Text The Podcast Here! Support the show
July 28 · 24 min
Teatime On The Field, I'm Not Growing Cosmos Again & Outsourcing Marketing (Is It Ok To Do This?)
Hello, it's Tuesday 28 July 2026. You're joining me on the field for tonight's episode. We'll feed the flock together and then I'll update you on my thoughts on the flowers right now and what I'm culling after this year. I've had to top-up with external water again (I really wish I didn't have to) and I'm about to buy three more IBC storage tanks so I can collect more rainwater myself, rather than having to bring it onsite. It's looking like the whole of July isn't going to be the time of my life: I'm battling some hormonal issues which are causing sleepless nights and brain fog, and my car has reached the end of its life so I need a replacement one asap (how?). I'm also talking you through my recent marketing strategy: I've been given the opportunity to outsource my marketing and I've taken it. I'll talk you through the reasons why and what I've been doing to get it organised. I've really been struggling with marketing so it's a relief to pass it to someone who knows what they're doing. I'd love to know what you think! Please come back and join me for the next episode - you're always very welcome. Connect with me If you like what you hear, please follow/subscribe to this podcast so that you're the first to hear new episodes when they become available every Tuesday and Friday. And if you enjoy this episode, please take a minute to leave a review because it really does help more cut flower-lovers just like you to find the podcast. Follow me on instagram @henhillcutflowers for a behind-the-scenes look at life on my cut flower plot. And you can find my website at www.henhillcutflowers.co.uk and my email is lydia@henhillcutflowers.co.uk. Join me on my journey through a year of growing and selling cut flowers in England. I'm giving you the low-down on what it's really like, how I'm getting started, what you do and don't need, what I do when and why, the successes and failures, and just about everything in between. All in real time. With guest appearances from my chickens every now and then. Text The Podcast Here! Support the show
July 24 · 38 min
Brilliant Tips From My Dahlia Mentor, A Lovely Caterer Visits & Ranting About Hose Pipes
Hello, it's Friday 24 July 2026. This hasn’t been my favourite week and I’ve lost most of my motivation and mojo. I’ve had enough of the heat and drought, everything is looking a bit exhausted now and don’t even get me started on hoses and watering. So tonight’s episode starts off with a bit of a moan and then (thankfully) gets better. I spent this afternoon with my dahlia mentor, Richard Bailey, who is a professional exhibitor and has won many awards for his dahlias. He’s an incredible human and shares all his knowledge with me, plus some of his dahlias. Tonight I’m sharing what we talked about and did on his allotment today and the tips he passed on. Thanks if you’ve sent me a DM to let me know how you’re getting on in this weather, and special thanks to new listeners who sent me DMs on Instagram to say hello. I love hearing from you! Please come back and join me for the next episode - you're always very welcome. Connect with me If you like what you hear, please follow/subscribe to this podcast so that you're the first to hear new episodes when they become available every Tuesday and Friday. And if you enjoy this episode, please take a minute to leave a review because it really does help more cut flower-lovers just like you to find the podcast. Follow me on instagram @henhillcutflowers for a behind-the-scenes look at life on my cut flower plot. And you can find my website at www.henhillcutflowers.co.uk and my email is lydia@henhillcutflowers.co.uk. Join me on my journey through a year of growing and selling cut flowers in England. I'm giving you the low-down on what it's really like, how I'm getting started, what you do and don't need, what I do when and why, the successes and failures, and just about everything in between. All in real time. With guest appearances from my chickens every now and then. Text The Podcast Here! Support the show
July 21 · 28 min
Coping With A Drought: Pump Is Pumping, Who's Doing What On The Field, (Another) Strimming Mishap
Hello, it's Tuesday 21 July 2026. Another week and still no rain. I'm thanking my lucky stars that I bought my submersible pump last week: it's brilliant and making life much easier. The forecast is not looking good for rain in the next couple of weeks either. I hope you're coping ok with your flowers: I'd really love to hear how you're getting on and if you have any tips or advice to share. Tonight I'm giving a rundown of how all the plants are coping with the conditions, including those flourishing, those not loving it, the ones which have just frozen in horror, and the surprises (hello, Panicum). If you're wondering whether or not your plants are doing what they're supposed to be doing, you might be able to resonate with the stories of what mine are doing. I've got another long list of things to be done this week: let's see how many I get through. I'll report back on Fridays' episode! Longleat Safari Park UK Free Child Ticket Discount Code: ROAR26. Valid for visits during July 2026. Please come back and join me for the next episode - you're always very welcome! Connect with me If you like what you hear, please follow/subscribe to this podcast so that you're the first to hear new episodes when they become available every Tuesday and Friday. And if you enjoy this episode, please take a minute to leave a review because it really does help more cut flower-lovers just like you to find the podcast. Follow me on instagram @henhillcutflowers for a behind-the-scenes look at life on my cut flower plot. And you can find my website at www.henhillcutflowers.co.uk and my email is lydia@henhillcutflowers.co.uk. Join me on my journey through a year of growing and selling cut flowers in England. I'm giving you the low-down on what it's really like, how I'm getting started, what you do and don't need, what I do when and why, the successes and failures, and just about everything in between. All in real time. With guest appearances from my chickens every now and then. Text The Podcast Here! Support the show
July 17 · 28 min
How To Choose A Submersible Pump For Your Flowers, Marketing Actually Happens, Plus Plant Profile Series: Antirrhinum
Hello, it's Friday 17 July 2026. I've been having a brilliant time this week watering the flowers with my new pump. If you've had enough of watering by hand in this never-ending UK heatwave, then tonight's episode is for you because it's all about how I chose my new submersible pump. I'll talk about all the things to consider when selecting the one I bought so if you've been considering a pump and wondering how to choose, I hope this information helps. I'm analysing power sources, flow rates, head rates, automatic shut-off, clean/dirty water, and the other myriad options. I've been doing some marketing this week and I've had a couple of positive responses so far. I tried to put it off as long as possible but then I really had to just get on with it. I'm sharing the new categories of clients I've been focusing on this week and what I've done. Finally, tonight's episode concludes with this week's Plant Profile Series, which is on Antirrhinum, aka snapdragons. I adore these gorgeous plants and despite the challenges of keeping them upright and rust-free, I encourage you to grow them. My submersible pump: VEATON 18V Cordless Submersible Water Pump Kit, 1x4.0Ah Battery and Charger Included, 2000L/H 2 Bar Portable Water Transfer Pump for Rain Barrel Water Butt Garden Pond Tank Boat Please come back and join me for the next episode - you're always very welcome! Connect with me If you like what you hear, please follow/subscribe to this podcast so that you're the first to hear new episodes when they become available every Tuesday and Friday. And if you enjoy this episode, please take a minute to leave a review because it really does help more cut flower-lovers just like you to find the podcast. Follow me on instagram @henhillcutflowers for a behind-the-scenes look at life on my cut flower plot. And you can find my website at www.henhillcutflowers.co.uk and my email is lydia@henhillcutflowers.co.uk. Join me on my journey through a year of growing and selling cut flowers in England. I'm giving you the low-down on what it's really like, how I'm getting started, what you do and don't need, what I do when and why, the successes and failures, and just about everything in between. All in real time. With guest appearances from my chickens every now and then. Text The Podcast Here! Support the show
July 14 · 39 min
Getting Perennials On A Budget, Importing Water & My New Water Pump Has Arrived!
Hello, it's Tuesday 14 July 2026. Happy Tuesday! It's hot but not as hot as last week, thank goodness. I hope you're well. I've had a busy weekend: I had to import water because my IBCs finally ran empty, so all the details of this. Then my new submersible water pump arrived, which should make watering quicker and easier. If you're in the UK, I'd love to know your watering technique? In this evening's episode I have an update for you on the flowers on the field right now including news on the relay planting technique I'm trying, plus details of the new seeds I've purchased for 2027, and the perennial I've just bought on a budget. I'm also sharing Piggy's clever technique for staying cool (Piggy is one of the hens). Finally I'm ending with a list of jobs I have to do this week including working out what I'll have looking beautiful for an early-August wedding. It's not easy working this out so far ahead of the event but it has to be done! Wish me luck! Please come back and join me for the next episode - you're always very welcome! Connect with me If you like what you hear, please follow/subscribe to this podcast so that you're the first to hear new episodes when they become available every Tuesday and Friday. And if you enjoy this episode, please take a minute to leave a review because it really does help more cut flower-lovers just like you to find the podcast. Follow me on instagram @henhillcutflowers for a behind-the-scenes look at life on my cut flower plot. And you can find my website at www.henhillcutflowers.co.uk and my email is lydia@henhillcutflowers.co.uk. Join me on my journey through a year of growing and selling cut flowers in England. I'm giving you the low-down on what it's really like, how I'm getting started, what you do and don't need, what I do when and why, the successes and failures, and just about everything in between. All in real time. With guest appearances from my chickens every now and then. Text The Podcast Here! Support the show
July 10 · 32 min
I've Run Out Of Water, A New Florist Visits, Is It Ok To Want To Make Money? Plus Plant Profile: Agrostemma
Hello, it's Friday 10 July 2026. Another scorcher of a week..... and never mind the plants, I've been wilting under the glare of the sun. I've been watering so much this week that I've finally run out of water on the field and I have to top the IBCs up tomorrow. I always have water ring-fenced for the chickens but not enough for the flowers at the moment. I had a visit from a new florist this week: Aly from The Garden Room came to buy some stems and have a tour of the field. It was great to meet her and we had a lot to talk about. The bulk of tonight's episode is me reflecting on the latest episode of another podcast called Six Figure Flower Farming, hosted by Jenny Marks. The episode in question is a really passionate piece by Jenny about why it's ok to want to make money and it made me really sit up and take notice. Jenny touches on a lot of really important issues around making money in flower farming and I highly recommend you listen to it (link below). Finally, tonight's Plant Profile Series is Agrostemma, aka Corncockle. This gorgeous hardy annual is a new one for me and it's flowering its socks off right now. I'm totally in love with it. Here are the details of Jenny Marks' podcast. The one I'm talking about is episode 109 called Making Money Matters from 6 July 2026. Please listen to it and tell me what you think (drop me a DM on insta or send an email to lydia@henhillcutflowers.co.uk). https://www.trademarkfarmer.com/podcast Please come back and join me for the next episode - you're always very welcome. Connect with me If you like what you hear, please follow/subscribe to this podcast so that you're the first to hear new episodes when they become available every Tuesday and Friday. And if you enjoy this episode, please take a minute to leave a review because it really does help more cut flower-lovers just like you to find the podcast. Follow me on instagram @henhillcutflowers for a behind-the-scenes look at life on my cut flower plot. And you can find my website at www.henhillcutflowers.co.uk and my email is lydia@henhillcutflowers.co.uk. Join me on my journey through a year of growing and selling cut flowers in England. I'm giving you the low-down on what it's really like, how I'm getting started, what you do and don't need, what I do when and why, the successes and failures, and just about everything in between. All in real time. With guest appearances from my chickens every now and then. Text The Podcast Here! Support the show
July 7 · 23 min
Who's Doing Well In The Heat (And Who Isn't), Silly Water Situation & Buying The Last Fan In The UK
Hello, it's Tuesday 7 July 2026. I've been away for a week and it has been nerve-wracking leaving the flowers in the warm temperatures that the UK is still experiencing. I landed back tonight and went straight to the field to see how everything coped and I'm sharing my findings with you in this episode, including the plants doing really well/those that are doing so-so and the ones which have had a bit of a wobble. There's an update on my water situation. I'll be spending the rest of this week re-locating water from where I have some to where I have none: it's a necessary (and time-wasting) exercise but it has to be done. This week I'm on the hunt for another IBC to transport water to the field because the plants are going to need more water than I have stored. Some exciting news - I have a new florist coming for a tour tomorrow! I'll update you on how that goes on Friday, so please come back and join me for the next episode - you're always very welcome. Connect with me If you like what you hear, please follow/subscribe to this podcast so that you're the first to hear new episodes when they become available every Tuesday and Friday. And if you enjoy this episode, please take a minute to leave a review because it really does help more cut flower-lovers just like you to find the podcast. Follow me on instagram @henhillcutflowers for a behind-the-scenes look at life on my cut flower plot. And you can find my website at www.henhillcutflowers.co.uk and my email is lydia@henhillcutflowers.co.uk. Join me on my journey through a year of growing and selling cut flowers in England. I'm giving you the low-down on what it's really like, how I'm getting started, what you do and don't need, what I do when and why, the successes and failures, and just about everything in between. All in real time. With guest appearances from my chickens every now and then. Text The Podcast Here! Support the show
July 3 · 36 min
Epic Q&A Session: A Compilation Of Your Top Questions Answered, Plus Plant Profile: Cornflowers
Hello, it's Friday 3 July 2026. Tonight I'm doing a Q&A session to celebrate 150 episodes of this podcast. I hit that milestone a few episodes ago but totally forgot that I planned a special themed episode - so here it is. Apologies for my persistent sniffing throughout the episode - I don't quite know what happened. I'm chatting about topics and questions I've been asked over the past 18 months including how much land do I need, what flowers should I grow, where should I sell my flowers, do I need to go on a course before I start, how do I price, is it possible to make any money growing flowers, and, finally, what are the biggest mistakes I've made so far. Please keep sending in your questions - I love answering them and sharing my experiences from my field with you. I hope you have a great weekend: do come back and join me for the next episode. Connect with me If you like what you hear, please follow/subscribe to this podcast so that you're the first to hear new episodes when they become available every Tuesday and Friday. And if you enjoy this episode, please take a minute to leave a review because it really does help more cut flower-lovers just like you to find the podcast. Follow me on instagram @henhillcutflowers for a behind-the-scenes look at life on my cut flower plot. And you can find my website at www.henhillcutflowers.co.uk and my email is lydia@henhillcutflowers.co.uk. Join me on my journey through a year of growing and selling cut flowers in England. I'm giving you the low-down on what it's really like, how I'm getting started, what you do and don't need, what I do when and why, the successes and failures, and just about everything in between. All in real time. With guest appearances from my chickens every now and then. Text The Podcast Here! Support the show
June 30 · 27 min
How Profit First Is Already Working For Me, New Perennials & I'm Trying 'Relay' Planting
Hello, it's Tuesday 30 June 2026. Temperatures have finally dropped - thank goodness! That heatwave was intense. In tonight's episode I'm talking about the perennials I've just been planting on the field and how I bought them guilt-free, thanks to the new technique I've adopted, called Profit First. I've put the name of the book below in case you're interested in reading it. I'm so motivated to see that I have already made a profit this year, and I can't tell you how exciting that is! I'm also talking about another new technique I'm trying called Relay Planting. This means establishing a new crop in a bed with an existing crop, before the existing crop has completely finished. It turns on its head the idea that you have to wait for a crop to finish (and clear it away) before you can start the next crop. I'm hoping that this technique will make my planting spaces work much more efficiently for me, so that I can maximise every square metre of bed space. If you're working in a small space, you might be interested in this: check out The Living Soil Handbook for lots more information on relay planting. I hope you have a great week - please come back and join me for the next episode. Books I talk about in tonight's episode: Profit First by Michael Michalowicz The Living Soil Handbook by Jesse Frost Connect with me If you like what you hear, please follow/subscribe to this podcast so that you're the first to hear new episodes when they become available every Tuesday and Friday. And if you enjoy this episode, please take a minute to leave a review because it really does help more cut flower-lovers just like you to find the podcast. Follow me on instagram @henhillcutflowers for a behind-the-scenes look at life on my cut flower plot. And you can find my website at www.henhillcutflowers.co.uk and my email is lydia@henhillcutflowers.co.uk. Join me on my journey through a year of growing and selling cut flowers in England. I'm giving you the low-down on what it's really like, how I'm getting started, what you do and don't need, what I do when and why, the successes and failures, and just about everything in between. All in real time. With guest appearances from my chickens every now and then. Text The Podcast Here! Support the show
June 26 · 34 min
Record-Breaking Temperatures, Top Tips For Protecting Plants In A Heatwave & Where Are Those Veronica Plugs?
Hello, it's Friday 26 June 2026. Well it's pretty much the end of the current heatwave and I'm flagging a bit, unlike the plants which are doing just fine. UK temperature records have been broken (again) and there's no sign of rain for the next ten days, which is not good. The hens are doing absolutely fine and have been enjoying lots of leafy greens and watermelon. In light of the heat, tonight I'm talking about how I look after my plants on the field during the extreme temperatures. I'd love to know if you have any useful hints or tips. In the second part of the episode you join me on a tour of the plot, where I chat about what's flowering, what's doing well, and things I can't find (those Veronica plugs). I know you can't see what I'm seeing but nevertheless I hope the chat is interesting. Please come back and join me for the next episode - you're always very welcome! Connect with me If you like what you hear, please follow/subscribe to this podcast so that you're the first to hear new episodes when they become available every Tuesday and Friday. And if you enjoy this episode, please take a minute to leave a review because it really does help more cut flower-lovers just like you to find the podcast. Follow me on instagram @henhillcutflowers for a behind-the-scenes look at life on my cut flower plot. And you can find my website at www.henhillcutflowers.co.uk and my email is lydia@henhillcutflowers.co.uk. Join me on my journey through a year of growing and selling cut flowers in England. I'm giving you the low-down on what it's really like, how I'm getting started, what you do and don't need, what I do when and why, the successes and failures, and just about everything in between. All in real time. With guest appearances from my chickens every now and then. Text The Podcast Here! Support the show
June 23 · 25 min
Heatwave...! Orders Going Out, Sweetpeas Are Flowering & Calculating Crop Gross Profits
Hello, it's Tuesday 23 June 2026. Lots to tell you about tonight whilst recording from my very hot field. Even a peacock interrupted me (it's not mine!). We're in the middle of a heatwave here in the UK at the moment which is a teeny bit stressful. So far the seedlings are coping, but the water levels in the IBCs are taking a hit. Orders are starting to head off the field - more details about them and the upcoming weddings this weekend. I also want to share some business jargon with you tonight: gross profit, gross profit margins plus direct and indirect costs. I've started to crunch some numbers to work these figures out now that the seedlings are all in the ground and although I don't have a complete set of data to work with, I'm too impatient to wait. I'll also be discussing the surprises I discovered with a couple of my crop germination rates. Please come back and join me for the next episode - you're always very welcome! Connect with me If you like what you hear, please follow/subscribe to this podcast so that you're the first to hear new episodes when they become available every Tuesday and Friday. And if you enjoy this episode, please take a minute to leave a review because it really does help more cut flower-lovers just like you to find the podcast. Follow me on instagram @henhillcutflowers for a behind-the-scenes look at life on my cut flower plot. And you can find my website at www.henhillcutflowers.co.uk and my email is lydia@henhillcutflowers.co.uk. Join me on my journey through a year of growing and selling cut flowers in England. I'm giving you the low-down on what it's really like, how I'm getting started, what you do and don't need, what I do when and why, the successes and failures, and just about everything in between. All in real time. With guest appearances from my chickens every now and then. Text The Podcast Here! Support the show
June 19 · 25 min
Let's Talk Numbers, Are Annual Plugs A Thing? Road Pins Incoming, Plus Plant Profile: Bindweed (Yes, Bindweed!)
Hello, it's Friday 19 June 2026. Thank goodness it's Friday! Phew! If you sent me a message about the annuals/perennials debate this week - thank you - and if you commented on Spotify, thank you too. Tonight I'm talking more about starting annuals in autumn: I'm psyching myself up to get back into sowing. Please get in touch if you buy annual plug/starts: I'm really interested to know what you buy and why you choose plugs rather than seeds. How does it work out financially for you? Contact details below, do let me know. I'm talking about the numbers of seedlings I've planted out so far this year - I planned quite a daunting number yet what I've planted on the field doesn't seem anywhere near enough (or reflect the number I sowed). Road pins! I'm obsessed. I've just ordered some and I chat about this. Finally, tonight's Plant Profile Series continues with Bindweed. I didn't know much about this frustrating - but beautiful - vigorous climber until I researched it and it's quite interesting. I wish my other plants would grow as quickly as bindweed. Please come back and join me for the next episode - you're always very welcome! Connect with me If you like what you hear, please follow/subscribe to this podcast so that you're the first to hear new episodes when they become available every Tuesday and Friday. And if you enjoy this episode, please take a minute to leave a review because it really does help more cut flower-lovers just like you to find the podcast. Follow me on instagram @henhillcutflowers for a behind-the-scenes look at life on my cut flower plot. And you can find my website at www.henhillcutflowers.co.uk and my email is lydia@henhillcutflowers.co.uk. Join me on my journey through a year of growing and selling cut flowers in England. I'm giving you the low-down on what it's really like, how I'm getting started, what you do and don't need, what I do when and why, the successes and failures, and just about everything in between. All in real time. With guest appearances from my chickens every now and then. Text The Podcast Here! Support the show
June 16 · 26 min
How Getting Away Really Helped Me, Putting Profit First & Why Annuals Are Not Working Out For Me
Hello, it's Tuesday 16 June 2026. Normal service has been resumed (no more moaning tonight!). Thanks for bearing with me as I yakked on and on about what a dreadful week I had in the last episode. Growing cut flowers is an absolutely wild ride: equal parts fun and sheer terror, and it's a very fine line. I find it really hard to look at the 'big picture' cut flower work I'm doing when my hands are in the soil and my head is full of 'to-do' lists. Tonight I'm sharing the three revelatory things I realised in the last 48 hours because I went away for the weekend and the break really helped me to look at the bigger picture. I hope you find these insights interesting. Here's the book I'm talking about tonight: Profit First by Mike Michalowicz https://mikemichalowicz.com/profit-first/ Do come back and join me for the next episode - you're always very welcome. Connect with me If you like what you hear, please follow/subscribe to this podcast so that you're the first to hear new episodes when they become available every Tuesday and Friday. And if you enjoy this episode, please take a minute to leave a review because it really does help more cut flower-lovers just like you to find the podcast. Follow me on instagram @henhillcutflowers for a behind-the-scenes look at life on my cut flower plot. And you can find my website at www.henhillcutflowers.co.uk and my email is lydia@henhillcutflowers.co.uk. Join me on my journey through a year of growing and selling cut flowers in England. I'm giving you the low-down on what it's really like, how I'm getting started, what you do and don't need, what I do when and why, the successes and failures, and just about everything in between. All in real time. With guest appearances from my chickens every now and then. Text The Podcast Here! Support the show
June 12 · 23 min
Bit Of A Rant About The Rubbish Week I've Had, Stems I Sold This Week, Plus Plant Profile Of The Week: Astrantia
Hello, it's Friday 12 June 2026. It has been a week. And not a good one! I had a nasty injury on the field, a car drama, non-stop rain, no sales on the hub, my garden is a jungle and I didn't get anywhere near enough seedlings planted out. Oh, and did I mention the rain? So, in light of that, this episode is a bit of a rant about how dreadfully things have gone this week, just in case you thought it was all fun and games. I have hit a rather large brick wall this week and I'm sharing all the lows with you tonight. There have been two bits of good news this week to share with you (and they are good) and my Plant Profile Series continues with Astrantia, in honour of this beautiful perennial that I have flowering its sock off on my field. If you're not growing it yet, do give it consideration. I know it's a popular flower (even if no-one wanted mine this week!) P.s It's the Asian Hornet that apparently we have to report on a UK app, not the European one. Please come back and join me for the next episode - you're always very welcome. Connect with me If you like what you hear, please follow/subscribe to this podcast so that you're the first to hear new episodes when they become available every Tuesday and Friday. And if you enjoy this episode, please take a minute to leave a review because it really does help more cut flower-lovers just like you to find the podcast. Follow me on instagram @henhillcutflowers for a behind-the-scenes look at life on my cut flower plot. And you can find my website at www.henhillcutflowers.co.uk and my email is lydia@henhillcutflowers.co.uk. Join me on my journey through a year of growing and selling cut flowers in England. I'm giving you the low-down on what it's really like, how I'm getting started, what you do and don't need, what I do when and why, the successes and failures, and just about everything in between. All in real time. With guest appearances from my chickens every now and then. Text The Podcast Here! Support the show
June 9 · 28 min
Benefits of Mulching, Interplanting, Removing Poor Crops Early & How I Started
Hello, it's Tuesday 9 June 2026. I have lots of news from the field in today's episode including planting seedlings, staking and netting, and weeding (or rather, pulling endless creeping thistle). I've also removed a succession of one of the Saponaria seedlings because they weren't performing well and space is at a premium. It's the first time I've ever done this - and I thought it would be hard - but it wasn't and I'm glad I've done it. The quality of the soil under the chipped bark mulch is incredible and much better at surface level than the soil that isn't mulched. I'm a huge fan of mulching and I highly recommend it. I talk for a little bit about the reasons why bark mulch is so good for the soil and the plants, plus the benefits of having mycelium growing under the mulch. Finally I answer Sue's question about why I began flower farming and where I found my farm. It actually all started with my hens and I hope you enjoy the story. Do come back and join me for the next episode - you're always very welcome. Check out Daniel's amazing time lapse reel on Instagram of his Cosmos Fruit Sensation closing up at night - it's brilliant! https://www.instagram.com/rainesflowersuk/ Details of how to buy an issue of The Flower Farmer magazine or subscribe can be found here: https://www.theflowerfarmermagazine.co.uk/ Connect with me If you like what you hear, please follow/subscribe to this podcast so that you're the first to hear new episodes when they become available every Tuesday and Friday. And if you enjoy this episode, please take a minute to leave a review because it really does help more cut flower-lovers just like you to find the podcast. Follow me on instagram @henhillcutflowers for a behind-the-scenes look at life on my cut flower plot. And you can find my website at www.henhillcutflowers.co.uk and my email is lydia@henhillcutflowers.co.uk. Join me on my journey through a year of growing and selling cut flowers in England. I'm giving you the low-down on what it's really like, how I'm getting started, what you do and don't need, what I do when and why, the successes and failures, and just about everything in between. All in real time. With guest appearances from my chickens every now and then. Text The Podcast Here! Support the show
June 5 · 30 min
Dahlia Planting, "Cock Swap", Greenhouse in Action & Plant Profile: The Petrol Station Carnation
Hello, it's Friday 5 June 2026. Lots to tell you about tonight: news from the field including staking random cornflowers, more maintenance of the living pathways, and I'm starting to question whether it is more economical to buy plugs or sow seeds. There's also news from the greenhouse because some of the seedlings had to go back inside to protect them from the cool/windy/rainy weather I've had this week. There's been chicken drama: I had a brainwave, which I'm calling "cock swap", and it did not work out well. I've had an article about how I use tech in flower farming published in issue 2 of The Flower Farmer magazine and details of how you can read it can be found below. I spent this afternoon with my dahlia mentor, Richard Bailey, and I chat about what we did and how Richard does things (properly). Tonight's plant profile series features Dianthus, or, strictly speaking, the "petrol station" carnation, which I'm totally in love with. It's a great plant and well worth investigating. Finally I discuss my jobs for the weekend on the field. Please come back and join me for the next episode - you're always very welcome! Details of how to buy an issue of The Flower Farmer magazine or subscribe can be found here: https://www.theflowerfarmermagazine.co.uk/ Connect with me If you like what you hear, please follow/subscribe to this podcast so that you're the first to hear new episodes when they become available every Tuesday and Friday. And if you enjoy this episode, please take a minute to leave a review because it really does help more cut flower-lovers just like you to find the podcast. Follow me on instagram @henhillcutflowers for a behind-the-scenes look at life on my cut flower plot. And you can find my website at www.henhillcutflowers.co.uk. Join me on my journey through a year of growing and selling cut flowers in England. I'm giving you the low-down on what it's really like, how I'm getting started, what you do and don't need, what I do when and why, the successes and failures, and just about everything in between. All in real time. With guest appearances from my chickens every now and then. Text The Podcast Here! Support the show
June 2 · 43 min
Florist Interview Part 2: What Florists Really Want From Growers, Heatwave Aftermath & Lots Of New Plugs
Hello, it's Tuesday 2 June 2026. Phew, May is over. Last month really tested me (and a significant number of fellow growers). Our flowers were subject to such weather extremes that they (and I) didn't know if they were coming or going. Whilst plants are generally resilient, the flowers aren't and many either weren't ready for events or finished before they could be used. I hope that you and your plants survived the heat? In today's episode I'm excited to share part 2 of the conversation with my wedding & event florist, Jo Caldwell. We talk about what to do when a florist suddenly stops buying from you, ideal bunch sizes, how growers can condition their flowers to keep a florist happy, frustrations with imports, the importance of having good photographs of your flowers (and what to do if you're a new grower and don't have any), plus do growers need to understand mechanics? Finally, Jo ends with some words of encouragement, which I hope you find uplifting. I'd love to know what you think of the two interview episodes and if you found them helpful? I'd really like to interview more people so please do drop me a message if this is something you'd like to hear more of - details of how to do this are given below. Please come back and join me for the next episode - you're always very welcome! https://joannecaldwell.co.uk/ Connect with me If you like what you hear, please follow/subscribe to this podcast so that you're the first to hear new episodes when they become available every Tuesday and Friday. And if you enjoy this episode, please take a minute to leave a review because it really does help more cut flower-lovers just like you to find the podcast. Follow me on instagram @henhillcutflowers for a behind-the-scenes look at life on my cut flower plot. And you can find my website at www.henhillcutflowers.co.uk. Join me on my journey through a year of growing and selling cut flowers in England. I'm giving you the low-down on what it's really like, how I'm getting started, what you do and don't need, what I do when and why, the successes and failures, and just about everything in between. All in real time. With guest appearances from my chickens every now and then. Text The Podcast Here! Support the show
May 29 · 35 min
What Florists Really Want From Growers: An Insightful Interview With My Wedding & Event Florist (Part 1)
Hello, it's Friday 29 May 2026. I'm really delighted to share with you a wonderful conversation with my wedding & event florist, Jo Caldwell, on today's episode. We had such a long chat that I've actually had to split it into two parts so here is part 1 and the second one will be available next Tuesday. We cover a lot of ground including how growers can adapt to colour trends, how and why stem length is linked to pricing, who you could sell to if you're just getting started, and how inviting florists to your field could strengthen your relationship and, crucially, improve your sales as well. In other news, I talk a little about the impact of the recent heatwave on the field and the seedlings eagerly awaiting planting out, plus the new flower that I have flowering on the field right now (and it's really pretty). Please do come back and join me for part 2 next Tuesday where we discuss what to do if you're already supplying a florist and they suddenly stop ordering from you, how Jo likes to receive her flowers from suppliers (and what she really hates), how important it is to have perfect images of your flowers, and more pricing talk (because we can never have enough information about pricing). https://joannecaldwell.co.uk/ Connect with me If you like what you hear, please follow/subscribe to this podcast so that you're the first to hear new episodes when they become available every Tuesday and Friday. And if you enjoy this episode, please take a minute to leave a review because it really does help more cut flower-lovers just like you to find the podcast. Follow me on instagram @henhillcutflowers for a behind-the-scenes look at life on my cut flower plot. And you can find my website at www.henhillcutflowers.co.uk. Join me on my journey through a year of growing and selling cut flowers in England. I'm giving you the low-down on what it's really like, how I'm getting started, what you do and don't need, what I do when and why, the successes and failures, and just about everything in between. All in real time. With guest appearances from my chickens every now and then. Text The Podcast Here! Support the show
May 26 · 34 min
Heatwave Arrives: Why I'm Not Selling During It, Join Me On A Field Tour & What I Do With Stems I Don't Sell
Hello, it's Tuesday 26 May 2026 and it's EVEN HOTTER! It's a beautiful May evening and you join me tonight on the field to feed the chickens and tour the cut flower area. I haven't talked you through what's happening on the field in a while so I thought that tonight would be a good opportunity. If you're reading this in the UK, I hope you're surviving the high temperatures we're experiencing at the moment: it's pretty epic. On tonight's field tour you'll hear how everything is getting on, including all the new hardy annuals that have been planted out, the new perennials, the old perennials, the roses and the transplanted scabious, and what I've done with the seedlings in the greenhouse during the heatwave. I'm also talking about why I've decided not to sell any flowers this week (even though I do have some ready) and what I'm doing with the stems instead. Plus I'm promoting the flower I really want to revive and sell more of, and what I use to protect self-seeders in the paths from people stepping on them (and it's probably something you have hanging around already). Please come back and join me for the next episode - you're always very welcome. Connect with me If you like what you hear, please follow/subscribe to this podcast so that you're the first to hear new episodes when they become available every Tuesday and Friday. And if you enjoy this episode, please take a minute to leave a review because it really does help more cut flower-lovers just like you to find the podcast. Follow me on instagram @henhillcutflowers for a behind-the-scenes look at life on my cut flower plot. And you can find my website at www.henhillcutflowers.co.uk. Join me on my journey through a year of growing and selling cut flowers in England. I'm giving you the low-down on what it's really like, how I'm getting started, what you do and don't need, what I do when and why, the successes and failures, and just about everything in between. All in real time. With guest appearances from my chickens every now and then. Text The Podcast Here! Support the show